Email
Print
An Angel in Her Father's Eyes
The popular actress puts her faith and her lasting love for her Dad into action.
As appeared in 
When you play an angel on television you’re often mistaken for one. I should know. For nine years and some 212 episodes, I was Monica on Touched by an Angel. Again and again people would stop me on the street and say, “You’re that angel!”
“No,” I wanted to correct them, “I’m an actress who plays an angel.” I loved the role of Monica, but I didn’t want anyone to be confused about who I really was, an Irish girl from Derry.
A girl who dreamed of being an artist. But what kind of artist? I loved to paint and draw and there was inspiration all around in the ever-changing sky and sea of Northern Ireland, turbulent gray, deep blue, turquoise, celadon...I wanted to capture all the drama with my brush.
I was the youngest of six. My mother died when I was only 10 and our father raised us. He was a schoolmaster, a reader and lover of poetry. Small and white-haired, he looked older than he was.
One day he came to pick me up at school and a classmate asked if that old man was my grandfather. “I don’t know who he is,” I said, embarrassed. Later I found my father and confessed what I’d said. I burst into tears, I was so deeply ashamed.
“Did you say that because of my white hair?” Dad asked. I nodded sheepishly. “Don’t worry darlin’.” Then he hugged me. “It’s only hair. At least I’ve got some left!”
Dad led us in prayers every night around the dinner table. He always stressed that it was how we showed our faith that mattered. “Kindness is everything,” he said.
Try Guideposts magazine Risk-Free! Get 2 Free Issues - plus a Free Gift! Try it today
We were expected to reach out to others, whether it was reading to someone with failing eyesight, helping an elderly friend with errands or bringing soup to an ailing neighbor.
We didn’t own a car and certainly didn’t have luxuries like a dryer. Yet we were rich—and certainly richly blessed—as long as we could give.
Those were the times of “the troubles” in the North. Gun battles and bomb scares were all too common. Sirens wailed. Soldiers patrolled the streets.
Several times we had to evacuate my school. Once we had to duck behind cars to avoid flying bullets. (It was years before I could hear a loud noise like a slamming door without diving for cover.) Dad made our home a refuge, a place of peace and protection.
He knew I aspired to be an artist. “If this is your dream, Roma, then you should go to the very best college of art.” The very best would take me far away. Sure enough I was accepted to an excellent school in England.
I dreaded leaving home. I wouldn’t see my father for months at a time. I didn’t know if I could accept that. Dad was all I had.
One night I came to him teary-eyed. “Dad, I’m going to miss you so much,” I sobbed.
He took my hand and led me outside to our garden. A full moon bathed the grass and bushes in silver.
“Look to the moon,” he said. “Wherever you go, this same moon will be shining on you and on me. I will leave a message for you there. When you miss me, just look at the moon and you will see how much I love you.”
Sure enough I was dreadfully homesick in England. One night I was carrying groceries back to my boarding house and a passing car backfired. I immediately hit the ground, apples and cans rolling out of my bag.
People stared at me as though I had lost my mind. You’re far from the troubles, I told myself, but my spirit was unsettled. I longed for the sea and the sky of Ireland and the reassuring sound of Dad’s prayers.
More Inspiration
Rachel Beckwith was a 9-year-old earth angel who managed to impact thousands of lives.
|
After months of tough times, a couple's prayers are answered and their fortunes reversed.
|
Here’s a DIY project that’s creative and relaxing!
|
A swarm of bright little bugs inspire a busy mom to recall what's important in life.
|
Your Comments
I have been touch by the angel in you and your story.
I watched Touched by and angel some time back on a local channel in Uganda.I also loved the Black lady with grey hair in the show. It's only hair right, lol.
Your story has certainly lifted up my spirit and i know what to do with my talent, since i am a radio presenter i could use my voice to help people understand that how we showed our faith is what mattered. “Kindness is everything,” he said right! And i now know what i will tell my son when the time comes for him to chase his dream,“Look to the moon,” like he said. “Wherever you go, this same moon will be shining on you and on me. I will leave a message for you there. When you miss me, just look at the moon and you will see how much I love you.”.
I was moved by your story. I felt so nostalgic reminiscing my own Dad who died due to cardiac arrest 26 years ago. You're indeed an angel and your presence is surely a blessing and a gift for everyone whom you come in contact with. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.
Hi Roma,
You sure are a lovely Irish angel. I just finished an Art therapy essay on Van Gogh and was looking for inspiration about a work problem. Thanks the article has helped me lots. Sarah from Ireland
Roma, your story has touch me I wish we can communicate or meet some day, you sound like an angle.
I loved this article. I tried to find the Van Gogh quote in its entirety to learn more and also to site it on my quotes list and came up empty. Any help finding the reference for this or the exact quote about "being the paint" would be inspiring to me. Thanks in advance.
I feel as if Roma is a human "Angel".
I loved her tv movies and Roma and Della both are so full
of the Holy Spirit, their love would almost beam through
my television when watching..
Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us...
