Among Tomie’s papers and drawings were a short story, “The Angel and the Snowdrops,” and three illustrations for the story from the late 1960s.
The short story shortened:
A lovely village in England realized something was missing in the village. There wasn’t a church in the village. So, a beautiful little church was built.
“Happily went the years until a darkened age descended upon the world, blackening the souls of men. Selfishness crept stealthily through their hearts and unanimity died.
“The little church did not miss this fearsome plague. Fewer people came to sing their praises unto Heaven - there was not time they said, the world was moving so quickly and it took them all of their time to keep up with it. The neighboring village grew like a malignant fungus, fastening its roots about the very heart of the village in which the little church stood…
“An angel passing through the clouds high above felt the sobs of the little church, for they shook the very floor of Heaven…
“‘I must see what is happening,’ said the angel, and he flew down to the town which stretched below him like a monster with grasping fingers digging into the fruitful and green soil of the countryside…
“The whole unhappy story was unfolded to the angel, who with each word grew sadder and with each sentence fell deeper and deeper into depression. Involuntarily the angel glanced about him as the little church described the happy days of his earlier life…
“‘Little church,’ said the angel when he had heard the story, and had seen all about him, ‘I understand your unhappiness…’
“‘‘…perhaps I can bring back some of the happiness you once knew.’ And the angel flew away into Heaven.
“Some hours later he returned to the little church, bearing in his arms gathered snowdrops which he took inside and placed upon the altar. He felt a glow of happiness spread through the little church as the air became laden with the sweet smell of Nature, and then, suddenly, the whole church was filled with brightness… It was as though the little church had been illumed by a thousand candles that blazed forth all at once in triumph…
“‘Why,’ said the angel, half to himself and half to the little church, ‘I must be a guardian angel. Why, yes, I’m your guardian angel, little church. The good Lord has made me a guardian angel and I shall look after you for evermore.’ And the angel began to sing…
“Once again the little church had found happiness…”
But, happiness was short-lived. The little church was considered obsolete and scheduled to be demolished.
On the day of destruction, the angel returned with snowdrops and song. Astonished workmen saw the strange bright light, the angel, heard the singing, and told their employer.
The little church was not torn down, and was re-consecrated.
The drawing is titled “And the angel began to sing…” (Bob)
Copyright (c) Estate of Tomie dePaola and Whitebird, Inc.
Pray for Peace, Justice, and Equality
An Orderly Transition would be nice, too.
