When I think of what I m
ight like as a Christmas gift, my mind tends to go to electro-
nics or kitchen gear. I do enjoy those things. There are other more conventional gifts for women, like jewelry and clothing. All gifts are appreciated.
There was a large, heavy gold-wrapped box under the tree this year something flopped around a bit inside. I had no idea what it could be.
When I opened the box, I found a large cast iron angel. I have other angels and fairies in my collection. Mostly sweet prettily detailed and somewhat delicate. This angel’s face is sweet and she’s pretty, but there is nothing delicate or fragile about her. She is strong. She is sturdy. She is not easily knocked over or broken. She is the angel I need in my life.
She will not live in the little room where I escape to my books, candles, incense, and magical things. She will be in my living room, the center of my home where life happens. She is needed when I fear for the future of the world, when supposed friends turn on me, and sink their verbal fangs into my delicate flesh. She is needed when there is conflict, when there is fear, when loved ones pass from this earth, when I feel alone, even when I am in a crowd.
She stands strong, She is undefeated. She will carry on. I will absorb her strength. She will be a symbol and a reminder. My life requires strength to support myself and others, to protect. My delicate angels are strong in their way. They will soothe me when I can retreat to my quiet place. But my cast iron angel will be my loving warrior when retreat won’t solve my problems, when I must step into the world and bring about changes.
It never would have occurred to me to ask for a cast iron angel for Christmas, but she is perfect.