Helping the Havens family say goodbye and bury a pillar of their family has been a daunting, difficult, yet absolutely the only thing I could do for the past two weeks. In my small way, to help where I can, to be a comfort, to get things done. There was no question that I would be gladly driving all over creation (2400 miles), doing whatever was necessary, and being there for Scott and his family when droop turned to drop.

To me, it was to be something they could rely on, an emergency block of bedrock to absorb tears, to relieve pressure, to help where I can without getting in the way. “Bedrock” is vital for these past two weeks, as a metaphor, for all of us. Scott was there for his mother, I was there for Scott, and Angels were there – in the flesh – in so many ways. I feel it vital to name my Angels and to thank them publicly for their as-yet-unsung service.

I would like to thank these Angels:

• To the lady at ISJ Hospital who played the Harp. You said you weren’t an Angel, but someone who plays the harp, unbidden, when it’s the perfect thing at the perfect moment, you had wings.
• To the last Hospice nurse at ISJ, you did more for Dan than anyone in the hospital. I noticed your wings. Thank you.
• To Chaplain Jacek Soroka at ISJ, your presence, your words, the comfort you brought and the raw serendipity of your service when we celebrated the life of Scott’s father, with the story of Lazarus was ineffable. We all noticed your wings. Bless you Chaplain, you helped restore even a ember of my faith, watching you help Scott’s family cope.
• To Miah and Justin, you were my private Angels. You helped care for our family when we needed to help care for Scott’s family. You both have wings, whether you know it or not. What you did helped us do what we had to, to help Sandy and both the Havens and Lazarus families cope. There are not enough thanks, kisses, or hugs to match what you have done for us. I am proud to consider you family.
• To Janet Ryan, you too are an Angel. I saw your wings when we learned of Danny’s last best practical joke. Your entire family, and you are an absolute godsend to Sandy, and both Scott and I know it, and we feel so deeply honored to have you in our family.
• To Wendy at Regan Funeral Home in Queensbury, how you herded us cats and helped Sandy cope with Dan’s last final practical joke is way beyond the call of duty for anyone. For all that you did, and for Saturday morning in the parking lot, I see those wings.

There were many others as well, I’m sure, behind the scenes who did things unwitnessed. Whether or not people truly were Angels or had Angels hugging their backs, please know that our happy feelings extend to you as well, despite nobody seeing your good works.