Gregory Fletcher:  

Did you ever watch Touched by an Angel? It was one of my favorite TV programs. I often fantasize about an Angel miraculously solving all of my problems: Late at night I am struggling over the illegible parent's Pink Copy of my son's special education plan. I am preparing for another session with the teachers, therapists and school administrators that comprise Steven's Individualized Educational Program team. I wondered why they are called a team, since the word means people working together for a common goal; and so far I have observed little cooperative behavior. It finally made sense when I realized there were actually two teams and their team outnumbered mine! And the paperwork! It is hard enough to comprehend the byzantine special education plan; but attempting to read the tome is like deciphering a secret code written in disappearing ink. One comment described my son's classroom experience as either learning well or living hell. I suspect the latter was intended. Back to work, I wonder if my splitting headache is the early stage of a brain tumor. Suddenly the room is plunged into darkness. The light returns again and blinds me. Then the light alternately appears and disappears like rapid-fire lightning strikes. Steven, stop playing with the light switch, now!" Turning back to the paperwork, I run my fingertips over the mysterious manuscript in a naturalistic Braille attempt to unlock its secrets. Again a maddening explosion of light fills the room. Recovering from my temporary blindness, I bellow: Steven, I mean it. Stop playing with the light switch! But Steven is not there. Instead, I find myself gazing upon the most beautiful being I have ever seen. W-Who are you? I am an Angel. I have been sent by God to bring you a message. Oh, praise the Lord. My prayers have been answered! All those Sunday mornings I serious...Expand for more