The Great Meadow was vibrating with solemn anticipation.  Jannie stood alone gazing toward the horizon.  A massive indigo flame was emerging in the distance.  Its intensity grew the closer it came. She realized it was the portal from the land of the living. She had never seen it so ablaze.  Its colors swirled as it came closer to her world.

            She felt a presence behind her, it was gentle and kind, but the strength of this being was immense. She knew who it was. She turned towards the Master and asked, “Why have I been summoned here? What is happening?” She felt dwarfed in his presence; his love was so encompassing she almost lost her sense of self.

            “There are many coming, I wanted you here, you are ready now. You will be a great comfort to those in their time of transition,” he explained.  His light pulsated radiating warmth beyond human understanding. “These little ones are confused, your female presence with bring them comfort,” he emphasized.

            The portal burst forth as Azrael, the Angel of Death, lead a large group of staggering children into the Great Meadow.  He nodded to Jannie with relief, “They carry the Great Sorrow with them, this was much too quick and brutal for them to understand,” he stated.

            Jannie counted nineteen. Nineteen little souls, some were carrying the smaller ones, babies in fact carrying babies. Their faces etched with shock and sorrow. Her heart sank, what on earth had happened, literally. She looked at Azrael with that question in her eyes. He shook his head, “Humans continue to be so unkind to each other, the learning is very slow there.” Sadness fluttered about his eyes; even he could not escape it.

            The Master opened his arms and embraced each and every tiny soul at once.  The children melted into his love. He quickly sheparded them to the edge of the pond where they sat on the cool soft grassy bank waiting.  He beckoned Jannie to stand beside him as he began to speak, “Dear ones, you are safe and loved, do not fear, God has embraced you in his cloak of Divine Love.”

 Their little faces, muted with confusion and soot from the memory of the heinous crime looked up at him seeking the comfort offered. “This is Jannie, and like you, she came to God’s Country very small, leaving behind her parents and friends,” he paused as all eyes gazed upon her.  She smiled reassuringly until she saw one little girl who sat whimpering in their midst.  Jannie was instantly at her side and she cradled the child in her arms rocking and cooing to her.  The little girl buried her head in the folds of her gown and soon the rest moved closer to Jannie wanting to feel the mothering she had to offer.  They continued to listen to the Master as they nestled against Jannie’s being.

            “Jannie has grown up here, she will be your spiritual mother, she will guide you and help you.” The little ones relaxed as they began to understand where they were and that they would be cared for, all except the little girl who sat in Jannie’s lap.  She looked up at the Master with soulful eyes and said in a small quivering voice, “But what about my real mommy? I want my real Mommy!”

            The Master put his arms out for the little girl and lifted her up into his bosom, “Your Mommy still has God’s work to do on earth” he gently explained. “She will come here one day too and you will be together again, I promise.  Until such time, Jannie will care for you,” he paused and looked lovingly at all the children, “She will care for all of you and I will be here always to give you the Love Beyond All Understanding, forever.”

            Azrael stood quietly by the weeping willow watching the scene unfold. He still had much work to do, but this group of children needed patience and time to adjust before he took each to the Garden of Remembering where their spirit guides waited. He never questioned the Divine Wisdom of the Master. He knew the best way to comfort souls who had difficult transitions, as his had been one of the hardest.

Azrael gaze turned his attention toward Jannie.  He had known that she was different the moment he had brought her over, something had stirred in his angelic being. He had been patient but when the last petal of the white rose dropped he was instantly summoned to collect these little souls. This was the moment he longed for, to see her again, but not like this. The pain the little one suffered dampened him.

 He watched her and mused at her beauty; she had grown into a young woman in this land of spirit.  Her eyes now blue, the color of joy, her hair a chestnut that fell down to the small of her back, her skin flawless and translucent as mother of pearl.  Again, the feeling stirred inside him, he shook it off, this time the feeling was different, intense with longing.

The Master caught his gaze and smiled a knowing smile, instantly he was communicating with him, through silent thought, “Azrael, my friend, I fear you are becoming more human?” he laughed.

Azrael flustered caught in his thoughts, “Is it possible? I have spent eons with these beings, at their most critical moments, when their emotions are raw and real.  Is it possible that they are affecting me?” he tried to cover himself.

