At twenty-one, Angela "Ang" Childers was just beginning to explore life. She was thrilled at the prospect of a six-week study program in Australia and left home with high hopes.
Then tragedy struck. While crossing a highway in Sydney, Ang and a fellow student were hit by a moving van. Both girls were killed.
The news devastated Ang's family, especially her mother, Mary. Grief, anger, and deep heartache seemed to be all Mary would ever feel again. She called it her "Ang pain," and it threatened to consume her.
From initial grief to the bittersweet nature of remembrance, Our Special Angel recounts how Mary, with the help of God and grief counseling, came to terms with her daughter's death and moved forward to help others. With heartfelt sincerity, Mary outlines the grief process, offering hope to anyone dealing with loss.
Mary will never forget her loving, carefree daughter, and at times-often unbidden-the Ang pain returns. With time and faith, however, the pain has become manageable and is a reminder to cherish every moment she has with family.
About the Author: Mary Childers Stroh was a middle-class mother of two when her daughter, Ang, was killed at age twenty-one.
Mary dreamed of writing mysteries as a young girl, but her loss led her to write this inspirational memoir instead in the hopes of helping others dealing with tragedy.
After Ang's death, Mary attended grief support counseling and began conducting sessions herself. She has no professional credentials, just a deep need to help others deal with the pain she experienced firsthand.
Now retired after a twenty-five-year career in the Department of Corrections, Mary lives in Southern Illinois. She highly values spending time with her family and her Heavenly Father. 