Tags
angels, believe, Calgary, compassion, courage, Diana Schwenk, doing the right thing, generosity, God, goodness, Homelessness, kindness, living in the moment, love, mercy, passion, Relationships, world issues
Something very beautiful happens across the street. And it’s been happening for quite some time, long enough so that I can’t pinpoint exactly when it started.
I don’t often see them go into the apartment complex across the street.
I’ve only seen two or three enter the building over the years.
They looked as if they’d lost all hope. Their bodies bent by some unseen weight on their shoulders.
As if every drop of strength had been beaten out of them.
Dirty
unkempt
under the influence
seemingly at the end of their rope.
No, I haven’t seen many go in, but I have seen them come out.
Usually between 8:00 and 9:00AM. Sometimes just one, other times they exit in groups of two or more. Always groomed. Clean clothes. A travel coffee mug in hand. And on their backs, a backpack that I imagine is filled with their meager belongings and maybe a snack for the road. Their bodies still bent, yet maybe a little less so.
I think an angel lives across the street.
A kind soul who takes pity on those who live on the fringes of society. A loving human being who gives them shelter at night. An angel of mercy who washes their clothes and lets them have a shower. A compassionate man or woman who may even feed them breakfast before they head out for the day to face the harsh reality of their lives on the street.
The actions of this angel do not end homelessness in this cold Canadian city. These actions do not provide a permanent solution to homelessness. But to each individual person who is touched by this angel, these actions must mean the whole world.
I don’t really know what happens across the street. But I believe I am witness to something quite extraordinary. The truth is, I don’t think knowing more is even necessary.
Something tells me the benefactor across the street is not doing it for recognition or praise. That shining a light too intensely on his or her kindness would somehow ruin these beautiful acts.
I think an angel lives across the street…and that’s enough for me.
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
I have marveled and wondered a lot about the activities across the street over the years. Does your neighbourhood have an angel? Can you think of a time when you witnessed an act of compassion and kindness that touched you deeply?
earthriderjudyberman said:
What a beautiful post. I hope that there is an angel across the street from all of us. Especially for those poor, lost souls in need of hope, caring and encouragement. 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes, what a lovely thought Judy. ❤
Diana xo
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Jean said:
You never know about guardian angels. They are anonymous sometimes. When I crashed in my bike collision when another cyclist cycled into me, I was unconscious. My partner told me an anonymous pedestrian helped me by keeping me warm, etc. until ambulance came. The person had some experience with trauma.
I will never know this guardian angel.
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dianasschwenk said:
Wow Jean! So glad that guardian was there for you! I trust you’re feeling better every day Jean? ❤
Diana xo
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Jean said:
Getting better daily. I’m glad my ability to see well, speak and….to blog/think has not been taken away from me!
I move abit more slowly for now and can’t have lots of ongoing noise near me, bright lights and avoid too much computer screen time for now. We rely on our brain for everything: moving every limb, turning our head, seeing our environment during our waking hrs, recognizing everything that we see. Our brain is processing information all the time for us. That’s why for awhile if I pack in too many different tasks, I get tired and need to lie in bed.
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dianasschwenk said:
My thoughts and prayers are for a quick recovery for you Jean. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Jean, what happened to the cyclist who crashed into you?
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Jean said:
My partner told me that he hung around briefly. Paramedics asked him twice if he wanted to be taken to the hospital. He refused and left. He was in slight shock, etc.
People don’t take such injuries seriously enough.
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dianasschwenk said:
he hasn’t checked in about your condition? If I hit someone and they were unconscious, I’d want to know how they are!
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Jean said:
No, though my partner gave our email address, phone.
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dianasschwenk said:
Hmm…odd
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elizabeth2560 said:
Wonderful story. I hope that it is true – that there is an angel there.
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dianasschwenk said:
Me too Elizabeth – I really believe it is! ❤
Diana xo
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Wendy L. Macdonald said:
Diana, I think you’re an angel for posting such a lovely story. This gave me goosebumps, teardrops, and a cozy warm heart all in one. A big hug and a thank you. ❤
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
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dianasschwenk said:
I’m so glad it touched you Wendy! ❤
Diana xo
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rachelcarrera said:
Oh, wow! That’s so beautiful! I think it’s a beautiful idea, though I have to admit, I’m a little leery of strangers in my home… Even when I do a photography session, I sometimes get fearful that the people coming are not really “clients” but actually made the appointment to steal my camera equipment. I wish I could shake that fear and be able to be an angel like that. I really loved when the homeless man in Virginia made the news when he got dozens of invitations to strangers’ homes for our Thanksgiving. (Did you see that on the Internet when it happened?)
