the kindness of a stranger

today I come home from work. On the dining room table are, bills, circulars, homework assignments, and a package addressed to me. My first thought is, "Oh shit did I get drunk and order something expensive off the internet?" Its a smaller sized package, so its not a TV or anything, but who the hell knows?!?!?
i don't recognize the address, and notice it is from Fort Wayne, In.
Now I think, oh shit its a former student sending me an anthrax laced package of cheetos.
I've been at many school safety conferences lately, what can I say?!?!?!?
I take a deep breath and open the box. Inside is another box with a "willow tree figurine", which i have been collecting for the past 3 years. People usually give them to me,when a figurine reminds them of me. i started to do this with friends after someone I taught gave me the "inspiration" figure. I now have about 10. They are really sweet not at all hokey and queer. i am not at all a tchockie collector by any means!!!!
i open it and a beautiful angel holding a heart is in my hands. The card says, "Bright star. Reflecting a light from within."
I am deeply touched. Who has sent this to me and why? A happy tear runs down my cheek. Its been a crazy week and a half since the whole stabbing thing.
I rummage through the packaging. An invoice from Rustic Fine Furnishings is in the box. Purchaser: Chris Radloff, TO: Kelly Livingston. Chris is a fellow blogger whom I have never met in person, his lovely austrian wife is Dagmar. A lovely couple, whom intrigue me and help me to believe that there is still good in this world. They sent me this little treasure to brighten my day and tell me I am a special person. They think that I am special because I helped that boy. I think they are special because they helped me.
Needless to say, last week i started going back to church. i NEED to believe in the good in this world, and Chris and Dagmar are good. thank you friends.

www.radloffs.net/blog.html