Marybeth’s family descended into the London Underground. Thirteen-year-old Christina trotted along a few steps ahead and boarded the waiting train. She was small for her age and unfamiliar with London.

To Marybeth’s horror, the doors slammed shut. Her husband pulled on the doors, but they wouldn’t open. “Get off at Covent Garden,” Marybeth yelled, just inches from her daughter’s face, but Christina couldn’t hear her through the glass.

Marybeth saw three men behind Christina. Their appearance and demeanor sent a sickening chill down her spine. She felt frightened and powerless.

Just as the car jerked forward, two exceptionally well-dressed women suddenly appeared, one on either side of Christina. They radiated a light that set them apart from the other passengers. They held Christina’s arms and looked at Marybeth as if to say, “We’ll take care of her.”

The train disappeared into the tunnel. For several minutes that seemed like hours, Marybeth stood horrified, waiting.

She boarded the next train and finally stepped onto the platform at Covent Garden. She saw Christina sitting on a bench licking an enormous lollipop. Next to her, stood those immaculately-dressed women that radiated such peace.

Marybeth embraced her daughter and finally exhaled. When she turned to thank the two souls who had come to her aid, they were gone.

Marybeth referred to the women as “earth angels” when she shared her sacred experience with me. She didn’t know where they’d come from or where they’d gone, only that they’d been there when she’d needed them. She was so moved by what happened, she later painted an image of Christina’s lollipop, so she’d never forget.

Christina grew up, married, had children, and recently passed. Only as I finished writing this experience did I realize the powerful metaphor. Christina got on the train and has gone ahead. It’s horrifying for her mother, but Christina’s already there, safe, surrounded by angels, and being provided for. Everything is in order.