Sunday:) Signs From Heaven and a Sermon

Three years ago today, a beautiful memory and miracle worth repeating. I was in Chicago with my family, making arrangement and preparing for the memorial service for my sweet angel mother. This miracle from Mom needs to be shared again.

AS ONLY ANGELS CAN

If you don’t believe in angels

I’m here to say it’s true

There are angels up in heaven

They’re watching over you,

So, I asked my angel mother

I whispered in her ear

When you get up there in heaven

Please show us you are near.

If only you could send a sign

As only angels can

We will know you’re safe in heaven

And that you have a plan.

To watch and guard us every day

You’ll guide us from above

So, you left two lucky pennies

Beneath your painting, signed with love.

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

**************************

This is a true story of faith and love and angels. As my sweet mother grew weaker and less alert, my sister and I would talk to her and sing to her. I prayed the rosary out loud to comfort Mom during her final days in hospice. One of the last things I whispered in her ear was, “Please Mom, when you get up to heaven, could you show us a sign that you’re OK, that there really is a heaven? I know if anyone could do it, you could. I know you’ll always be my guardian angel.”

We’ve done a lot of crying since Mom passed away last week, but today, the crying was a celebration. Mom left us a sign. Those of you who know me, you already know that I believe in lucky pennies. They always appear out of nowhere when I need them most. I always look up to heaven and say, “Thank you.”

This afternoon, my sister and I went out for some lunch. We’ve spent days and days sorting and reminiscing and making arrangements and crying, It’s been a whirlwind, so it was good to get out of the house for a little while. My sister said, “Let’s go to the library so I can vote. They have early voting, and we can return Mom’s audio-books.”

Well, early voting hadn’t started yet, so we just returned the books and got a bit teary-eyed, because Mom loved the library and all the people. She had donated her very large “Cinco de Mayo” painting to the library several years ago. It takes up an entire wall on the second floor. When I asked my sister if she needed any books or videos while we were there, she said, “Not really, let’s just go home.” Then I said, “Should we go upstairs and see Mom’s mural before we go?” Of course, we needed to do that.

The elevator opened and we walked ever so slowly towards the mural.

There on the bench, right beneath her painting, were two lucky pennies from heaven. We both burst into tears as I blurted out, “Here’s our sign. I asked Mom to send us a sign. Here it is! Two pennies, not just one. What are the chances that they would be here waiting for us today, right beneath her painting?”

I hadn’t told my sister the story about asking Mom to send us a sign right before she passed away, until that moment. If she didn’t believe in angels before, I’m pretty sure she does now. We both knew Mom was an angel here on earth, but now, we both know that she’s up in heaven. She gave us a sign.

Thanks Mom.

So, for today’s Gospel according to Mark… Jesus was in the dessert for 40 days, tested by Satan. He was with wild beast, attended by angels. After John’s arrest, Jesus appears in Galilee, proclaiming The Good News, the reign of God is at hand.

My take on it… there will always be temptations by Satan, but if we remain faithful and strong, we will be honoring God and the Good News. We will be attended by angels.

I feel fortunate to be guided by angels here on earth, right now. Amen

Happy Sunday, my friends. I hope you believe in Angels too.

Monday:) Memories of Mom

“Three years ago today, another lovely angel was greeted at the gates of heaven.”-Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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I wrote this poem three years ago when my amazing mother went to heaven. It’s a bitter-sweet memory and tribute to the kindest woman that ever walked the earth. I know she smiles down on me every day, and does her best to keep me out of trouble. (It’s a tough job, but she’s been known to perform miracles before.) LOVE YOU MOM❤️

MY ANGEL MOTHER

There’s another angel in heaven

Today her soul took wing

She’s up in heaven dancing

While the other angels sing

All were waiting for her

Their arms stretched open wide

To greet my angel mother

There on the other side.

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

************************

Words cannot express the extreme sadness nor the joy that heaven has found a new angel.

Love you Mom.

