spacer
Thrive logo
spacer
spacer Log in | spacer
corner spacer corner
spacer
spacer
corner browseissues corner
spacer
spacer
spacer
corner spacer corner
spacer
corner popularlinks corner
spacer
spacer
spacer
corner spacer corner
corner spacer corner
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
corner spacer corner
spacer
spacer
corner spacer corner
spacer

An Angel Sent Across My Path
By Leo Donaldson

In February of 2006, while teaching my 10th grade computer science class, a call on my cell phone interrupted us. The school had a strict policy that all cell phones must be off in class, but for some reason I simply forgot to turn mine off on that specific day. Amid the jeers and Ooooooh’s erupting from the students, I decided to defy the powers that be, take the call and explain later. Little did I know that this single call would be a turning point in my life. Not only would it change it forever, but would plunge me into what would seem like a never-ending roller coaster ride.

A few years earlier, I had developed a kid’s book from images I had created in 3D. It was part of a pet project I worked on while studying Animation. Once the characters and scenes were finished, I wrote a story to go with the images I produced. I sent the manuscript to a publisher and went on with my life as if I had never written anything, always hoping that something would come of it.

“Mr. Donaldson,” the voice on the phone rang out, “This is Linda De Villiers from Struik publishing”… a long silence… followed by “Yes, Linda, how may I help you?” My heart was beating frantically in my chest. “We have had a look at your manuscript and love it; we would be delighted to publish your book.” My mind was racing but after a few deep breaths the conversation continued. She discussed a few details and told me that they would be in touch. I hung up the phone and went back into class. I tried my best to act normal but the feeling I had would take days to subside. It was finally happening.

A few days later, I received a second call from the Publisher. They told me that not only did they wish to publish my book, but they had decided that it should be a series, and thus would like to launch the first four books at the same time. I was faced with the challenge of writing three more stories in the time given. All while continuing to teach at the High School. That was a lot of pressure, but it felt great.

In July of 2007, my four books were launched at the International Book Fair in Cape Town, South Africa. Book sales were steadily climbing and I was thinking about what the next step would be. I was approached by an animation studio, who asked me if they could make the 3D animated TV series based on the books. Everything was falling into place and it seemed as if nothing could stop me from my imminent success.

Later, an investor approached me who saw the opportunity in not only the books, but the merchandising: (Caps, T-shirts, bedroom sets, toys.) As well as the TV rights. I accepted and was paid a handsome sum for their share. I felt as if I was well on my way to the big leagues.

In March of 2008, I had quit my teaching job and moved from the small-town of Knysna, where I was staying, to Cape Town. The factories that would be manufacturing the bedroom sets and clothing were there, and it would be much more economical to be close by. Everything was going smoothly as far as the manufacturing was concerned. I was living in a lovely apartment situated on the beach with a spectacular view of the ocean and Table Mountain. Life was great.

I was going about my business when I received an urgent call from my investor to meet with him as soon as humanly possible. His voice seemed rather irate, and it left me wondering what this could possibly be about as I drove to the meeting place. I sat dumbfounded and speechless as he informed me that he was forced to withdraw from any dealings with me, and there was nothing that he or I could do about it. It was over.

I went from dumbfounded and speechless to rage in three seconds flat. In the following few minutes I heard, for the first time, that one of my “friends” had issued a summons indicating that he was suing me. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Apparently he was suing me for 50% ownership of everything that I had written to date, as well as everything I would ever write in the future. He claimed that I had written the books while renting a room in his house and therefore, he was entitled to half of everything. I realize that this may seem like a bizarre claim or even some sick joke, but he was serious! This plunged me into more than a year of court cases and lawyer consultations that sent the legal fees through the roof. I did eventually win the case but it was not without leaving deep scars. I lost everything I had and was forced to face the harsh reality of having to start my life over. You may be asking yourself how this was possible. I wish that I could say that it was only a dream, but it was not. It was real and I was not enjoying it at all.

I awoke in the driver seat of my car, early one morning, just as the sun came up over the ocean. I had been sleeping in the parking lot of a popular restaurant for the past three nights. I had asked the security guards to watch over me and my car while I tried to get some sleep. The dust had settled around the lawsuit debacle; I had no house and had little money to my name. I decided to take my last money, put petrol in the car and drive to the town of Knysna that I once called home, and try to pick up the pieces of my now broken life.

