Guardian Angel

Most every morning when I walk to the Yellow House Coffee & Tea Shop, I like to cross where Tommy guards the corner. He steps out into the street, sign held high. "Good morning, Sis!" he says. And then we talk about the weather as I cross the street corner he guards.

Ever since I moved here in November 2012, he is out there protecting the school children (and everyone else who cares to cross) in all kind of weather. All during the fall and winter in pelting rain, snow and wind, he'd be bundled up in protective gear and making sure the morning started as well as it could. He'd advise me to watch out for ice, or we'd chat about the fog. One day we even found ourselves chatting about angels, but more often he'll give me an update on what he'll be doing once school closes for the summer, or the kids he has watched grow up, or the weather. Always the weather.

In between the times when he's waiting for kids to show up, he walks back and forth along the sidewalk. Back and forth, back and forth, quietly, alone, but always vigilant until the last batch of kids are off to school and he can head home for a cup of coffee. Sometimes he pauses and takes a moment to sit on the bench and reflect. But he's ever present and always vigilant, as constant as the sun rising.

School's nearly out for everyone and it will be a lonely street corner soon. I'll miss my new friend's weather report and positive words, though I do not begrudge him his time off. I'll miss being called "Sis" by Tommy, a nickname I've only ever allowed my brother to use. I'll miss his quiet presence and the sense that I am being watched over by Stonington's guardian angel.