He touched me!

She did not hesitate upon entering the room. Her stride revealed a determination to reach her destination without being detained. The family members who were gathered in a circle at the back of the room looked puzzled, or maybe just curious as to her identity. Leaning over and speaking in low tones, which are customary in such settings, they soon determined she was a total stranger to them. Now, under ordinary circumstances, this might not be unusual, but this was their father’s wake.
And since they lived in a small town of less than 900 people, it was reasonable for them to assume they knew all of their father’s friends and associates. Very soon, they begin to feel uncomfortable, as she seemed to linger too long at the casket and at one point she reached out and touched him. So it was decided someone needed to speak with her. The task of approaching her fell to the oldest son, not just because he was the oldest but because he was now expected to step up with Dad gone. He was to find out who she was and why she was here. After all, they could not run the risk of just anyone coming in to view their Father. They were a very close family and the loss of the dynamic, larger than life man they called Dad heightened their sense of protectiveness
Just as he started down the narrow aisle she turned and walked toward him and he could see she had been wiping away tears. Oh God, he thought who is this woman? Please God let there be a simple explanation as to why she is here.
They stopped at what seemed to be a half way point and she gently laid her hand on his arm. As she started to speak, he prayed he would have the strength to hear what he feared could not be good.
“I met your father two days ago in Johnson’s drugstore. As I entered I could heard a booming voice coming from the back of the store, and then this same voice broke into the most infectious laugh”. That would be my dad he thought. “I found it annoying, in fact down right irritating”, she continued. “You see the night before, my whole world had just come crashing down around me”. She did not elaborate as to why, and it did not seem to be relevant now.
“I made my way to the prescription counter where your Father was engaged in a lively conversation with the pharmacist. It was then I realized it was his voice and laughter I had heard. He smiled at me and stepped aside. I proceeded to finish my business with the pharmacist and then left the counter to make a few more purchases before making my leave
As I exited the drugstore, your Father was standing in front of his car. He started towards me and my first thoughts were, "oh I hope He does not want to talk to me, not now, I do not need this”. He introduced himself and in that same annoyingly cheerful voice he said, “you seem to be having a difficult day and I was wondering if you needed to talk with someone.” It is not necessary to reveal the details of our conversation. What is important is to share with you the hope your Father gave to me in my darkest hours. When I thought I was alone and no one cared, this total stranger took the time to reach out and touch my life. During our conversation I was first crying, then laughing, and slowly a dark cloud was lifted. The same voice that I had found so annoying suddenly sounded melodious and put a song of hope in my heart.”
"When I read in the paper today that he had passed away, I knew I had to come and say good-bye. I wanted to pay tribute to a wonderful man. I just needed to touch him." Then hesitating she added, “I am not a very religious person but that day I knew your father was sent to me. I believe some call it “divine intervention”, and if indeed it was then your father was Gods messenger.”

“I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.” Philippians 3:20 (NIV)

Malachi 3:1 “See, I will send my messenger.” Malachi 3:1 (NIV)

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 (NIV)