Barefoot and dirty, the little girl just sat in the park and watched people go by. She never tried to speak, she never said a word. Many people passed, but not one person glanced her way, no one stopped, including me. The next day I decided to go back to the park, curious if the little girl would still be there.

Right in the very spot she was yesterday, she sat perched on high, with the saddest look in her eyes. But today I could not just walk away, concerned only with my affairs. I found myself walking over to the little girl. For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone.

As I began walking towards her, I could see the back of the little girl's dress indicated a deformity. I figured that was the reason the people just passed by and made no effort to care.

As I got closer, the little girl slightly lowered her eyes to avoid my intent stare. I could see the shape of her back more clearly. It was grotesquely shaped in a humped over form. I smiled to let her know it was okay, I was there to help, to talk.

I sat down beside her and opened with a simple "hello." The little girl acted shocked and stammered a "hi" after along stare into my eyes. I smiled and she shyly smiled back.

We talked 'til darkness fell and the park was completely empty. Everyone was gone and we were alone. I asked the girl why she was so sad. The little girl looked at me and said, "Because I am different." I immediately said, "That you are!" and smiled.

The little girl acted even sadder, she said, "I know."

"Little girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent."

She looked at me and smiled slowly, she stood to her feet and said, "Really?"

"Yes, dear, you're like a little guardian angel sent to watch over all those people walking by."

She nodded her head, "YES!" and smiled, and with that she spread her wings and said, "I am. I'm your guardian angel," with a twinkle in her eye.

I was speechless, sure I was seeing things.

She said, "And when you began thinking of someone other than yourself, my job here was done."

Immediately I stood to my feet and said, "Wait, so why did no one else stop to help an angel?"

She looked at me and smiled, "You're the only one who could see me," and she was gone.

With that my life was changed dramatically. When you think you're all you have; remember, your angel is always watching over you. Mine was ....