A short video of my sweet angel mother and her beautiful smile and laughing eyes……

I post this every year on this day. ❤️

Saturday Memories of My Sweet Mother

“I didn’t lose my mother. Heaven gained an angel. She is by my side every day.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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It’s been two years since Mom went to heaven. I almost feel guilty that I am not mournful or distraught. I do have little tears trickling down as I reminisce, looking at old photos and remembering the good times, but I am happy because I know she’s in heaven. She sent us a sign, and I knew if anyone could do it, Mom could.

So today, I’ll go to Mass, light a candle and say a prayer, I’ll talk to Mom like I do every day, because I know she’s missing me too.

ANOTHER ANGEL IN HEAVEN

There’s another angel in heaven

Today her soul took wing

She’s up in heaven dancing

While the other angels sing

All were waiting for her

Their arms stretched open wide

To greet my angel mother

There on the other side.

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

2/15/18

************************

Words cannot express the extreme sadness nor the joy that heaven has found a new angel.

Love you Mom. 😇

https://youtu.be/5p6wpkqVR0Q

Thursday:) This is Worth Repeating

“A beautiful story must be shared over and over again.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

**************************

When I checked my Facebook page this morning, this memory from last year came up. Everyone I share this story with gets goosebumps when they hear it. So, I’m sharing it again today. It’s beautiful. Only angels can send these signs…

Pennies From Heaven:) A True Story About An Angel

22

FEB

If you don’t believe in angels

I’m here to say it’s true

There are angels up in heaven

They’re watching over you,

So, I asked my angel mother

I whispered in her ear

When you get up there in heaven

Please show us you are near.

If only you could send a sign

As only angels can

We will know you’re safe in heaven

And that you have a plan.

To watch and guard us every day

You’ll guide us from above

So, you left two lucky pennies

Beneath your painting, signed with love.

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

**************************

This is a true story of faith and love and angels. As my sweet mother grew weaker and less alert, my sister and I would talk to her and sing to her. I prayed the rosary out loud to comfort Mom during her final days. One of the last things I whispered in her ear was, “Please Mom, when you get up to heaven, could you show us a sign that you’re OK, that there really is a heaven? I know if anyone could do it, you could. I know you’ll always be my guardian angel.”

We’ve done a lot of crying since Mom passed away last week, but today, the crying was a celebration. Mom left us a sign. Those of you who know me, you already know that I believe in lucky pennies. They always appear out of nowhere when I need them most. I always look up to heaven and say, “Thank you.”

This afternoon, my sister and I went out for some lunch. We’ve spent days and days sorting and reminiscing and making arrangements and crying, It’s been a whirlwind, so it was good to get out of the house for a little while. My sister said, “Let’s go to the library so I can vote. They have early voting, and we can return Mom’s audio-books.”

Well, early voting hadn’t started yet, so we just returned the books and got a bit teary-eyed, because Mom loved the library and all the people. She had donated her very large “Cinco de Mayo” painting to the library several years ago. It takes up an entire wall on the second floor. When I asked my sister if she needed any books or videos while we were there, she said, “Not really, let’s just go home.” Then I said, “Should we go upstairs and see Mom’s mural before we go?” Of course, we needed to do that.

The elevator opened and we walked ever so slowly towards the mural.

There on the bench, right beneath her painting, were two lucky pennies from heaven. We both burst into tears as I blurted out, “Here’s our sign. I asked Mom to send us a sign. Here it is! Two pennies, not just one. What are the chances that they would be here waiting for us today, right beneath her painting?”

I hadn’t told my sister the story about asking Mom to send us a sign right before she passed away, until that moment. If she didn’t believe in angels before, I’m pretty sure she does now. We both knew Mom was an angel here on earth, but now, we both know that she’s up in heaven. She gave us a sign.

Thanks Mom.

What does “Pennies from Heaven” mean?

You might have come across this phrase “pennies from heaven?” It’s meaning is not as simple as it sounds. Thinking about it just means pennies being tossed down from the heaven, which has no significant meaning. But, let me enlighten you about the true meaning of this phrase. Pennies from heaven indicate the occasion when angels miss you and therefore, toss down a penny from the heaven that you receive. That penny signifies the fact that some angel in heaven is missing you and therefore wants to communicate with you.

