Angels Among Us

I try to make my home a clean, toxic-free environment. That’s difficult — I know — especially when you’ve got nine dogs inside. Yes, nine. Little babies, each with their own personality, forming our own little pack. Add to that my daughter, my husband coming and going, and, well... sweeping the floor becomes a full-time job in itself. And mopping? That usually has to wait until tomorrow — or the next tomorrow.

But no matter how much I do, or how hard I try, it sometimes feels like it’s never enough.

And today, that feeling hit me especially hard. But something happened — something personal — that reminded me of something far more important than a spotless floor or a to-do list that never ends.

Today, I met an angel.

Not one with wings or a glowing halo, but a real, living, breathing angel — the kind that quietly shows up just when you need them the most. She didn’t shout about what she did. She didn’t want praise or attention. But what she did for me… and for my family… was nothing short of a blessing. And I am so deeply thankful.

It reminded me that we really do have angels among us. Sometimes they’re hidden in plain sight — coworkers, friends, neighbors. They don’t walk around announcing their goodness. They just are. And when they give, they do it from the heart.

While that moment filled my day with gratitude, there was heartbreak too. We lost a student today — not to tragedy, but to transition. He moved on to a different school. And while it’s a good move for him, my heart still aches. This student was one of the bright spots in the hallway. He’d always say, “Hey, Ms. Maxcey! How are you today?” Always smiling, always kind — no matter what was going on in his world, which I know wasn’t always easy.

Those are the kids who stay with you. The ones who’ve seen more than they should, but still lead with kindness. And when they leave, they take a little piece of your heart with them.

So today, I’m holding both: the weight of goodbye, and the lift of grace.

To the angels who helped that student along the way… and to the one who helped me today… and to all the quiet heroes who do what they do without fanfare — thank you.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

— Billie-Jo