Micky's Angels Van Fund

Micky Taylor loves to drive. On Sundays, Micky drives the Angels to church. If she picks up all of the Angels at their homes, she leaves her home in South Paris, Maine at 6:00 A.M., drives the 5 miles to pick up Bridget in Norway, Maine. From there, it’s another 42 miles to pick up Jessica in Limington, another 15 miles to pick up Jason in Gorham, 11 more miles for Melissa in Portland, and then 5 more miles for Ronnie in South Portland, before arriving at the Thornton Heights United Methodist Church (THUMC, http://www.thorntonheightsumc.org) in South Portland just in time for the 9:30 service. It takes over 3 hours because Micky has to help some of the Angels get ready for church. You see, Micky’s Angels are all adults living with disabilities. Often, some of the Angels have other rides, or other plans, or have stayed with Micky for the weekend. But in any case, the drive is long, and Micky loves every minute of it.

Missy

It all started in 1995. Micky’s daughter Melissa, known as Missy, had died of pneumonia the previous year at the age of 20. Missy had Down syndrome. Her high school friends - Melissa, Ronnie, Jason, and others - decided to honor her memory by calling their Special Olympics team “Missy’s Team.” Micky became their driver, manager, assistant, and head cheerleader. Eventually, others joined the team and the name changed to “Micky’s Angels”, although Missy’s memory is still, and will always be, their reason for being.

Micky Taylor has dedicated her life to serving the friends who honored her daughter. She says it is what God has called her to do; it is her mission. So, besides driving the team to church and to Special Olympic events, sometimes she takes them shopping for clothes, groceries, and necessities. She also brings some of the Angels to her house for grooming or makeup. They go to baseball games. Micky puts on holiday parties and birthday parties for the Angels. And sometimes they just go for a drive to enjoy the beautiful Maine scenery and each other’s company.

Micky's Angels After Special Olympics (Micky 3rd from left)

In 2019, Micky’s Angels accepted an invitation from one of their Special Olympic buddies, Peter Brewster, to attend a service at his church, THUMC. They knew immediately that they had found a spiritual home. Micky wants everyone to know how grateful she is to the THUMC congregation for welcoming her and her Angels. However, it is actually the congregation who have been rewarded by having the Angels among us. We are reminded that when we are among people whom we may think are quite different than us, we are not very different at all. Micky’s Angels ask us to pray for their family members who may be ill or suffering, share their joy with us when they succeed at something or help someone, lift up their voices in praise, and enjoy refreshments and conversation after the service, just like the rest of the congregation. They are ours and we are theirs, just as Jesus taught us.

So the THUMC congregation was saddened when Micky’s Angels did not attend service on June 4th unexpectedly. Pastor Gwyneth Arrison explained that Micky’s 2010 Chrysler minivan had broken down with over 140,000 miles and was no longer safe to drive long distances. But they were back again on June 18th - Micky and four Angels had shoehorned themselves into her daughter Mary’s compact car to make the trip.

Of course, borrowing her daughter's car can only be a temporary solution for Micky. But she is on a fixed disability income (she is deaf, although you wouldn’t know it, she reads lips so well) and cannot afford a new car. So THUMC is asking for your help. We have received over $5,000 from our small congregation, but would like to raise another $25,000 so that we can ensure Micky’s Angels will have reliable transportation. We thank you for any donation and any prayers you can offer. May God bless and keep you.