Spiritual meaning of finding pennies

We all are aware of the fact that numbers are attached with a significant spiritual meaning but, have you ever wondered that pennies might have spiritual meaning attached to them too? If not, you will know soon.

The spiritual meaning of finding pennies from heaven is that there is more to this world than what meets the eye. It is a sign from the Heaven and our loved ones who have passed away. The sign indicates that there is magic in the world we live in, and those that have passed away are watching over us in a spiritual way; it’s their way of showing love and reminding you that they still are a part of your life.

(From Blog of the Angels)

Tags: Angels, everyday life, miracles, pennies from heaven, Poetry, quotes, true story

Celebration of Life :) Don’t Sit Alone And Be Sad, Have A Party

“When you love someone special with all your heart, you celebrate their life, even when they are gone.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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Part Two: Celebration of Life

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my angel mother joining the other angels in heaven. Part One was going to Mass, Adoration, and lighting candles Friday morning. Part Two was preparing for a party with friends to celebrate the life of the most wonderful mother on the planet. I just invited a few close friends and neighbors to join me. Usually, Friday is Black Russian night, so it was a good day for a party.

One of the many things I learned from my mother was you should always have plenty of food and drinks for company. Not just plenty, but enough for everyone to take a little container home. Oh boy, did I have leftovers!

It was a fabulous party, and I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much. Mr. Jerry was the first to arrive, as usual, and people started filtering in throughout the evening. I was proud that I had enough chairs and seating for everyone. Well, we knew there would be enough food.

Before the evening was over and people had to leave, I asked everyone to raise a glass and toast to Mom. A few people had met Mom when she visited, and others had never met her, but they all have heard the wonderful stories and have seen the pictures.

“Here’s to you, Mom.”

Good friends, good food, and fine company. I wasn’t alone. I wasn’t sad. I was with friends who love me and who I love. It was a fun evening, and I could sense Mom smiling and enjoying the celebration too.

Miss Loretta helped me clean up the big mess afterwards and planned to spend the night. We did quick work of the mess and stayed up and talked a while. I was exhausted and exhilarated.

This morning, Linda, Pat Sherri, Loretta and I were meeting for breakfast. But first, we stopped to take some goodies over to fire station 9. They were just finishing up breakfast, but appreciated the sweet treats and homemade guacamole and chips for later. Gosh, I still have a container for station 5, but I’ll get over there later tonight.

Theme Song Thursday:) Angel On My Shoulder, Penny In My Pocket

“It’s amazing what miracles and little angels and pure love around you can bring out.”

~Tionne Watkins

*************

Sunday morning, I woke up with the 7am alarm. It’s always a tough wake up when you don’t go to bed till 1 or 2, and you don’t always fall asleep right away. But, I bounced up, looking forward to my Sunday morning greeting before Mass, and it was cold, so I was going to wear my silly sock monkey hat.

I wasn’t even a bit groggy when I grabbed my tooth brush and looked down in the doorway of the bathroom. There was a shiny penny right there on the tile floor. I know for a fact that it wasn’t there when I went to bed, and it wasn’t there the two times I got up during the night to go to the bathroom. I know it wasn’t! I’m very observant. But there it was at 7 am. Where did it come from?

I did that “Twilight Zone” theme Song in my head, and picked it up. I looked at the penny and noticed the back was different. It was Abe Lincoln sitting there reading a book. I’d never seen one of those pennies before. It felt a little spooky at first, then I smiled and said, “Just another penny from heaven. Thanks Mom.” It was shiny and new and different. I took that as a sign from my angel that a bright shiny new future was ahead. Yep, that’s what angels do. They’re heavenly forecasters.

Since then, I have found two more pennies on my walks and a dime just a little while ago.

Happy Birthday to My Angel Mother In Heaven

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN

Mourning doves whisper, while the cardinal sings,

They chirp and fly past me on soft angel wings.

Today, seven butterflies brushed past my face,

Reminding me that Mom’s in a special place.

Today is her birthday, so now you can see,

Why these winged creatures were following me.

I asked for a sign, before she slipped away,

“When you’re up in heaven, send a sign you’re okay.”

