in a total representation of God’s love and protective cover provided for the pastor.”
“What happened then?”
“He didn’t notice her.”
“What?” Nana couldn’t believe it.
“He walked straight past her without a single acknowledgment of what was right before his eyes.”
Helen was amazed at how anyone could be so blind.
Reading her shock, her friend continued. “Actually, it isn’t all that unusual. Just look at your granddaughter and her husband. Unfortunately, humans do it all the time, just as this pastor did when Mercy went on full display. He was so caught up in his grief that he was unwilling and unable to see God’s love for him.”
“Did he ever regain his faith?”
A slow smile emerged. “Oh yes, and once he did, his faith was stronger than ever. In fact, he eventually wrote a book about how Christians deal with grief that became a national bestseller.”
This encouraged Helen. “That’s wonderful.”
“I believe his book is on your bookcase in your room,” Mrs. Miracle said. “You read it after Robert’s passing.”
Helen remembered it now, and the comfort it had given her. How small the world could be, and yet how large heaven must be.
Sipping their tea, they grew silent. Helen had been tired after the service but felt exhilarated and excited after the phone call. Normally, she would be in bed by now, but sleeping was next to impossible.
“Tell me about the baby’s birth mother.”
“Lizzy Bancroft. She’s a lovely teenager, and this decision has been painful, but she’s also learned a precious lesson about the incredible gift of motherhood. She’ll recover with the help of her parents and move forward in her life. After graduation, she’ll stay close to home over the summer and then go to a college nearby so she can watch the baby grow.”
“She’ll have other children, right?”
“Oh yes. She wants to be a nurse, and after she graduates, she’ll meet and marry a nurse anesthesiologist. Ten years from now she’ll give birth again and become a mother of twins, a boy and a girl.”
“I’m glad.”
Finishing her tea, Mrs. Miracle set the cup aside. “She’ll stay in touch with Laurel, Zach, and the baby. Her parents will be a wonderful support to them, also—an extra set of grandparents to the little girl.”
Learning these small details delighted Helen, as she most likely wouldn’t live long enough to witness all this. At this stage of her life, she marveled at how the days were slow, yet how fast the years seemed to go by.
Mrs. Miracle carried her empty cup into the kitchen. When she returned, she collected Helen’s.
“It’s time for me to go,” she said. “As much as I’d like to stay, Gabriel is waiting to give me another assignment.”
Helen wanted to object. She’d miss her home companion, who had now become more like a dear friend. She had no words to adequately thank her. No words to express how much these last few weeks had meant to her. She’d been blessed. God had given her a special gift in this woman.
In this angel.
Mrs. Miracle stayed long enough to see Helen to bed. Before she left, the two hugged. Imagine that, Helen mused to herself as she settled her head into the pillow. How many people can claim they’ve been hugged by an angel?
* * *
—
In the wee hours of Christmas morning, Helen heard Laurel and Zach arrive back home. Although they’d tried to be quiet, she’d only been half-asleep, longing to hear the details of the birth of her great-granddaughter.
“Laurel?” she called out, anxious for news.
“Nana.” Laurel came to the doorway to Helen’s bedroom, framed in the hallway light. “Did we wake you?”
“No, no. I was waiting for you.” She sat up in bed and Laurel propped her up with pillows. “Tell me everything.”
Laurel sat on the edge of the bed and took hold of her grandmother’s hand as she went through all the events of the night.
“…and I was there in the delivery room when the baby was born. They gave her to Lizzy to hold first,” she said, her voice cracking before she could continue. “Then Lizzy kissed her baby girl on the forehead and handed her to me.”
“Oh Laurel.” Tears of joy gathered in Helen’s eyes.
“Nana, I swear that baby opened her eyes and looked straight into my heart. It was as if she knew I was going to be her mama.”
Helen didn’t doubt that for a moment. “Of course she did.”
“The nurse took her away to measure and weigh. I prayed with Lizzy and her mom,