I am a huge believer in guardian angels. There are people up in the clouds watching over us, anticipating our every move. They are our friends, family members, even acquaintances who are no longer able to spend physical, literal time with us. However, I do not think that their absence removes them from our every day lives.

My favorite guardian angel passed away about a year before I was born. She conducted herself with grace, positivity, and confidence every day. Or so I have been told on nearly a daily basis. My grandma Joan was a friend to all. Everyone in the community referred to her as “their good friend Joannie.” My grandma’s passing was sudden and unexpected. She has been missed dearly every single day.

I wish that I had the opportunity to spend time with the person everyone tells me I resemble. Although I will not have that opportunity, I still think that she, and many others, are watching out for me every day. My guardian angels have my back as they send me signals that they are with me. I feel their presence in the most unexpected places.

My guardian angels are among the stars.

My mom always told me to be home before the streetlights came on and the sky got dark. However, when that was not an option due to swim practice or hanging out with friends, she taught me to find comfort in the stars. I learned to look up at the stars whenever I was out late at night and feeling unsafe because my grandma Joan was up there looking out for me.

My guardian angels are behind rosy cheeks.

Growing up, my family members always called me Stella. My great-grandma Stella Rose always wore a kind smile and rosy cheeks. Luckily, I inherited those super rosy cheeks when I was born. Being the typical embarrassed young girl, I wished every day that my rosy cheeks would go away. I found them embarrassing as they drew too much attention to me. However, now that I’m older and learned the value of blush, I am grateful for my rosy cheeks. In fact, I geek out whenever I see someone else has rosy cheeks as well. I am obsessed with them because I find them very attractive.

My guardian angels are riding the waves.

A dear friend of mine passed away when I was too young to recognize what death and grieving actually meant. I remember my mom picked me up from summer school with a red face and swollen eyes as she delivered the bad news. My brother and I grew up with this friend as we saw them daily at swim practices and weekends spent by the shoreline. Her passing occurred way too soon and way too suddenly. It has been nearly seven years since the death of my friend. Yet every single time I go to the beach and see the sun reflecting off the water, I swear I can feel her there with me.

Life has a funny way of working like that. These moments hit you out of the blue. But take it from me, whenever your guardian angles provide you with a sign, stop and appreciate it. These signs are filled with love, support, and guidance from those looking out for you.