Back in Knysna again, where I had been teaching when all of this started, I longed for my uncomplicated life I once had. I tried to get my job back as a teacher but they had already replaced me. I ended up doing odd jobs here and there, creating logos and fliers for a few small local companies. I got a part-time job driving tourists around in a three-wheeler motorcycle for a measly wage that would at least feed me for the day. A friend was kind enough to let me sleep on the couch in his living room until I could get back on my feet. I knew that this was not going to be a walk in the park. I was sure that he felt the same way, although he said nothing about it. I was despondent and could not see a way out. To say that I had reached rock bottom would be an understatement. Many nights I would lie in bed and ask God why these things had happened to me. I asked Him to help me. I had tried everything and nothing seemed to work. My way was obviously not the right way.

I had been friends with a widow named Adri, in a nearby town, that I would converse with whenever I got the chance by email. She used to call me on occasion and we would talk for hours on the phone. We found that we had many common interests and although she was some years older than me, I felt a kinship with her that I have not felt with many others. One Sunday morning, when I was feeling particularly down, she asked me to be honest with her and tell her what was going on in my life. Up until then, I was not letting too many people in on how I really felt and what my financial condition was. When I told her my sorry story she immediately invited me to stay with her. She lived alone; her husband had died four years before we met. The thinking process behind moving in with her was that I would provide her with the company she craved. In return, it would take the pressure off me financially so I could focus on writing and not worry about where to stay or what to eat. I drove to her place later that same day.

The agreement worked out very well for both of us. We visited various places together, restaurants, movies, and watched our favorite TV shows together. She was very happy that she did not have to sit in her house all alone in the evenings after work anymore. To be honest, I was happy to be sleeping in a comfortable bed with delicious food to eat every night. I thoroughly enjoyed her company. I could practice the cooking skills I had gained over the years. And she was brave enough to be the guinea pig when I tried out a new dish that we saw on the cooking channel. We had some crazy fun times and oftentimes would laugh until our sides hurt. She went out of her way to make me feel human again. I used to take her to work in the mornings and fetch her in the evenings, just so I could get out of the house. Every Sunday morning we strolled on the beach and afterwards, we would sit in the restaurant and enjoy a drink while watching the waves breaking on the sand close by. All in all, it was wonderful.

Two and a half years passed and we were now living in a new apartment in a Marina; the apartment was close to the water’s edge. Her house was on the market when I first came to stay with her; it sold shortly after I arrived. I had managed to get some freelance writing and she was working at the same company that she had been working at for the past nine years. Although everyone that saw us was under the impression that we were in a relationship, this was not the case. I could see why people would think that as we were always together. The fact was that we stayed in separate rooms; we were close and had loads of fun, but our relationship was never sexual, although we did joke about it at times. We just never went that route in our friendship. We were enjoying life, having fun together. It was great to share each other’s company with no expectations. Life was finally beginning to look like it was working out fine for both of us. She told me one night, as we were sharing a glass of wine, that she had never been as happy in many years.

In August of 2011, early one morning, I was up at my usual time at 6am. I had the usual routine down. I would get up, make myself a cup of coffee, and sit at my desk checking emails before settling into my day. At around 7am, I noticed there was no movement coming from her bedroom. I had grown used to her morning routine. Every day was the same, except Sundays of course. She would get up, say good morning, then have a shower. She would get ready for work and we would leave by car. This particular morning was different. I noticed no movement from her in the house the whole morning; had she perhaps overslept? What could it possibly be? I decided to find out. I knocked on her bedroom door; getting no response, I decided to go in and take a look. I found her lying in her bed peacefully, fast asleep. I walked over to her bed and shook her shoulder for her to wake up. There was no response. An ice-cold chill flooded my entire body. “This can’t be happening!” I felt for a pulse in her neck; there was nothing. I felt her wrist… Nothing… I started to freak out! What does one do? My mind went blank; I couldn’t remember what the emergency number was. I ran to my room and searched on Google for the number and called them. Everything seemed like a weird dream from then on. The ambulance came as well as the police. Everything seemed surreal. She was gone… the doctor said that her heart had simply stopped during the night. The angel that God had sent my way to help me face life once again was no more. She was 53 years old. After attending the funeral, I promptly left and found a place of my own on the other side of town.

I look back now at the time when God sent this Angel across my path when I was in the depths of despair, to help me up and give me hope. I am glad that I could also be there for her when she was going through a very lonely time in her life. I came to realize that two people can make each other happy just by being there for each other; no complications, no sex, just companionship and deep friendship. We had our laughs and our sad times together. We spent many nights discussing spiritual things, and could talk for hours about just about anything. We had loads of fun.

