The Angels in Our Lives

I love it when I receive unexpected visits from people I love — including those from the other side of the veil.

Over the past month, my dad, who passed away nine and a half years ago, has been saying hello in a very creative way.

When I’m driving, I often listen to a Spotify playlist. Several times now, when I start the car, the song Amazing Grace by Susan Boyle begins playing — even though it isn’t what I had been listening to. My dad loved this song, and we sang it at his celebration of life. Whenever I hear it, my heart fills, and I feel an immediate connection to him.

So I sing Amazing Grace as I drive.
I talk to my dad.
And I feel deeply grateful for this loving presence.

As I write these words, Amazing Grace is playing softly in the background, and I can feel him here.

It feels sweet.
Tender.

A quiet reminder that love doesn’t disappear — it simply changes form.

I feel connected to my dad year-round, and this time of year even more so. So, I’m not surprised he’s showing up.

When I was a child, my dad would dress up as Santa Claus and go to the children’s hospital on Christmas morning to deliver gifts. At the time, it didn’t seem extraordinary — it was just my dad being my dad. Years later, I came to understand how profoundly meaningful this must have been: for him, for the children, and for their families.

Growing up, our Christmas table was often filled with people who weren’t related to us by blood, but who were family in every way that mattered. Friends who didn’t have a place to go were always welcomed. Extra seats at the table felt normal to me — I never questioned it.

That is, until one year, when my friend Lori joined us for Christmas and commented on how beautiful and generous it all was. Her words stopped me in my tracks. I realized then what a gift my parents had given us. Their generosity wasn’t planned — it was natural. It was simply who they were.

Angels exist in both the physical and non-physical realms.

We are angels for one another in our everyday lives — often without even realizing it. Through a kind word, a welcoming gesture, a moment of presence, or simply by being who we are.

Our presence truly is an invaluable gift.

Our existence matters.

Simply being here has meaning.

During the holiday season, when so much emphasis is placed on buying gifts, it can be easy to forget this. Yet our presence — just as we are — is the greatest gift we can offer. To the people we love, to strangers we cross paths with, and to the world.

We are sacred.

What I love and appreciate about having a mindfulness practice is that when we live with presence and intention, we begin to experience the sacredness of our soul moving through a physical body — not limited by it, but expressed through it.

Wherever you find yourself this holiday season — whether surrounded by others or having a quieter time — I send you my love.

May you feel supported, seen, and gently held. And may you remember that your presence is precious.

With love,

Diane