God bless
charlotte
Thanks for the article so inspiring i actually enjoyed touched by an Angle and really so God at work. You storry has been a blessing. Cathy
What a wonderful article and such a tribute to her father. It's good to know there are people in the entertainment industry that rely on God just as I do.
What a touching story. God is a loving God and cares for His own. Loved Touched by an Angel, Roma, and Della.........
God's blessings.
My wife Ruth and I always watched Touched By An Angel.She
has relatives in North Ireland that we visited the only time we were over there.Now that she has been Home With The Lord a year and three quarters, I can look at the moon as a
point of contact.But the best is that one day I will also be with the Lord and have a great reunion with my Ruth
What a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us. It brought tears to my eyes.
It was a wonderful program, and I too, wish we could have more inspirational programs on T.V. I thought the main characters played their roles very well. I know God would have approved of that show. God bless all of you as you continue to do His will and lift Him up each day.
Love Roma's story. What a blessing she is to all of us. I wish we had more shows like this on tv today. May God Bless her is all that she does.
I have watched nearly every Touched By An Angel series and most of their re-runs. And, I would love to see a come-back. What an inspiration of God's Love to His creation. Thank you Roma and thanks to the Cast especially to Miss Della Reeves...what a blessing this Show has had on my life. Roma, you were the youngest of 6, my Mom was next to the youngest of 6 girls and 2 boys. You lost your mom at age 10, my mother lost her mom at age 6. You were raised by your Dad...so were my mom and her siblings. You are from Ireland; I am Scotch/Irish. May God continue to richly bless you as you have so graciously used your raising and belief in blessing others about God's Love that Never Dies...I Cor 13.
Very up lifting story and written so beautifully. your father was a true gift from God and you and your family are Blessed with wonderful memories. I will think of your father's love for his family when I look at the moon. And I will share with my children and grandchildren this story of love for family and other's. Being a single parent and never having the love of a father myself, I've always taught my children to love each other and to show love and compassion to those in need. It's the way we make someone feel that will be remembered, the little things we do to let them know we love them. Be Blessed and continue to share the love you were given by a Godly father.
The show was awesome it should still be on once a week and not the repeats if that doesn't lift someone's spirits i don't know what would and what a heart warming and touching story i really liked watching all the shows and she had a wonderful dad so touching to lead them in prayer everyday where ever you are what ever your doing God Bless You Roma Downey.
Wonderful story. You could tell from watching Roma on Touched by an Angel that she was special. I thought Della's
reply was priceless!
Roma, thank you for sharing this story you made an old crusty Military Chaplain tear up. Your story gave me hope that in when I walk Even though I walk "through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil,for you are with me; your rod and your staff,they comfort me" and I am able to think on these things "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." , your story is a keeper. Thanks
Really a touching one ,i was nearly in tears ,mind u i am at the office
A delight indeed when by words of wisdom of a father the daughter has chosen to hear that message of kindness and carry it in her heart where ever she may go. Well done Roma.
Your father sounds like a wonderful person. Just like John Dye. No wonder you got along with Angel Boy so much. He is deeply missed
Darling Roma... Thank-you for sharing that story. When I moved away from my family I struggled to find that same peace and ability to connect. You highlight a truth that I have found also... family lives inside of us and in the absence of them in your day to day we have the ability to make them come to life in our mind, prayers, stories that we share with others and the way that we treat others. Love and Light. Diggy
What a wonderful story.... My heart goes out to you, Roma. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one, especially your mother and father. That was really touching, and the part about the full moon... I feel that, too. Several loved ones passed on a night when it was a full moon... and I often look to the sky, especially during a full moon, and know that they are up there watching over me. Thank you for sharing your experiences. May God continue to bless you.
Your story "An Angel in Her Father's Eyes," touched my very soul, and brought me to tears, for it was very moving and true to heart. I could relate to the poetry, for I love writing & reading poems. I felt the love of a father and daughter over the distance of miles that continues to remain in your heart throughout your article, as that love will live within you for the rest of your life. Thank you for pouring out your heart to those of us that look to God for an angel, such as you. God bless you.
I love watch your show,Touch by Angels. I wish it would still playing because everyone need to see them.What a remarable story and thank for sharing. God bless you and your father.
What a beautiful and touching true story .Your Father sounde like a very loving and caring man, he would be proud of you.I WATCHED ALL THOSE SHOWS MORE THAN ONCE.i COULD ALWAYS SINCE YOU WERE IN REAL LIFE A VERY KIND PERSON.
I loved and watch all your touched by a angel shows , more than once.Roma i could always tell you were a very loving kind person in real life after reading this article i can see why.Your father would be proud, he sounded like a very loving father and man.
I just finished reading the Roma Downey article. I have missed most of the "Touched by an Angel" series because we live overseas. I have a few of the episodes made into videos that my husband, children and I view. I love them! I really like learning about her background, how she was molded by her wise and accepting father, how she learned to hit the ground at gunfire (we too have had this experience). She walks confidently with the Lord her savior beside her. She is not an angel , just a human being created by the Almighty God to give Him praise. She does that!!
What a beautiful story! It lifted up my spirit. Thank you do much. May God bless you!
That was beautiful and thank you for sharing that.
Comment