NC - Winter 2021
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VOCATION<br />
When I Knew<br />
Angels Were Real<br />
By Sr. Frances Smalkowski<br />
“For I am sending an angel before you to guard<br />
you on the way and bring you to the place I have<br />
prepared. Be attentive to him and heed his voice.”<br />
— Exodus 23:20-21a<br />
So, when did I REALLY start believing in angels?<br />
Somewhere around age five or so, my older brother was taking me to the<br />
local CSFN elementary school in Jamaica, NY. St. Joseph’s regularly had a<br />
movie to which older siblings could bring along their younger ones. Of course,<br />
with sincere promises (that almost sounded like an oath in a courtroom), Joey<br />
and little Frances pledged to hold each other’s hands through “thick and thin.”<br />
Being five years apart and growing up regularly teasing each other, Joey<br />
started squeezing my hand while taunting me with the reminders that he was<br />
in charge, and that I needed to listen to him. Sure!<br />
Coming close to a boulevard named Liberty Avenue, I let go of his hand and<br />
ran as fast as I could get away from him to cross. Midway could be heard the<br />
screeching of cars as a little child stood frozen touching the car in front of her<br />
with her small hand.<br />
People from the corner bar came out and walked me back to my brother who<br />
looked visibly frightened. Together we made a contract never to tell “Mommy.”<br />
Who wouldn’t believe in angels after that? I can still feel/see that car stopped<br />
in front of me. (For sure, Joey has his own version of this event!)<br />
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