Chronically Elle

My mom recently shared with me a phenomenon that has literally helped her through every stage of her life: “God sends us angels when we need them.” 

I vaguely remember her describing this to me a while back, but was reminded of the significance of this idea a few weeks ago when I was experiencing an absolute low, feeling like an island, reminiscing on relationships I’ve had in my life, wondering why some had to fade and why others were not serving as prominent of a purpose in my life as they used to. 

The idea behind this philosophy is that friendships and other relationships will come and go, but almost always with a purpose. Yes, it is based on religious faith and trusting that God’s path for you regarding who you encounter in this life is completely intentional. But the belief does not necessarily require you to practice religion in order to live by it. 

As a nostalgic person by nature, I have found myself buried in the past countless times and mourning what was, particularly about former connections I made with other people. When I think about my childhood best friends, pets, former mentors in my life, or any kind of meaningful relationship that I once had, I feel disappointed at the realization that the relationship might not exist anymore or I haven’t connected with those people in months or years. But what I have started to realize is that it’s not the length of the connection that matters, it is the impact. Once you establish those bonds, they never completely disappear. The concept is that we are sent the exact people we don’t even realize we need, when we need them most. And when that chapter of life comes to a close, your life might not involve that person as much but that’s okay. The point is, if you pay attention, people are sent to you with purpose whether you notice it in the moment or not. 

Mom has explained this theory to me by sharing stories of her life. The highs, the lows, the new, the scary, the exciting, and the hopeless. Throughout her years on this Earth she picked up on a pattern. In the times when you feel entirely alone, lost, or confused, there will likely be at least one specific encounter or relationship that miraculously arrives to guide you. If you believe in God, it is highly likely that these people are angels sent to light up the path ahead or help you come to a realization. Whether it was a best friend, a co-worker, a relative, or a complete stranger, she noticed that people weave in and out of our lives with a purpose. 

When I look back on some of the most challenging periods of my life, usually one of the first things I can recall are the relationships I had during that time. Who was by my side? Who ignited that epiphany? Who held my hand and walked me through the seemingly endless tunnel until we were laughing on the other side of it all? There’s always that one person that stands out. And if not a person, maybe that animal who ran up to you on the street. Maybe it was the teacher who ended class with a powerful statement that made you emotional. Maybe it was the music artist who released a song that articulated your emotions so well it seemingly came straight from your diary. Or perhaps it was the lady in the nail salon who complimented you out of the blue; “you are unique and beautiful.” 

But these angels are not always easy to recognize. You almost never notice them on the spot because they are hidden in plain sight. When I look back on some of the times I believe I was visited by angels, I realize that in the moment I felt completely isolated and alone. It seemed like no one was there to help, never mind even recognize that I was struggling. But when I look at it now thinking back, I remember that one person who checked in on me. The one conversation that gave me hope. Or the person I observed from a distance who inspired me to persevere whether they knew it or not. I think of that one friend in elementary school who wanted to be my friend when the rest of the class was too busy turning their backs. I think of the people I met through swimming who I only saw a couple times a year but each time we would pick up right where we left off as if we never stopped talking. I think of my cat who absorbed too many of my tears into her fur and never complained (even though she hated being wet). The list goes on and on. But at the end of the day this phenomenon really just serves as a comforting reminder that we are never truly alone, and angels do exist if you open your heart to them. You might not feel it at the moment, but when you see the light at the end of the tunnel you may start to suspect you were guided by some supernatural or spiritual visitor. The bittersweet part is, these angels aren’t always able to stick around forever. As we move through our individual lives we might grow apart, drift, or fade from each other. But that’s completely natural and okay. Just because we don’t talk to or see that person anymore, does not change the fact that the relationship will be treasured forever. When I think of some of the most impactful people in my life I realize how perfect their timing was and it seems to be no coincidence they arrived at my door when they did. 

Just like not all heroes wear capes, being an angel doesn’t require wings. And the most beautiful part is, though you’ll never know it, you might just be that angel for someone else.