A heavenly mix-up

“Tears flowed down my face as I forced myself to get out of the house to run errands. It had been three days since Benny, my 17-year-old black-andwhite tuxedo cat, passed from old age, and my heart was raw with grief.

“I’d gotten Benny as a lovable 8-week-old kitten after my husband, Franklin, passed away, and he’d become my best friend. But without him by my side now, it was all I could do not to drown in a deep ocean of loss. ‘I hope you’re with my Franklin now in Heaven, Benny,’ I said, choking back a sob as I drove into town.

“Heavy with sadness, I made my way through my errands, stopping last at the dry cleaner. But I got the shock of my life when, instead of returning from the back with my clothes, the clerk brought out a random black-andwhite sweater and handed it to me.

“‘Um…there must be some mistake,’ I said, confused. ‘I should just have two pantsuits.’

“Suddenly, the paper name tag on the clear wrapping flashed into view. It read in big bold letters: BENNY

FRANKLIN. I felt a shiver sweep through me from head to toe as the clerk headed back to get the correct order.

“‘I’m sorry for the mixup,’ the young man said.

“I smiled wide through amazed tears, feeling touched by two angels at once. As my heart lifted, I shook my head and said, ‘Actually, I don’t think it was a mix-up at all.’”