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dianasschwenk said:
I don’t think it’s for everybody Rachel. When one feels that can help and feel comfortable helping, they should act on it, whether that’s helping the homeless or helping someone cross the street, or buying someone a Big Mac, or… Well you know what I mean, right?
Yes I did see that and it was an amazing story! Come to think of it, I think I may have seen the story shared by a fellow blogger. ❤
Diana xo
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rachelcarrera said:
Yeah, I do try to either give them food or money when I can. I’ve also attempted to get a “banquet night” set up for the homeless with the help of my fellow wedding vendors, but it seemed I was the only person willing to donate my services for free. 😦 Sadly, a lot of people I approached didn’t even think it was a good idea, as they apparently felt the homeless were all winos who chose that lifestyle. There was no telling them otherwise, and it saddened me to see just how many people are so judgmental of something they no nothing about.
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dianasschwenk said:
Well hopefully they’re helping out elsewhere for another cause that speaks to their hearts. Speaking of hearts, you have a beautiful one Rachel! ❤
Diana xo
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rachelcarrera said:
Awwm thank you! Coming from you with the beautiful heart and soul, that’s quite a compliment. ❤
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Wyrd Smythe said:
No, no, no! Not good enough. Get over there and check this out (and report back)! 😀
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dianasschwenk said:
haha! No. Not gonna happen. Sorry Smitty. 😀
Diana xo
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Wyrd Smythe said:
Aww. 😦
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Minuscule Moments said:
Diana I love this post, we need more positive stories like this in our day. There are so many good and kind humans out there I believe more than anything we humans can evolve and grow a little compassion towards our sisters and brothers that are not doing so well.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Kath! And with every good story we hear, we are inspired and empowered to act as well! ❤
Diana xo
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Minuscule Moments said:
Very true it makes me think about what I can do with my art to help others. Art is my therapy Diana and maybe one day I can use it to teach others.
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dianasschwenk said:
That sounds great Kath – make it happen! ❤
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utesmile said:
Sounds great, there are wonderful people out there who bring kindness around!
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dianasschwenk said:
Absolutely, and you’re one of them Ute! ❤
Diana xo
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utesmile said:
Oh no…. I don’t think so. Hugs!
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dianasschwenk said:
I know so!
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bulldog said:
Yes I think you have an Angel over there
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dianasschwenk said:
Right? Sometimes people surprise you in amazing ways bulldog. ❤
Diana xo
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Sheryl said:
Beautiful. . . absolutely beautiful. You are a very talented writer.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Sheryl, means a lot coming from you. ❤
Diana xo
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jmgoyder said:
How wonderful and sort of magical too. Of course there are angels, Diana, YOU for example!
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww you’re a sweetheart Julie! ❤
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
I wish I could remember such an experience but alas I can’t, well not right at this moment, the world needs more angels I will say that
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dianasschwenk said:
Well you certainly are one of them Jo-Anne! ❤
Diana xo
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susielindau said:
That is very cool! We all could use angels in our neighborhoods.
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dianasschwenk said:
Ain’t that the truth – thanks Susie! ❤
Diana xo
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Jim McKeever said:
Oh my … What a wonderful, powerful act of grace you have going on in your midst. Part of me wants to know more, because I’m a nosy storyteller. But … You are right. If it doesn’t feel right to intrude, then follow your instinct. At some point, the angel might need some help, some outreach, some “publicity,” as much as I sometimes loathe that word. Your experience with our vulnerable fellow humans shines through, Diana. Thank you for keeping your eyes and your heart open for the rest of us. Jim
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks for your beautiful words Jim. Believe me, there’s a part of me that wants to know the whole story too. Sometimes exposing beautiful things turns them ugly, know what I mean? ❤
Diana xo
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Jim McKeever said:
Ah yes, usually when people who don’t like angels want to start trouble. Keep an eye on things there, will ya? 🙂
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Chatter Master said:
We have an angel who lives next door. All year long he gathers things to give to children and families for Christmas. Not just toys and such. But anything he can buy or make. He goes to church faithfully. And he responds to the call of the church for people to help the needy. He donates food to the pantries and he gathers up food for families that he knows needs it. He’s a good angel among us. Every day.
