Gracias!

It was the best of times and the worst of times. Sitting in the Rio de Janeiro airport in Brazil at midnight with my newly-adopted, seven-month old daughter and five-year-old son. Just wanting to be home at Christmas time. All three of us in tears. This was an unexpected stop on our lengthy journey. With three carry-on bags and totally exhausted children, I couldn’t fathom how we could rise from those plastic chairs to get on our next flight.

That’s when you appeared. You were disguised as a very elderly man wearing what appeared to be a janitor’s uniform. In broken English and a nod of your head, you convinced me you were there to help. When you picked up our bags along with my son, you pointed toward where our plane was boarding. A sympathetic flight attendant allowed you to accompany us to our seats.

I never knew what role guardian angels played, but I'll never forget as you walked away, I could only shout one word -- gracias!