Earth Angel: St. Christopher's Inn

Earth Angel Stories 1 Response »
Aug 272011

Written by: Kate Daly

My name is Kate Daly and I was the Admission Director at a place called St. Christopher’s Inn in Garrison, New York. It is a drug and alcohol rehab and a homeless shelter for men. I worked there for 13 years and over those years I have heard and seen wonderful acts of kindness, synchronicity and yes, downright acts of the angels. This is one of my favorite stories.

A young man arrived for admission and I went out to greet him. He looked dazed and somewhat overwhelmed, but this was not all that unusual on the first day at the rehab. I was prompted however to ask him if he was ok.

“I’m ok,” he said. “But you won’t believe how I got here!” Continue reading »

Unpublished Books

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Jun 042011


Life is filled with unpublished books.  Every person has a story.  Some courageously put theirs to verse; others tuck theirs away, sharing them with a select few when the precious moment is ripe.

Sitting at Starbucks, sipping on your coffee, focused on writing the written word, a complete stranger drops her bod in the seat next to you, breaking your trend of thought. You raise your cup, whiff the java’s bold aroma, trying to resurrect your fleeting ideas. But the whimpers and body language coming from the person next to you, shifts your focus. Filled with compassion you reach out, gently touching her knee, asking, “Are you ok?”

Broken words begin to sputter, and her quick introduction gives you a glimpse into her life. She continues, painting a picture of the vivid characters playing an active role in her saga. Some seem realistic, others believable, others not, yet you listen.  Without taking a breath, her life chapters begin to unfold, and events start rolling in.  A connection is made. Continue reading »

"Be The Change You Want to See" - Ghandi

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May 282011


I’ve had that verse printed on my pig chalkboard for years. Read it dozens of times a day. Quoted it more times than I can remember. But it wasn’t till I fell into the throes of unemployment, traveling rapidly into the abyss, that Ghandi’s words of wisdom rang in my ears, and reversed my direction mid-stream.

What I realized was my fears blocked my forward motion. They clipped my wings, and prevented my adventurous flight. Once cognizant that the only thing standing between me and my dreams was “me”, down came the walls.  Saying “YES” to myself… “YES” to creating the life I  always dreamed of… “YES” to risk… “YES” to change… “YES” to stepping into my authenticity, I effortlessly slid into my passion, finding my joy. Continue reading »

SPRINKLES OF JOY

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Apr 032011


Joy is a state of happiness. With everything currently happening in the world – wars, tsunamis, earthquakes…  it feels like conversations are centered more on doom and gloom than on joy. A shift in consciousness can be created by showing up in our lives, and enjoying the simple pleasures our friends, family, community members, and animals have to offer.

I am blessed to live in a neighborhood filled with children. The main group, which I will call the “6 pack”, is constantly in my yard, telling me stories, and sharing their life experiences. They are so innocent, viewing life through kaleidoscopes filled with love, laughter, happiness, richness, beauty, and curiosity. Freedom is their playground. Living in the “now” is their dance. They are my joy teachers, awakening me to my child-like wonder. Continue reading »

Our Legacy: Gifts We Leave Behind

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Feb 222011


This blog is dedicated in memory of Braxton Bennet Snyder: 1949-2011

I just received a phone call that a long-time friend passed away on Sunday.  My heart is broken for the family and his loved ones.  Brax is now in the arms of the angels and he’s pain-free.  His authentic spirit will live on through countless, humorous, heart-felt stories. He was a kind man, highly admired, with great integrity, who walked proudly and respectively upon this earth.  His footprints are embedded in the hearts of many. His life was too short but his legacy lives on.  Thank you, Brax, for sharing the priceless and precious gifts of your soul. Continue reading »