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dianasschwenk said:
Oh Colleen ❤ I love that he does that, I am inspired by his compassion and the loving feelings that motivate him to action. ❤
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
I know, he other’s like him, inspire me to do better. 🙂
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Jennifer's Journal said:
Your story today warms my heart, Diana. Yes, I do believe there are angels among us. ❤
Jennifer xo
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dianasschwenk said:
I’m glad you liked it Jennifer. ❤
Diana xo
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Alan A. Malizia: Contagious Optimism! Co-Author said:
Heart warming post, Diana.
Even random acts of kindness can make a day and lift a spirit for another. And that is why it should be; for another. Whether the kindess be a warm meal, a night indoors on a cold night or simply a kind word and smile; one never knows how important it may be to the receiver, or the giver.
One must wonder what would happen if the extraordinary act, that you spoke of in your post, was the ordinary act. Then the world would have enough angels to serve those who are truly in need.
-Alan
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dianasschwenk said:
Now that is truly a beautiful thought Alan. Just imagine it! ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
Witnessing compassion and sharing it uplifts us all Diana. Thank you for sharing this.
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure Val. You are so right. It is very moving to see humanity at its best. ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
I think you might be the angel Diana! 🙂 and it is good to witness such a noble act! I think it’s difficult to know what is happening in the neighborhood, as everyone keeps to themselves and so I don’t see much activity, but that doesnt mean it’s not happening! I am grateful for all the Angels in the world.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes, me too Karen! ❤
Diana xo
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pattyalcala said:
Diana, this is so touching. And I love the image that you put with it. I did have an experience that is still difficult for me to believe. It is a story about Alex, again. On the day that I went to his room and found his cold lifeless body, after calling 911 and performing CPR, the Paramedics took over and let me know that he had been gone for a couple of hours. I went to tell his grandma and we sat at the kitchen table just beginning our grief. The police and the coroner arrived, leaving the door open in order to come and go quickly. A small sweet Mexican woman walked in, headed directly for my mother-in-law and put her arms around her and they spoke Spanish to each other. She must be a friend, I thought. She slowly made her way to me on the other side of the table. She gently wiped my tears, put her hands on my shoulders and told me that everything was going to be alright. That my son was a blessing to everyone he knew and that this was God’s perfect timing. A while later when all the others had left, I realized that she was gone. Neither of us had ever seen her before of since. She was our angel for that day.
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dianasschwenk said:
Wow Patty. The hairs on my arms are standing up! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful story. ❤
Diana xo
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pattyalcala said:
I am so glad that you enjoyed it. It was truly a special experience.
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ChrisB said:
Compassion is always touching to behold and reminds us of what is best in us I think. Thanks for sharing.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes it is Chris, you’re welcome and thank you! ❤
Diana xo
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GrahamInHats said:
Angels everywhere. Often unnoticed, sometimes noticed for a while and then return to being ordinary people. This was first posted by cindyknoke.com who added the title of “The True nature of Humanity. I still find it inspiring. I hope you find it worth watching
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dianasschwenk said:
Wow! That’s amazing Graham. Thank you for sharing it here. ❤
Diana xo
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GrahamInHats said:
🙂
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silentlyheardonce said:
It does sound like an angel lives across the street.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes, that’s what I believe too! ❤
Diana xo
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laurabednarz24 said:
I believe I have guardian angels save me everyday. This was very nice and well written loved it
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dianasschwenk said:
I believe that too Laura. Welcome to my blog and thank you for your kind comment! ❤
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
Your city is better for the angel, you are so right about that, Diana. What strength it takes to open your heart and door like that. I have only witnessed organized angels here in Syracuse to that extent. I hope there are individuals who do this out of the glare of the attention, such as your neighbor.
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dianasschwenk said:
I bet there are Mark! I wonder if the angel across the street was previously homeless. I’ve seen and heard hundreds of times of previously homeless folks helping others in that way. ❤
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
Paying to forward, I’d think, Diana. A string of helping hands. That makes me smile to imagine. 🙂
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Louise Gallagher said:
Oh wow. What a powerful story of grace in action Diana.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Louise, grace is a good word for it! ❤
Diana xo
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