Thaddeus

This happened to me a few years ago. It’s a deeply personal story and one that I’ve held pretty tight to my chest this is until now. I’ve been reluctant because some out there will mock me but if you know me then you understand that I have always been true to who I am, there are 2 Crosses tattooed on my body for a reason 

I had just finished a hard training session at Hyde Park Gym in Austin and of course I was hungry so I decided to go to HEB’s Central Market to get lunch and grab some goodies to make for dinner. I got lucky and found a great table outside in the sun and settled in to enjoy my lunch. I swear I had just started eating when the sky opened up and pissed down rain sending me and everyone else scrambling for a spot under the covered patio, I got lucky and grabbed a table close to the edge so I could enjoy the sun shower that’s typical for South Texas. I watched as people selfishly spread out on the limited number of tables, but it seemed like everyone that I offered to share my table with declined, as they hurried on past me with their heads down, when this old dude accepted my offer and sat down. We chatted about innocuous things when he looked me dead in the eyes and I’ll never forget his words, 

“God is here for you and He knows that you are waging a battle against the demons in this world. He wants you to know that He is here for you and wants you to keep fighting in His Name.”

“Ed, you understand that there is evils in this world, you have always been a Warrior in God’s Army. Never despair for God is by your side and so am I”

“I have always been there protecting you”

“I am Thaddeus” 

“I am your Guardian Angel” 

I swear not but a few seconds after he said that the sky cleared, he stood up and smiled and said

“Remember, that God loves you and He is always by your side and so am I.” 

“Be Strong and Courageous.” 

I just sat there stunned, not able to say a word as I watched him disappear into the crowd, seriously I couldn’t move…trust me I tried to get up to chase him but I couldn’t even get to my feet, I just sat there with my face buried in my hands with tears streaming down my face. I have truly fought some fierce battles in my life both in my past and right there in that moment. 

As I collected my thoughts I realized something, I never told him my name, at no point in our 15-20 minute conversation did I ever tell him my name or anything personal but he seemed to know everything about me. 

I wear a thin bracelet on my right wrist, last year of all people amazingly with everything she’s put me through, Sally gave it to me and it simply says, 

“Be Strong and Courageous”