Noah was a quiet boy who rarely initiated conversation. His parents worried, but he was polite, always replying to questions, and the many doctors they had consulted over his five years of life, had given him a clean bill of health. His Grandma called him a “thinker, in touch with a different world.”

When his sister was born Noah surprised everyone. He approached the crib with tears in his eyes.
“She’s an angel,” he murmured.
Indeed, with her gorgeous chubby face, she did resemble the cherubs on the ceiling of the local church. They called her Angela; Noah called her Angel.

It was as if Noah had been saving his words for just this occasion. His parents were delighted, a new baby daughter and a now vocal son who spent hours gazing at her. Noah would ask Angela questions, pretending the baby could answer.

One day Noah’s mother heard him ask,”Where are your wings little Angel?”
“Angela won’t need wings on earth,” she smiled gently. “She’ll get them when she goes to heaven.”
“I don’t want her to go to heaven,” Noah sobbed, “Who will I talk to?”
“You have a lifetime to talk with your sister Noah, and you can always talk to me.”
“You don’t know the answers like Angel does,” he replied. “Angel says she is leaving, she wasn’t supposed to come.”
“You’re being silly, Angela isn’t going anywhere, she’s part of our family.”

Noah bought his sister a present, ready for her first birthday and carefully hid it in his room.

Two weeks before Angela was one year old, she cried out suddenly and stopped breathing. Noah stood dry eyed as he watched his parents and the paramedics attempt to revive her.

“She couldn’t grow her wings,” he whispered. “She should have waited; I said I would help.”

At the funeral, Noah placed Angela’s birthday present on the coffin, a beautiful pair of iridescent fairy wings.
“You should have stayed little Angel,” he admonished sadly. “I told you that you could have wings and still stay.”

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    Paula Lucas
    Paula Lucas(@paula-lucas)
    2 years ago

    Very touching and thought provoking. It’s intriguing how young children approach life with such innocence. I wish we could retain more of it.

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    I’ve always felt children sense so much more than the rest of us. What a heart-warming relationship Noah had with his baby sister, finding his voice and trying so hard to save her. Beautifully written Mary.

    Greene M Wills
    Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
    2 years ago

    A little boy who finds a friend and an ally against a world that doesn’t understand him but she leaves him too early. I love the gentle touch you used to show his sorrow and the terrible knowledge he carried.

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    2 years ago

    I’m reminded of the saying ‘Let the children teach us’. A sad story but his attitude can teach us all. Lovely story, Mary  ? 

    Emily O'Leary
    Emily O'Leary(@emily-oleary)
    2 years ago

    This is such a sad little story Mary, but so very sweet. Almost as though dear Angela had a job to do before she could depart.
    Bless little Noah, I hope he realises she’s still with him ❤

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    2 years ago

    There seem to be children who have visions and knowledge that grownups don’t understand. Noah seems to be one of those and the story about him is very captivating. Great work, Mary!

    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    2 years ago

    Oh! Mary, you have a way of tugging at the heart strings don’t you. A lovely story through the eyes of a child. Well written Mary.

    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    Reply to  Mary Wallace
    2 years ago

    Mary, you are more than welcome ?!

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    2 years ago

    Noah seems to be a child who is wise, well beyond his years. Your story is so touching and made me feel rather emotional. Beautifully written, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    This is so touching. My heart bleeds as I read this story, Mary. I love Noah for his wise and innocent approach. Well done! It penetrated my heart.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Mary Wallace
    2 years ago

    You’re welcome, Mary.

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