Maybe it’s Mom, or just a sign from above,

My angel in heaven is sending her love.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

June 6th. Wow! This is the first time in many, many years that I haven’t been in Chicago to celebrate Mom’s birthday. It feels very surreal, unreal, just plain weird. Everyone misses her so much. When I woke up this morning, I said out loud, “Good morning, Mommo! Happy birthday!” I called my sister this morning and we reminisced and cried. So many beautiful memories of a beautiful lady.

When I went for my morning walk, the birds were chirping and fluttering by. Then, one by one, different butterflies followed me along my path. Some fluttered past my face, others brushed my arms and hands as I walked. I could have touched them, they were so close. I smiled big smiles, and thought of Mom, sending me signs. She is still sending me signs.

I wondered if Mom was having cake and ice cream in heaven. (I hope there are angels who like the extra frosting.) She loved her ice cream. And, when I visited, she always saved me her frosting and she ate the cake part. She said the frosting was too sweet. I saved her my cake part, but neither forfeited our ice cream. We made a good team. It’s a bitter-sweet day, but I was holding up okay.

When I opened my Facebook page, I was glancing through all the posts from friends and family. Then, I read a beautiful tribute from Vanessa. I haven’t cried that hard in a long time. This beautiful little girl that Mom and Dad babysat for from the time she was an infant, grew to become part of our family, and they loved her like a grand-

daughter… because she was to them. Now, this little angel is a mother herself, with a beautiful baby boy. She wrote an amazing tribute to both my mother and father, but mostly how much my sweet mother influenced her life. Tears…

That is just beautiful, Nessa. Love you guys!

Pennies From Heaven:) A True Story About An Angel

If you don’t believe in angels

I’m here to say it’s true

There are angels up in heaven

They’re watching over you,

So, I asked my angel mother

I whispered in her ear

When you get up there in heaven

Please show us you are near.

If only you could send a sign

As only angels can

We will know you’re safe in heaven

And that you have a plan.

To watch and guard us every day

You’ll guide us from above

So, you left two lucky pennies

Beneath your painting, signed with love.

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

**************************

This is a true story of faith and love and angels. As my sweet mother grew weaker and less alert, my sister and I would talk to her and sing to her. I prayed the rosary out loud to comfort Mom during her final days. One of the last things I whispered in her ear was, “Please Mom, when you get up to heaven, could you show us a sign that you’re OK, that there really is a heaven? I know if anyone could do it, you could. I know you’ll always be my guardian angel.”

We’ve done a lot of crying since Mom passed away last week, but today, the crying was a celebration. Mom left us a sign. Those of you who know me, you already know that I believe in lucky pennies. They always appear out of nowhere when I need them most. I always look up to heaven and say, “Thank you.”

This afternoon, my sister and I went out for some lunch. We’ve spent days and days sorting and reminiscing and making arrangements and crying, It’s been a whirlwind, so it was good to get out of the house for a little while. My sister said, “Let’s go to the library so I can vote. They have early voting, and we can return Mom’s audio-books.”

Well, early voting hadn’t started yet, so we just returned the books and got a bit teary-eyed, because Mom loved the library and all the people. She had donated her very large “Cinco de Mayo” painting to the library several years ago. It takes up an entire wall on the second floor. When I asked my sister if she needed any books or videos while we were there, she said, “Not really, let’s just go home.” Then I said, “Should we go upstairs and see Mom’s mural before we go?” Of course, we needed to do that.

The elevator opened and we walked ever so slowly towards the mural.

There on the bench, right beneath her painting, were two lucky pennies from heaven. We both burst into tears as I blurted out, “Here’s our sign. I asked Mom to send us a sign. Here it is! Two pennies, not just one. What are the chances that they would be here waiting for us today, right beneath her painting?”

I hadn’t told my sister the story about asking Mom to send us a sign until that moment. If she didn’t believe in angels before, I’m pretty sure she does now. We both knew Mom was an angel here on earth, but now, we both know that she’s up in heaven. She gave us a sign.

Thanks Mom.

What does “Pennies from Heaven” mean?

