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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Thursday, January 15, 2015

I know an Angel




Another Angel with Spice Girl on his lap




On a dark blustery winter evening he is buzzed into the residence.   The residence is home to twenty men and women of varying needs.
A---- is a familiar face at the residence and the staff at the front desk greet him as one would a friend. He humbly signs the guest register which reveals he will visit TJ.   TJ is a young man in his early fifties who has been living with Parkinson's disease for the past fifteen years.   TJ's heart leaps with joy at the mention of of A----'s name.   A---- has been visiting TJ for the past eleven years.
Our Lady by Helen Tilston

Who is A or Angel as I like to call him?  He is an a young executive who is very successful in his field.    Angel lays no claim to any organized religion.   He simply volunteers his leisure time to visiting four patients similar to TJ.   Angel is single and on his annual vacation he goes to a third world country to volunteer, sometimes this involves building.

Angel is a marathon runner and raises money for those in need.  A recent example of his generosity was when TJ's old hearing aid was causing him trouble when trying to install the batteries with shaking hands,  Angel took one look and said: "TJ there are new digital hearing aids now which are much simpler"  Angel organized a road race and with the funds raised purchased a new hearing aid for TJ.   No fanfare, no publicity is Angel's modus operandi.



The Annunciation by Helen Tilston Encaustic (beeswax and oil)


Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year.

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40 comments:

  1. PondsideJanuary 15, 2015 at 7:01 AM

    Bless A and all the Angels that walk among us.
    Such a lovely post for the beginning of the New Year. I hope we're all inspired to be like the A's of the world - or at the very least, to support them in the good that they do.

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  2. helen tilstonJanuary 15, 2015 at 7:22 AM

    Amen to what you say about all the angels who walk among us. So often families and friends forget about those who are in need and loneliness and depression are two of the greatest diseases.
    I love your blog and thank you for visiting.

    Helen xx

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  3. Louise @ INGREDIENTSJanuary 15, 2015 at 8:05 AM

    Wonderful post - thanks for telling us about A, he is an inspiration to us all.

    Happy New Year, Helen! I hope the year is off to a great start for you.

    all the best,
    Louise

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  4. helen tilstonJanuary 15, 2015 at 8:16 AM

    Hello Louise,
    A is a rare breed. His humility is so admirable. He is an inspiration and is a reminder that we are all able to do a little bit to make a difference.
    Thanks Louise for your good wishes and I wish you a great year in all your activities and studies.

    The New Year is off to a great start

    Helen xx

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  5. Jacqueline @ HOMEJanuary 15, 2015 at 8:24 AM

    Thank goodness for people like Angel, Helen …… what would we do without them, and, who know's if we might need an Angel one day.
    A beautiful post and a beautiful painting. XXXX

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 7:51 PM

      Hello Jacqueline,
      Angel is one of a kind. He is gentle, kind and has a strength which is not loud nor brash. I have not had the opportunity to view him at his day job but would love to be a fly on the wall.
      Have a brilliant weekend

      Helen xx

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  6. PoppyJanuary 15, 2015 at 10:15 AM

    Happy New Year, Dear Helen,

    It seems that nowadays, beautiful souls like Angel are becoming more and more invisible, so that when we do happen to gaze upon one, it is a rare siting. TJ, and so many others in need, whether it be for a little company, or a medical apparatus, are, indeed, blessed to have such friendly visits from generous Angels, who possess the sweetest of hearts. Thank you for sharing your observations, as well as presenting us with your always captivating creations.

    xx
    Poppy

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 7:56 PM

      Hello Poppy,
      Thank you for your kind words on my creations. You are right when you say that Angel and his like are more and more invisible. He is also quite young to have such a massive heart and such a generous spirit. He has been on my mind a lot of late.
      Hope life is great with you and that you have a wonderful weekend
      Helen xx

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  7. RosemaryJanuary 15, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    Hello Helen - Thank you for this timely reminder that it doesn't necessarily take a lot to bring some happiness to others - a thoughtful gesture, making time for others, or even a kind word can make such a difference.

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:00 PM

      Hello Rosemary,
      You are so right when you say "it doesn't necessarily take a lot" . We can get immersed in our little world and routine and we all have time if we make it.
      May kindness and goodness cross your path this year
      Helenx

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  8. flowers on my tableJanuary 15, 2015 at 10:40 AM

    What a wonderful man, an angel indeed.Very inspiring Helen.
    How lovely of you to pop in. I wish you joy and peace in 2015. Yes I definitely need to follow your lead and do a bit of purging! With all my love, Linda x

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:01 PM

      Dear Linda
      Lovely to see you here and to know you are back writing again.
      Thank you for the good wishes for 2015. A.... is a great young man and if I could I would clone him

      Helen xx

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  9. Things and ThoughtsJanuary 15, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    A great lesson of humanity, basic values which make somebody an angel...Dearest Helen, thank you for this post! I wish you a healthy, creative and prosperous new year!
    All the best,
    Olympia

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:03 PM

      Dear Olympia
      You so succinctly describe A....'s qualities. I return the beautiful wish for joy in 2014 and look forward to seeing your creations and hearing about life in beautiful Greece.

      Helen xx

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  10. Woodside ParkJanuary 15, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    Happy New Year, Helen!!

