What’s the most important message I ever received?
It was from Augie, my clumsy guardian angel, who chose to join me on a hike to Virginia City. Augie thinks he knows so much more than I do, and at times, he can be a bit self-righteous – but I guess angels have their reputations to uphold.
It was over 10 years ago, and I was on the hike to clear my mind. Life’s issues were crowding out some of the joy in my life. I had some serious health issues I needed to deal with. My company was going through a transition and I felt insecure. I had just lost one of my favorite dogs to a fast-moving cancer.
Augie was having a hard time keeping up, even when he attempted to put his underdeveloped wings into action. I turned around and said, “Augie, life isn’t going my way. You are a total flop in protecting me from all this bad stuff.”
Augie, somewhat out of breath, replied, “You are in charge of your own life – no one else is. Your health issues are of your own making, as is the state of your company. Billy Bragg (my dog) brought you eight years of pure love and devotion. Celebrate his life and quit feeling sorry for yourself.”
I responded, “You make it sound like I’m totally responsible for all the stuff that happens to me. Aren’t you here to make me happy and content?”
I looked behind me, and Augie had vanished. I looked ahead and saw Virginia City and the rest of my life in front of me.