            “Azrael, it is me, I know your heart! And yes you do have one, not a human heart but the heart of an angel all the same. There is no shame in loving, anyone,” he smiled and looked towards Jannie but said no more, leaving the Angel of Death to explore his angelic feelings.

            The Master turned his focus back to the children; his warmth filled the meadow, and the healing of their little souls moved closer to God’s Light.  “Come, my little ones, it is time to find joy and laughter again,” he extended his hand and the children made a daisy chain of hands as he led them on the other side of the meadow where the Land of Animals lay.  Jannie carried the little girl at the end of the line. Azrael coolly followed her.

            There were no fences or pens in the Land of Animals. The land was vast with rolling hills, groves of fruit trees and watering holes. All the creatures coexisted in love and respect for each other. The children saw the dogs, cats, horses and a variety of wild animals, lions, monkeys, giraffes and more mingling together in peace. The animals’ reverie was broken with the arrival of the children.  They lifted their heads and waited.

The Master acknowledged them all and nodded toward the dogs, who then bounded towards the children with abandoned joy.   Golden retrievers, Labs, Collies and mixed breeds greeted the little group. They playfully licked and nudged the children, barking happily at these newest arrivals.  The children giggled and patted the dogs.  Even the little girl in Jannie’s arm smiled and reached out for a Collie.  Jannie released her and the little girl wrapped her arms around the dog’s neck nuzzling into its fur.

            Azrael appeared beside Jannie, “This always seems to help them, the dogs have a way with you humans,” he observed.         Jannie laughed lightly, “Well, no one loves you like a dog!” she said brightly. Azrael caught her eyes and found himself lost in them.  He swam their depths, the blue crystalline joy of their color, when he came up for air he noticed she was looking at him questioningly.

            In his embarrassment he stuttered, “I’m, it was just, I mean…” and he trailed off feeling completely unbalanced by her.  Jannie cocked her head to one side, “Azrael, is there something wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Is that possible?” her concern endeared her to him all the more.

            “I’m fine,” he said regaining his composure, “It is just that I have been having, well shall we say, unsettling feelings, more often.”

            She missed his meaning entirely and related it to the children he had just brought over, “It must have been awful! All those poor little ones, of course you must have felt something. I mean you are not made of stone, Azrael.”

            “I have seen much suffering it is true, but knowing that I am bringing the souls to God’s Country has always been a comfort and it has never truly been a problem for me. But I do sometimes wonder why you humans take so long to learn, I mean it’s perfectly obvious, well, that you just don’t do things like this!” Azrael had an uncharacteristic moment of judgment.

            Jannie looked away, all the children were enjoying their new companions, “I know, it is awful! What kind of lost soul does this? How can God forgive them? How can God love someone who would destroy these beautiful lives?” she shook her head in disbelief. She knew God’s love was boundless, but it still baffled her that there were those on earth who remained oblivious to his grace and goodness. “There is so much I don’t understand, still,” she confessed.

            Azrael felt her pain and confusion, but he also felt her compassionate heart and those unsettling feelings stirred again. He turned away as though to scan the horizon, “I know, I have never questioned God’s plan, ever, but today was different. I am glad I have you to talk to.”

            Jannie smiled, “It’s nice to have you to talk to as well. I remember when you first brought me here, I was worried I would never see you again. Now I know we will always be friends,” she smiled brightly and connected with Azrael’s deep brown eyes, she saw the light of God’s love reflected back and her smile broadened. She had loved him from the moment he took her hand as a child.  He had brought her to this wondrous place of peace and light. She felt deeply connected to him.

            One of the boys had caught sight of the horses and was racing off towards them. “It looks as though I am going to be very busy for a while, I better go, I want the children to stay together.” She took Azrael’s porcelain hand in hers and brought it to her cheek. Their vibrations mingled, “It is always nice to be with you Azrael.  It will be sometime before these little ones are ready for the Garden of Remembering, I will see you then.” She brushed his hand to her lips and gently as the breeze kissed him.  She then whisked herself away in the direction of the boy and the horses. 

Azrael stood stunned, watching her moving farther and farther away from him, he felt his heart chase after her and then stopped himself. No one noticed him when he drew up his wingspan and flew off in the direction of the portal, he had work to do, there was always more to do.