I have often thought about the night before she passed. It was different from the other nights. Usually she would sit and watch her favourite TV shows. She absolutely loved the cooking channels. Thankfully, it was my favourite too. But this night she was talking all the time and not really focusing on the TV. Then she got up and announced that she was going to get an early night. I simply wrote it off to the fact the she had been working hard. I sat watching some more TV. About an hour later, she came walking into the room and asked me for a hug. This was nothing out of the ordinary as she often gave me hugs. What was strange was that she looked me in the eyes and said, “I appreciate you.” I said I appreciated her as well. She then went back to bed. Little did I know that those would be the very last words that she would ever say to me.

Six months later I am finally on my feet and have a very nice place that I call home. I write fulltime; I have written four episodes of a kids’ TV show. I am currently writing a Sci-fi novel and have two very big projects that I am working on. The future looks bright and full of excitement. Life is great.

I have learned that when you are truly in a bad space, don’t give up! Help is on its way; just keep treading water and make sure you are still afloat when help arrives. I am humbled by the experience that I have been through as it has caused me to grow as a person and see the spiritual depth in life. God is good to me. I am grateful for the people that God has sent across my path, and will never forget them as long as I have breath in my lungs.

Especially that one Angel that came into my life and changed my life forever.

Leo Donaldson Bio:

I am the creator of the kids book series,” Toby the big little tugboat“, a 260 episode TV series based on these books is in the making. I have written”Toawan Warrior”, a screenplay for a 3D animated movie, as well as “The Secret Beneath”, a Sc-fi screenplay. “Space Port 3000” a Sc-fi Novel, (a work in progress)…4 episodes of Mox and Sox a SA TV series for kids.. I love life and will do all I can in my power to live it to the full, and make all my dreams become a reality.. I know exactly what I want in life and know exactly how to get there. Vist my website.

Back to Stories

 

spacer
COMMENT (1) | healing, inspiration, relationships, self growth, trust
spacer

Comments

One Response to “An Angel Sent Across My Path”

  1. online festival
    November 28th, 2015 @ 1:40 am

    Every year, people in India find different ways to celebrate the same
    festival, and perhaps this adds new dimension to any festival
    that has been celebrated for centuries. It is a festival
    that is celebrated by everyone no matter what their age and income group.
    “Beach Music is a lifestyle” Its not defined by a specific beat or specific sound, its
    the music we listen to when we are hanging out with friends and having a cold drink at the
    beach.

Leave a Reply





spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
corner spacer corner
spacer
corner spacer corner
spacer
newsletter
spacer
spacer
spacer
corner spacer corner
spacer
corner comments corner
spacer

    Mike

    My wife is an alcoholic she drinks liquor from the time she gets up until the the liquor store closes.im at the crossroa...
    April

    I have been married to my alcoholic husband for 11 years but we have been together for the last 19 years. We met at a ve...
    Tina

    I have been married for 22 years. Both my husband and I were casual drinkers. As the years went by we began drinking m...
    Amy Weisenburger

    What a beautiful message!! My fur-babies, soulmates gave my life tremendous purpose and meaning. Their paw print...
    Frank Sterle Jr.

    Whenever I observe stress in the facial expression of my mother, a typical senior, I also observe how that stress drains...
    Kim

    This was an excellent blog. I have been with my alcoholic husband for 15 years. I felt like I was losing my mind with th...
    Alice

    Helping someone with this issue is hard. And even more if you love him. I know that very well. We struggled with it for ...
    Union Alarm

    The best way is to leave such a person as it is not worth making your life miserable with such a person. I know this as ...
    Nancy Flora

    I think what you mean is a non-drinking member of an alcoholic family. Alcoholism is a family disease. Just as your husb...
    Amanda

    The family is waking up Sunday AM and my alcoholic husband again makes another nasty comment to me. The things he has sa...
    Angel

    I learned how to detach from my drunk husband! Than my mother passed away. All gloves were off after that. My son gradua...
    Lorraine

    Married thirty seven and a half years to an alcoholic. But he is a good person. And he does good deeds for everyone neig...
    jw

    I have been with my husband twenty one years. We have three children together, ages 5,7, and 9. He is a functioning alco...
    Richard Berman

    A emotional story well written with bright eye ups and sad eye downs. A story I could relate to. My grandparents would...
    Gina

    Love this. Just what I needed to read. Thank you for your courage to share this....
    Tired

    I am struggling with detaching, but still trying. I have been with my other half off and on for 5 years. The offs were...
    Debra Grossman

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. It nourishes my soul to learn of such special friendships. We humans must ...
    Jack russell

    Really enjoyed reading the website. I have also have a website about this great dog....


