An other day as usual, on this warm spring day, Andrew Pygins was walking the short distance home for his noon time meal. He had made his father's business prosper and made good life for him self.

      He could easily afford his fine house and servants. Most people were polite to him though he had few close friends in his bachelor's life. As he seen woman as irrational creatures, he had no interest in marriage,

      Mr. Pygins was confronted by the same lowly street urchin begging for money as usual. Pygins wished he would just go away as he avoided even looking at him. Mr. Pygins was a little annoyed with the interruption on his way home to eat. "How inconsiderate" he thought, as he rushed past he beggar as he rushed that much faster to where his maid would have the table set for him. Than a leisurely nap, maybe read the paper.

      Andrew Pygins had always lived his life for the moment, in the most comfortable way, never thinking beyond the immediate pleasures of the moment. He had never given thought to his future, where he was going, where he would wind up, his purpose in life. Only how he could make life most pleasant and comfortable for him self.

      Quite unexpectedly, Andrew Pygins felt an uncomfortable feeling in his chest, it grew to a pain. A cold sweat broke out on his brow. "How untimely, how can this be happening to me, what have I ever done to deserve this? I have never done anything bad to anyone" said Pygins in terror. A booming voice answered Mr. Pygins, What good have you done for anyone . Pygins seen a huge black flowing cloak, slowly looked up in shear terror to see the face of death. There was no mistaking it, and no denying the truth of the words.

      In a thin barely audible voice, Andrew Pygins said "You have come to take me!" Andrew's life passed in front of his eyes. He could see now, he was a spoiled child, pampered and privileged who grew through life to be indulgent and selfish. "How I wish I could have seen what I have become while I still had time to change it" Pygins stammered "How I wish could change it".

      "Nobel words" said Death "Can you keep them?"
"I can, I can " said Pygins "I will!, I will! "
"I believe you will" said Death "I'll be back."

      Andrew Pygins walked on as before, but he was not the same as he was before. Inside he was entirely changed, his walk took on a purposeful gait. He notices the warm sun, the gentle breeze. A robin was singing and Andrew Pygins knew his life had a purpose. Nay a mission.

      Andrew Pygins arrived home and asked his maid, "Julie, how are you feeling this fine day? And how is your family? " Julie, taken aback said "I am well, my mother is ill". Andrew Pygins said " By all means go to your mother" as he wrote on a sheet of paper. "Dr. Wellbe is the finest doctor around, give him this voucher and I will cover the cost" Andrew Pygins said as he handed Julie the paper. "Oh! bring her a gift" he said as he handed Julie five pounds.

      Julie said "T.. Thank you, thank you Mr. Pygins". "That is quite all right, and you can call me 'Andy' if you like", he said. "Off with you, Julie, and you have a raise in pay, but take whatever time you need" he said.

      Julie said "Thank you, thank you Mr... uh Andy, will you be okay? are you feeling well". "I will be fine Julie, and I never felt better in my life" said Andy enthusiastically, "I have been given a new life"

      Yes, Andy's life was changed. He now was more concerned with his employees, his customers. People started to greet him with a cheerful "Hello Andy". Even more, Andy was happier than he had ever been. Had many friends. Andy was always invited to their functions. Andy was always considerate, and helpful to his many friends. Yes, Andy's life was changed!.

      Andy was confronted by the same lowly street urchin begging for money as usual, but this time he looked into his startlingly kind eyes. Andy asked the unfortunate man in a tone of genuine concern "What is your name? " as he gave him a handsome tidings. The beggar answered "I am Gabriel, Andy"

      Andy said "Gabriel, how is it that you know my name". Gabriel said "Where I am from is a different place and I know what was, what is and what the future brings." "We have met before" said Gabriel, "for you seen me as death."

      "You see Andy" said Gabriel, "I am your Guarding Angel, no one else but you can see me, I am here to guide you through your life" My mission is to provide you with the life that you were created for, by the one who created you. Gabriel continued "After a long life, you will meet the one who created you and know all of what I am saying"