[A_Story_Teller]

As I began to unpack a box near the kitchen window, I admired the flower garden. Such an array of colors Then, I noticed a partially hidden tiny wooden cross. Curiousity got the best of me and I walked outside to look. I pulled away the tall weeds, the grass and vines. There, I read..."Anna Marie" ... "Our Little Angel".

Tears rolled down my cheeks to know a little one rest here. I just bought this historical house, but I hadn't noticed the small grave before! I picked a near-by red rose and placed it where she rest. I slowly returned to the kitchen, my heart heavy with sadness.

It wasn't ten minutes later that I looked out the window again. I couldn't believe my eyes for I saw Anna Marie, a little angel. I dropped the plate that was in my hand and as it shattered, she looked startled at first as she held the rose I had left for her. Oh My God, she was beautiful, her tiny wings close to her body. Then she gave me a little wave and slowly, she vanished.

I cried out "Noooooo Anna, no, you can't leave, please"!!! She didn't return the rest of the day and I cried myself to sleep. The next day I knelt down by her grave as my tears flowed like a river. Desperately, I tried to search for the words that were locked in my heart. "Anna", I sobbed, ..."you are welcome here, please stay in this place. I lost my precious daughter when she was little, I will love you as my own".

As I looked around, I breathed in the wonderful fragrances Lilacs, roses, lavender, lillies, oh I was surrounded by beauty. I spent the day, pulling weeds on my knees as blisters formed. I knew this was Anna's flower garden, I wanted her to return. I didn't know why she was here, but my maternal instincts tugged at me. I made it a point every chance I got to look out my kitchen window.

A dozen times I looked out hoping fora glimpse of "my little angel". It was that last glance, before sunset that my heart jumped when I saw her. In one hand she held a small wooden wicker basket, in the other, a flower. One by one she curiously looked for another, till her basket was full.

Then, out of habit, or sensing my smile, she turned and looked at me. She had the most beautiful blue eyes and I heard her whisper to me...not with my ears, because she never moved her lips, but I heard her. "My name is Anna Marie, this is where I rest, please let me stay"?

OMG!!!! My eyes over flowed with tears and all I could do was nod yes! A sense of joy filled her face and I saw her lips whisper, "thank you" And in that split second, she disappeared, and oh, how I cried and cried. She reminded me in many ways of my own daughter, though not the same age.

© 2002 Raymond Brown (All rights reserved)