The Great Meadow was vibrating with solemn anticipation.  Jannie stood alone gazing toward the horizon.  A massive indigo flame was emerging in the distance.  Its intensity grew the closer it came. She realized it was the portal from the land of the living. She had never seen it so ablaze.  Its colors swirled as it came closer to her world.

            She felt a presence behind her, it was gentle and kind, but the strength of this being was immense. She knew who it was. She turned towards the Master and asked, “Why have I been summoned here? What is happening?” She felt dwarfed in his presence; his love was so encompassing she almost lost her sense of self.

            “There are many coming, I wanted you here, you are ready now. You will be a great comfort to those in their time of transition,” he explained.  His light pulsated radiating warmth beyond human understanding. “These little ones are confused, your female presence with bring them comfort,” he emphasized.

            The portal burst forth as Azrael, the Angel of Death, lead a large group of staggering children into the Great Meadow.  He nodded to Jannie with relief, “They carry the Great Sorrow with them, this was much too quick and brutal for them to understand,” he stated.

            Jannie counted nineteen. Nineteen little souls, some were carrying the smaller ones, babies in fact carrying babies. Their faces etched with shock and sorrow. Her heart sank, what on earth had happened, literally. She looked at Azrael with that question in her eyes. He shook his head, “Humans continue to be so unkind to each other, the learning is very slow there.” Sadness fluttered about his eyes; even he could not escape it.

            The Master opened his arms and embraced each and every tiny soul at once.  The children melted into his love. He quickly sheparded them to the edge of the pond where they sat on the cool soft grassy bank waiting.  He beckoned Jannie to stand beside him as he began to speak, “Dear ones, you are safe and loved, do not fear, God has embraced you in his cloak of Divine Love.”

 Their little faces, muted with confusion and soot from the memory of the heinous crime looked up at him seeking the comfort offered. “This is Jannie, and like you, she came to God’s Country very small, leaving behind her parents and friends,” he paused as all eyes gazed upon her.  She smiled reassuringly until she saw one little girl who sat whimpering in their midst.  Jannie was instantly at her side and she cradled the child in her arms rocking and cooing to her.  The little girl buried her head in the folds of her gown and soon the rest moved closer to Jannie wanting to feel the mothering she had to offer.  They continued to listen to the Master as they nestled against Jannie’s being.

            “Jannie has grown up here, she will be your spiritual mother, she will guide you and help you.” The little ones relaxed as they began to understand where they were and that they would be cared for, all except the little girl who sat in Jannie’s lap.  She looked up at the Master with soulful eyes and said in a small quivering voice, “But what about my real mommy? I want my real Mommy!”

            The Master put his arms out for the little girl and lifted her up into his bosom, “Your Mommy still has God’s work to do on earth” he gently explained. “She will come here one day too and you will be together again, I promise.  Until such time, Jannie will care for you,” he paused and looked lovingly at all the children, “She will care for all of you and I will be here always to give you the Love Beyond All Understanding, forever.”

            Azrael stood quietly by the weeping willow watching the scene unfold. He still had much work to do, but this group of children needed patience and time to adjust before he took each to the Garden of Remembering where their spirit guides waited. He never questioned the Divine Wisdom of the Master. He knew the best way to comfort souls who had difficult transitions, as his had been one of the hardest.

Azrael gaze turned his attention toward Jannie.  He had known that she was different the moment he had brought her over, something had stirred in his angelic being. He had been patient but when the last petal of the white rose dropped he was instantly summoned to collect these little souls. This was the moment he longed for, to see her again, but not like this. The pain the little one suffered dampened him.

 He watched her and mused at her beauty; she had grown into a young woman in this land of spirit.  Her eyes now blue, the color of joy, her hair a chestnut that fell down to the small of her back, her skin flawless and translucent as mother of pearl.  Again, the feeling stirred inside him, he shook it off, this time the feeling was different, intense with longing.

The Master caught his gaze and smiled a knowing smile, instantly he was communicating with him, through silent thought, “Azrael, my friend, I fear you are becoming more human?” he laughed.

Azrael flustered caught in his thoughts, “Is it possible? I have spent eons with these beings, at their most critical moments, when their emotions are raw and real.  Is it possible that they are affecting me?” he tried to cover himself.

