Is Theo of Golden an Angel?
Have you ever read or heard or watched a story that was so beautiful at its core that you didn’t want it to end: the kind that makes you want to read it or listen to it or watch it again and again?
Recently I’ve been caught up (again) in just that kind of book.
Theo of Golden, by Allen Levi, is the tale of a man who takes up temporary residence in a small southern town. Theo, an unassuming octogenarian, begins his time in a coffee shop where he notices beautiful pencil drawings of Golden residents. One by one he gifts the townsfolk their portraits in exchange for their stories, but the exchange is bigger than that. Theo also provides a non-judgmental, listening ear and makes some very dear friends in his new community.
Just like you and me, everyone in the story is flawed in one way or another. Even gracious Theo, we find, has a line that causes him to lose his cool.
Obviously, I highly recommend this book – but if reading or listening to books is not your thing, I will highlight what it is that seems most angelic in nature.
First, there is a feather on the cover. Angels and feathers go together, and the fountain, where Theo meets over 40 individuals, is called “Fedder Fountain” after a child’s mispronunciation of the word “feather”. There is also an eclectic character who loves birds and gifts Theo with a simple, artistic creation for holding collected feathers.
Second, the theme is love. Love of self, love of neighbors, love of those who seem different (alien) is woven throughout the entire book. Theo sees the essence of each person’s soul, and as he listens to their stories with his whole being, he teaches them to do the same. It results in a divine connectedness.
The angels know we are all struggling in our own ways. We are being asked to step out of our own hurt and frustration for a moment and truly listen to the stories of the people around us with rapt attention. Can you experience vicariously the joys, sorrows, and awe-filled moments of your neighbor, your friend, or even a family member?
It’s funny how listening to someone describe why the cello is their favorite instrument, or how being concerned about someone’s safety has you mapping out steps to keep them from falling, or how figuring out the perfect gift for people based on paying attention to things they have said in passing not only pull us out of our own misery, but create a moment of peace.
Angels are messengers. They are very good at what they do – sending messages. We are not always good receivers of the messages, but when we allow for them to come to us in the books we read, the shows we watch, the people we meet, and the thoughts we have, we will realize that they are all around us – showering us with love, protection, and peace.