You might have come across this phrase “pennies from heaven?” It’s meaning is not as simple as it sounds. Thinking about it just means pennies being tossed down from the heaven, which has no significant meaning. But, let me enlighten you about the true meaning of this phrase. Pennies from heaven indicate the occasion when angels miss you and therefore, toss down a penny from the heaven that you receive. That penny signifies the fact that some angel in heaven is missing you and therefore wants to communicate with you.

Spiritual meaning of finding pennies

We all are aware of the fact that numbers are attached with a significant spiritual meaning but, have you ever wondered that pennies might have spiritual meaning attached to them too? If not, you will know soon.

The spiritual meaning of finding pennies from heaven is that there is more to this world than what meets the eye. It is a sign from the Heaven and our loved ones who have passed away. The sign indicates that there is magic in the world we live in, and those that have passed away are watching over us in a spiritual way; it’s their way of showing love and reminding you that they still are a part of your life.

(From Blog of the Angels)

Thursday’s:) There’s Another Angel in Heaven

There’s another angel in heaven

Today her soul took wing

She’s up in heaven dancing

While the other angels sing

All were waiting for her

Their arms stretched open wide

To greet my angel mother

There on the other side.

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

************************

Words cannot express the extreme sadness nor the joy that heaven has found a new angel today.

Love you Mom. 😇

https://youtu.be/5p6wpkqVR0Q

Tuesday:) Toni’s Talking to Strangers Again

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” ― Anonymous, Holy Bible: King James Version

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Today, I was asked to go over to Towne Creek Senior Apartments where I volunteer to be interviewed. The director said that the RHF Housing folks from California wanted to interview some residents and volunteers and ask them about the complex and the people. Well, you know me. I like to talk, so I said sure.

When I arrived, I didn’t realize that it was going to be video taped by professionals. I wore a little microphone, just like a TV celebrity. Cool! When they asked how long I’d been volunteering teaching art, I shared my story about how I journal every day, so I was able to look up when I started going. It was August 31, 2007. So, it’s right around ten years now. 

The folks interviewing me were total strangers, but I felt comfortable, especially since the lady asking the questions said that she had heard so many wonderful things about me over the years. She asked me to share a little bit about the art shows and guests that I had brought in to visit, including the mayor, and author, and other artists.

The last and most poignant question was, what would you like to tell people about Towne Creek and what you do? I said that the beautiful men and women that I’ve gotten to know have become like family.  But, I’d like people to know how much joy you bring to an elderly person who might not have family or friends nearby, and a few hours of your time can enrich their lives so much. The best part is, then you are blessed tenfold and the joy YOU receive is immeasurable. Strangers become best friends.

After the interview, I noticed my friend Karen’s car waiting by the back door. I forgot, it’s Tuesday. She picks up 91’year old, Miss Eleanor, and takes her to lunch almost every Tuesday. Another visitor who became a friend story. Anyway, I scooted out the door and asked, “Where are you girls going?” They couldn’t decide, so I suggested Braum’s Ice Cream. Yeah! I met them over there.

Here’s the really cool part. While I was waiting in line for my double scoop turtle sundae, I started talking to the man in line next to me. He said, “Oh, that looks good. What is that?” I explained and he said that he should get that too. Then, he ordered a root beer float. I asked him, “I thought you were going for the turtle sundae.” He explained that it had way too many calories. I replied, “Life is short! Enjoy! Go for the sundae.” He pointed to his non-existent belly and said he couldn’t. We laughed. 

He was checking out and paying when the girl at the register said, “One root beer float, one turtle sundae.” I chimed in and said, “No, no! That’s my sundae. I don’t even know this man. Well, unless he’s treating, then we are best friends.” Well, this kind man told the girl to put my sundae on his bill. I huffed and I puffed and said, “No, no! I was just kidding.” Then he turned to me after he paid anyway and said, “Life is short. Enjoy!” He also said that it was his last day in town. He was leaving tomorrow for Puerto Rico to help with the relief effort. 

Sometimes God sends you angels and kind people to show you that the world can be a wonderful place. “When you are kind, you are blessed tenfold.”

This is my new friend Rudy. I went over and gave him a big hug and said what I always say, “Selfie Time.”

There are no strangers, just best friends that I haven’t met yet,