    What an incredible soul! We often hear and read about everything wrong in the world, so wonderful to know of such generosity and kindness. Thanks for sharing.

    Warm greetings from DC,
    L

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:05 PM

      Dear Loi
      Thank you for your good wishes for 2015 and I wish you happiness, travel and joy.
      Our news is all negative and the excuse being that good news does not make good press seems to be the thought. We know otherwise in the blogging world. Thank you for your positive and uplifting blog.
      Helen xx

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  11. BonnieJanuary 15, 2015 at 6:35 PM

    Helen, We should all strive to be an angel. Thank you so much for introducing us to your Angel. He is truly a hero. Happy New Year to you! Hugs, Bonnie

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:08 PM

      Hello Bonnie
      A very Happy New Year to you too and thank you for your good wishes.
      A.... does not for a moment think he is a hero. He has consistently visited his four(now) friends for more than a decade.
      I hope his example inspires others to make a little difference.
      Helenxx

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  12. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenJanuary 16, 2015 at 2:47 AM

    Bless A and all of the angels that walk among us. Your paintings are a beautiful tribute to them Helen. What a nice way to start my morning.
    Sam

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:09 PM

      Hello Sam, What's cooking?
      I join you in blessing A and all the angels who walk among us and make a difference. Thank you for your kind words.
      Helen xx

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  13. Jackie and Joel SmithJanuary 16, 2015 at 5:13 AM

    Oh Helen, I had been wondering where you were in the blogosphere of late and I see you were just waiting to tell us a wonderful story of an angel! I do believe there are angels among us and you've again confirmed my belief. I've had such a beautiful start to my day thanks to your post. Happy New Year to you my friend~ Jackie

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:12 PM

      Hello Jackie
      I have been travelling a lot in the past couple of months but now am settled down and painting in Florida with my art partners.
      I had know of this young man for a long time and the goodness and joy he brings. He would make a great world leader but then again he probably would not want to do that as it would prevent him from visiting those he feels need his company most.

      Happy New Year to you both
      Helen xx

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  14. JenJanuary 16, 2015 at 5:33 AM

    Lovely story, and so good to read. Your paintings are gorgeous.

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:13 PM

      Hello Jen
      Thanks for visiting and your kind words are much appreciated.
      Wishing you all that is good in 2015
      Helenxx

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  15. ~Lavender Dreamer~January 16, 2015 at 5:42 AM

    It makes my heart glad to read about this angel...a true hero. We could sure use more like him. God bless him! Hugs to you my friend, Diane

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:15 PM

      Hello Diane
      Thanks for stopping by. I sincerely hope more will find the courage and goodwill to share their time with those who are often forgotten.
      Fond wishes for 2015 .
      Helenx

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  16. MadeliefJanuary 16, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    What a beautiful story Helen and what a very special person!

    Love,

    Madelief x

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:16 PM

      Hello Madelief
      Thank you for stopping by. A.... possesses such a kind spirit and it all seems effortless to him
      Happy New Year
      Helen xx

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  17. PatriciaJanuary 16, 2015 at 6:43 PM

    Oh Helen, I love your cobalt Madonna so much - I wish it was mine! - and the Annunciation is exquisite. It is a subject which particularly appeals to me in the world of Art. Thank you for the beautiful story about the Angel - and that he surely is. Lovely post xxx

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:19 PM

      Hello Patricia
      Many thanks for your generous compliments on my paintings. I am painting en plain air for our upcoming Coastal Cottage art show. I do love painting spiritual paintings in my studio and will be encouraged to do more because of your kind words.
      Hope all is wonderful with you.
      Helenxx

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  18. Casa MariposaJanuary 17, 2015 at 6:58 PM

    What an incredible and generous soul! I wish there were more people in the world like him. Your artwork is wonderful!

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2015 at 4:34 PM

      Nice of you to visit and your support is much appreciated. I will raise my glass in saluting your toast to more being like A...

      Helenxx

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  19. LoreeJanuary 18, 2015 at 11:23 AM

    It's lovely to hear that angels still exist. Sometimes the world can seem like such a dark, cruel place but people like Angel show us that all is not lost.

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2015 at 4:41 PM

      Hello Loree,
      I think there are quite a number of angels out there who are quietly going about their daily acts of kindness. Hope your are keeping well
      Loree,
      Helenx

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  20. MarjaJanuary 18, 2015 at 10:32 PM

    Angel is very inspirational. it warms your heart to hear about people like that.
    Beautiful paintings I especially like "Our lady"

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2015 at 4:46 PM

      Hello Marja,

      Thank you for visiting and for your kind compliment on "Our Lady"
      Angel is consistent and seems to perform with little effort.
      Hope life is great with you
      Helen xx

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  21. rjerdeeJanuary 21, 2015 at 4:55 PM

    It's good to hear of angels when so often the news is filled with demons.

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 28, 2015 at 5:06 PM

      Becky what is you say is very true. The news is disappointing
      Helen xx

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  22. Terra January 21, 2015 at 7:38 PM

    You do know an angel, such a kind young man to visit and bring joy, and to raise money for the new hearing aids.

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  23. helen tilstonJanuary 28, 2015 at 5:07 PM

    Hello Terra
    The Angel did go above and beyond the call of duty although having said that he is entirely a volunteer.
    Thanks for visiting
    Helen xx

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