Edna celebrated her 100th birthday today, and she loved every moment of it. (The nurse told me Edna was only turning 99, but Edna was calling the spiritual into the natural.) She adored everything we brought.

Joe gave her one of the little hand crosses he made, and she told him she would keep it with her everywhere she went.

Nick gifted her the folding daffodil bouquet, and she found the perfect spot to display it where it would always be visible.

I gave her the blanket from the Snugs and Hugs group at church, and she immediately asked if she could wrap up in it. We shared how each knot was prayed over as the group tied the warm blanket, front to back.

And, of course, we brought her a piece of cake with three candles—a “1” and two zeros.

She told me she didn’t have words to describe what it meant to see us again. I don’t have words for what it awakens inside of me to do this for her.

When I asked her to tell me more about the time she saw the little angel, her face lit up. She remembered it as if it had happened yesterday. She was sitting on a pew, surrounded by children, when she glanced down and saw her little angel right beside her.

Looking up at me, she affirmed with certainty that it was real, and I wholeheartedly agreed—she had seen into the spiritual world.

You could tell by her expression that it was one of the most profound moments of her life. I am sure she felt the peace of God while gazing upon the Spirit of our Lord.