            “Azrael, it is me, I know your heart! And yes you do have one, not a human heart but the heart of an angel all the same. There is no shame in loving, anyone,” he smiled and looked towards Jannie but said no more, leaving the Angel of Death to explore his angelic feelings.

            The Master turned his focus back to the children; his warmth filled the meadow, and the healing of their little souls moved closer to God’s Light.  “Come, my little ones, it is time to find joy and laughter again,” he extended his hand and the children made a daisy chain of hands as he led them on the other side of the meadow where the Land of Animals lay.  Jannie carried the little girl at the end of the line. Azrael coolly followed her.

            There were no fences or pens in the Land of Animals. The land was vast with rolling hills, groves of fruit trees and watering holes. All the creatures coexisted in love and respect for each other. The children saw the dogs, cats, horses and a variety of wild animals, lions, monkeys, giraffes and more mingling together in peace. The animals’ reverie was broken with the arrival of the children.  They lifted their heads and waited.

The Master acknowledged them all and nodded toward the dogs, who then bounded towards the children with abandoned joy.   Golden retrievers, Labs, Collies and mixed breeds greeted the little group. They playfully licked and nudged the children, barking happily at these newest arrivals.  The children giggled and patted the dogs.  Even the little girl in Jannie’s arm smiled and reached out for a Collie.  Jannie released her and the little girl wrapped her arms around the dog’s neck nuzzling into its fur.

            Azrael appeared beside Jannie, “This always seems to help them, the dogs have a way with you humans,” he observed.         Jannie laughed lightly, “Well, no one loves you like a dog!” she said brightly. Azrael caught her eyes and found himself lost in them.  He swam their depths, the blue crystalline joy of their color, when he came up for air he noticed she was looking at him questioningly.

            In his embarrassment he stuttered, “I’m, it was just, I mean…” and he trailed off feeling completely unbalanced by her.  Jannie cocked her head to one side, “Azrael, is there something wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Is that possible?” her concern endeared her to him all the more.

            “I’m fine,” he said regaining his composure, “It is just that I have been having, well shall we say, unsettling feelings, more often.”

            She missed his meaning entirely and related it to the children he had just brought over, “It must have been awful! All those poor little ones, of course you must have felt something. I mean you are not made of stone, Azrael.”

            “I have seen much suffering it is true, but knowing that I am bringing the souls to God’s Country has always been a comfort and it has never truly been a problem for me. But I do sometimes wonder why you humans take so long to learn, I mean it’s perfectly obvious, well, that you just don’t do things like this!” Azrael had an uncharacteristic moment of judgment.

            Jannie looked away, all the children were enjoying their new companions, “I know, it is awful! What kind of lost soul does this? How can God forgive them? How can God love someone who would destroy these beautiful lives?” she shook her head in disbelief. She knew God’s love was boundless, but it still baffled her that there were those on earth who remained oblivious to his grace and goodness. “There is so much I don’t understand, still,” she confessed.

            Azrael felt her pain and confusion, but he also felt her compassionate heart and those unsettling feelings stirred again. He turned away as though to scan the horizon, “I know, I have never questioned God’s plan, ever, but today was different. I am glad I have you to talk to.”

            Jannie smiled, “It’s nice to have you to talk to as well. I remember when you first brought me here, I was worried I would never see you again. Now I know we will always be friends,” she smiled brightly and connected with Azrael’s deep brown eyes, she saw the light of God’s love reflected back and her smile broadened. She had loved him from the moment he took her hand as a child.  He had brought her to this wondrous place of peace and light. She felt deeply connected to him.

            One of the boys had caught sight of the horses and was racing off towards them. “It looks as though I am going to be very busy for a while, I better go, I want the children to stay together.” She took Azrael’s porcelain hand in hers and brought it to her cheek. Their vibrations mingled, “It is always nice to be with you Azrael.  It will be sometime before these little ones are ready for the Garden of Remembering, I will see you then.” She brushed his hand to her lips and gently as the breeze kissed him.  She then whisked herself away in the direction of the boy and the horses. 

Azrael stood stunned, watching her moving farther and farther away from him, he felt his heart chase after her and then stopped himself. No one noticed him when he drew up his wingspan and flew off in the direction of the portal, he had work to do, there was always more to do.