    Thank God for your blog. After 37 years of being married to an alcoholic,I've finally reached my breaking point. Emotion...


    Thanx 4 da truth...
    Sandra

    I am from USA, i am 36 years old, i want to gladly give My testimony of how a spell caster dr.mac@yahoo. com brought bac...
    g

    Thank you for your words. As I navigate through marriage with children (11, 5, 3) and I am a stay at home mom, the idea ...
    Catherine Ellen Pettway

    My husband and I married in 1988. He occasionally drank beer but not everyday. He came from a long history of alcoholics...
    Nic

    Thank you Mike for your honesty and vulnerability. It helps to feel a connection with someone who understands the enduri...
    Robert Goldsmith

    Thank you for sharing that very intimate experience and your story. I'm married to an alcoholic and am having severe pro...
    MANDI

    Is this group still going? I love my husband and I knew what I was getting into when I married him. I knew he like to dr...
    Kelly

    Dear Keith, I hope you are at peace now. You are missed by many....
    Delilah Campos

    Dear LaVora, Thank you so much for sharing this intimate experience. I am deeply touched and encouraged by your experie...
    Mary Ellen Bennett

    Thank you so much. I am married to an alcoholic and I have watched him go through rehabilitation and relapse many times....
    Tracy

    Thank you for sharing your story with me Ivor. I'm so glad you had a loving supportive Aunt to guide you out from beneat...
    Daniel Fontana

    I know those kids,especially Snezana.Please send me their contact information....
    Neyhaaa

    I can't thank you enough for sharing this. Yet, thank you....
    Amy

    My daughter is five and her dad is an alcoholic. I know we need to leave. We both own our house and I can't afford a law...
    CPC

    I think this is among the such a lot important info for me. And i'm happy studying your article. However want to statem...
    online festival

    Every year, people in India find different ways to celebrate the same festival, and perhaps this adds new dimension to...
    Karol

    Listening to all the mother's on here is overwhelming for me. I think about what all of you are going through and I can ...
    Vicki Osheka

    This is my second marriage and I came from a non drinking family. Didn't realize what I was getting into when I married...
    Elle

    Wel written article. My husband is walking around totally beligerant. Where he ends up making messes, he has snowballed ...
    Maren

    Thank you for this! 3rd day on Cipralex and a glimmer of hope....


    I 'gave in' recently. I am more hopeful than ever that things will improve for me after reading this article. It is insp...
    LindaJane Riley

    I apologize to everyone who has commented. I didn't know this story was still active. I would like to invite all of ...
    Rahulbh28

    Dear Members, Please help me. . . I'm sharing my painful moments which my brother and my family members are undergoing ...
    rene

    Yes i too lived the nightmare for 45 yrs..when in my marriage the last. 10 yrs my alcoholic lived in the same house and ...
    Grace

    I typed in Google search, overcoming childhood loneliness because I am paying attention to some habits that I have been ...
    Casadina

    I am so thankful that I found this website. I am like others on here and my alcoholic is passed out snoring again. This ...
    Grateful

    I cannot express how much I appreciate your story. I have been with my alcoholic for 11 years and I do not even know my...
    Vic

    I stumbled upon this beautifully written article because I just "gave in" today. I just picked up my perscription of cir...
    Carol

    I have recently begun to admit that my husband is an alcoholic. My heart is broken... I am pissed... I have so many emot...
    TJ

    Thank you for this article. You are the first person who seems to understand why I am still married to an alcoholic. I...
    sariah

    I wept as I read your story. I am currently learning to detach as well after 20 years of marriage to an alcoholic. Leavi...
    LaVora

    Good luck, N. My experience may not be yours. However, I deeply believe that happiness is our birthright. You deserve th...
    nk

    Lavora, I am exactly here in my marriage - trying to turn it around. Rgds, N...
    Suzanne

    Hi Martin and Cathy. Watched your documentary. You are a wonderful family. Everyone has their struggles, no one is exemp...
    admin

    Thank you for letting us know. The link is now set to the their new WEB page. We have our dog from them....
    Linda Jane Riley

    About a year ago I was forced to take a step back from all things related to alcoholism. My husband, Riley, was not drin...
    SHerry

    Your link to the rescue adoption site is for sale with no other info on the dogs....
    Karen Rago

    I think that Jesse is the most adorable jack Russell terrier dog I love watching his videos to...
    Marleen

    Thank you for sharing your story! That's real inspirating!...
    Julie

    Its 4:50am here. I can hear him snoring in the nursery. I brought the baby to bed with me.. He only snores when he drink...
    ld

