We got a wonderful letter today, postmarked Albany, New York. Beyond that the writer didn’t give enough details for us to try and track him down. He wishes to remain anonymous and asks that we publish his story anonymously.
At the very least, I have to talk to him and be sure that he is real and his story is true. I can understand why he wants his identity hidden. Not everybody believes in angels.
“I used to be an avid hunter,” the letter-writer says by way of introduction. “But twenty years ago, I suddenly stopped.”
He hasn’t told his buddies why he stopped, partly for fear of being ridiculed. Hunting alone, he had an accident and was stranded in intense pain over the long cold night, with no one remotely aware that he was in danger. He survived because of what he calls his woodland angels. And he has proof of their presence. It is one of the most beautiful stories I have read in all my career as editor-in-chief.
“Recently my granddaughter introduced me to your Angels on Earth magazine–which I loved!” (Thank you, granddaughter!) “ I decided it was time to tell what happened to me that made me quit hunting. However, because I don’t want my former hunting buddies to know about that occasion, I am submitting this anonymously. I hope you will still publish it. Thank you.”
Mr. Former Hunter with the Albany postmark, please do contact me at my work email chughes@guideposts.org so we can talk, or write to me with your phone number and I’ll call.
I would never reveal your name without your consent, and we can run the story anonymously if you’ll allow me to get to know you a little bit and verify that the story is true.
I also have a funny feeling those “macho hunting buddies” of yours would have to believe you when they see the story printed in a well-respected national magazine. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your story with our readers. Everybody, stay tuned!
