I Believe in Angels

Some of you may have read my little essay on "Monsters."

Well, apparently, so did an angel.

As part of that post, I included my shameless pitch for an OED = Old English Dictionary. I've wanted one for years. It appears on every "wish list" for Christmas, Birthdays, Bat Mitzvahs, and Supermarket openings. Like I said, I'm shameless.

Well, someone was watching. A very angel, in fact.

A twenty-volume set of the OED was delivered to the church on Thursday.

I was stunned beyond description.

I HAVE MY VERY OWN OED!!!!!! Look! Look! Here it is:

I spent the better part of this afternoon clearing off the shelves in my home office to make a place for them. I have never been happier in my entire life.

They were dedicated to the deceased parents of my Angel Benefactor.

Of you mercy and kindness, please pray for Samuel and Vera Aloise, in whose memory they were given. And join me in a prayer from my deeply grateful heart for my Angel Benefactor who took part of the proceeds from the sale of his parents home to purchase this extraordinary gift for me.

And no, the irony of the fact that an essay on Monsters prompted the generosity of an Angel is not lost on me.

I believe in Angels, and, as I've said, some of my favorite Angels are those with muddy feet. I don't know for sure, but suspect my Angel Benefactor's feet are quite muddy, which is why s/he was moved to generosity and kindness to bestow such a wondrous gift for a scoundrel such as I.

Solo Dei Gloria!