Angel With a Broken Wing

The Angel With a Broken Wing caught my attention. She sat on the front porch of Tom’s sister’s house for as long as I could remember and was a welcoming presence to all who entered.

Angel Re-discovered

MF: We stopped by Eileen’s home for a final visit following her funeral last month. I picked the angel up, impressed by the weight of the little creature. There was a wobble to her head, and she had a broken wing which I had never noticed before. I wanted to take her home. Her brokenness had withstood the test of time. With her broken wing and bobble head, I feared she could be left behind as the house was prepared for sale.

My Broken Wing

Tom: Like that angel, I had a broken wing. At the time of Eileen’s funeral, I was 3 weeks out from a surgical fusion of my right ankle and was mobilizing on a knee scooter. My broken wing while processing grief at the loss of a beloved sister added an extra degree of difficulty. I needed to accept help opening doors and transferring in and out of a vehicle. Even simple tasks like dressing required balance and help. This vulnerability has made me more aware of others’ needs especially those experiencing impatience and frustration.

We knew going into surgery I would be non-weight bearing for at least 4 months. During this time, driving and a lot of household chores have fallen on MF’s shoulders. But I have learned to vacuum from my scooter and pitch in when I can. That angel has been a gift and a reminder that even in my brokenness I can still fly.

Ouch!

MF: I value efficiency and helping Tom pull on a sock or load the scooter into the car can slow me down. My impatience is my brokenness. I have found myself blown away by all the chores and errands Tom has done over the years. Things I have taken for granted. Wow! Did he me look good! Thank you, Dear Angel for this needed reminder.

Sometimes I struggle to be empathetic after a busy day caring for patients. Like Tom, I need to heal and start by asking forgiveness. This is humbling, but it has been a time of growth. Love enables us to find compassion and empathy even in our brokenness.

Angels calmed our fears in the dark of the night and today they remind us of the depth of our vows to love even when it is not efficient or we come home exhausted.

On a Lighter Side . . .

MF: “Driving Sir Daisy” has become a gentle joke between us. Hands down, Tom is a more aggressive driver on the highway, while I tend to stay in my lane. But in town I am more aggressive and my chauffeuring has more than once caused Tom to ‘slam on the brakes.’

That angel is not just a piece of pottery. She is us. And she is teaching us to let go of defensiveness and to trust. After all, there are multiple ways to get from point A to point B. Learning has been a bit of an awkward dance for both of us. But we won’t give up trying any more than we would let that angel with a broken wing and bobble head end up in a dumpster.

In Our Brokenness We Can Still Fly

Our little angel mirrors our brokenness, reminding us there is grace in our imperfections. We need only embrace them and embrace each other and we, too, can fly.