    I thought I was suffering alone. The advice and comments make me feel better and gives me the strength to go on. Keep th...
    Sam

    Hi Mike, Very poignant, "There are no grown-ups. We are all children in adult garments" is right on the mark. Sufferi...
    TJ

    Thank You!!! Like "judy" commented above my mind was racing and I felt out of control... My life seemed to be falling a...
    Karunakaran

    It's very nice....
    judy

    Thanks for ur writings... it really help my mind to calm down.... where can i go to talk with alot of nonalcoholics??? N...
    Tanya Sousa

    We certainly do have to change the way we respond, don't we Paul? I'm encouraged though. I do see it happening -- althou...
    Paul Trainer

    Thank you, Tanya, this is all so true. As someone who adores starlings too, I know that it is only when you take the tim...
    Cathy

    In reading I see how difficult it is to be married to an alcoholic husband for 30 years and have now discovered that if ...
    carrir

    You took the words right out of my mouth. Xoxo...
    ceri

    What an amazing story of love between step son and step father...
    Caney Texas

    Hello! I've been reading your site for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out fr...
    julie

    what a wonderful article, she described me to a tee , it was nice to put words to the feelings , I am new to cipralex bu...
    michele

    I am hurting so badly right now, it is taking all the strength and coping ability I have just to get through the day! O...
    denise morini

    PLEASE understand that I do not feel redeemed......still...........getting Lexi DID NOT make up for what I did to Jack, ...
    Carleen Quesenberry

    Denise- It is perplexing that you would write a "feel good" story after you abandoned a dog due to your failure to trai...
    Jon

    While I love the article, I caution those reading the post by "finally AM, me." I was in a relationship for 12 years to...
    Wendy Noer

    I felt like I was there, good story Melodee, keep writing. Let me know when you finish another one....


    thank you...
    Sandi

    This is great, Mel! Congratulations! I hope to see more of your writings - especially the novel you're working on......
    Katie

    My name is Katie. I'm 40. I have only visited your website, haven't purchased your book yet. I've been diagnosed bi-...
    Kaylee

    Your story helped convince me to start retaking my cipralex! Thank you!...
    gautam khanal

    Love actually does not have any boundary of Cast,Religion,Profile,Species,Class etc........
    Nayanna Chakrbarty

    Dear Kalpana, Thank you for your kind wishes. I do agree with you, when you think you are all alone that's when He ma...
    Kalpana

    Dear Nayanna, It' such a pleasure reading your experiences with Ganapthi (as I call him). He is so close to my heart ...
    Haley

    Made my day we have no reason to complain bout anything...
    Melissa

    Sorry typo , thank you again ......
    Melissa

    Thank you , LindaJane; I will consider joining. Thank you against for your response .. Be well Melissa...
    Linda J Riley

    UPDATE -- Since I wrote this story, I have created several support groups: Two on Facebook and one on an independent sit...
    Melissa

    For 20 years that had been my life! This last time was so bad , he attacked me then choked his 19 year old twin daughter...
    Steve Sumii

    Joe, What a beautiful story. I visualized the whole story. The ending where you walk with your dad was especially moving...
    JW

    The story now the subject of a documentary aired on Knowledge Network. Video can be seen online at: http://knowled...
    http://tinyurl.com/kovalane39421

    I really would like to book mark this blog, “Turning Trash Into Beauty – Kat Nicotera’s Unique Art Therapy | Thri...
    joybells

    wow. i am going through the same journey! thanks for helping me & assisting me with that journey!...
    Noelle Sterne

    Fangfang-- You have been blessed with a husband and parents who understand that nothing is wasted. And you have learn...
    Fangfang

    Wow ... what a strong and passionate article!! Really?? Nothing is wasted?? I am feeling like I have wasted my life for...
    Pushpa Rawat

    sooo lovely and feel of very true friendship forever...
    Tanya Sousa

    Hi Diane! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I was so blessed to have her in my life AND to have the parents I had. Also, gr...
    Joyce

    Billie, I found your story very interesting and well-written. Some people would have been judgemental about the conditio...
    Diane

    Shiri, your article is very interesting and brought tears to my eyes. I have been a dog parent/companion to many wonder...
    Diane Schachter

    Tanya, I so enjoyed reading the story of your dog sister. I love how you describe your adventures and relationship with...
    Acamea

    Thank you James. :-)...
spacer
corner spacer corner
spacer
Copyright 2010 thriveinlife.ca. All rights reserved. | Privacy Statement
spacer
spacer