Have You Ever Thought You May Have Met an Angel?
Have you ever met someone and quietly wondered… is this what an angel looks like?
Not with wings or light—but in the form of a kind, gentle soul who brings something good into the world simply by being who they are.
Let me tell you about Sammy.
Sammy is part of the IMPACT of the Piedmont Residential Program, and he fills that space with something truly special—gratitude, joy, and kindness that you can feel the moment you meet him.
Sammy sings songs of gratitude. Not songs of fame or lost love—but songs about the simple, meaningful things: shoes, family, having a safe place to live, faith. The kinds of things many of us move past without a second thought, but that Sammy sees clearly and cherishes deeply.
Gratitude is not just something he expresses—it’s something he lives.
Every day, you’ll hear him say “thank you.” And when staff are leaving at the end of the day, it’s not at all unusual for Sammy to gently take their hands and pray:
“God, please be with [name]. Please keep them safe. Please be with them as they drive home.”
In those moments, everything slows down.
And with the support of the IMPACT of the Piedmont Residential Program, Sammy is not just getting by—he is thriving.
Because Sammy isn’t rushing. He’s not distracted. He’s fully present, offering something deeply human—care, kindness, and connection.
Sammy is, without exaggeration, one of the kindest people to walk this earth.
And with the support of the IMPACT of the Piedmont Residential Program, Sammy is not just getting by—he is thriving.
He plays guitar and harmonica, both self-taught. He once said that at five years old, he made a decision: “I’m going to learn to play that guitar.”
And play it, he does.
It might be upside down. It might be backwards. But none of that matters.
Because when Sammy plays, the music carries something greater than his talent—it carries joy.
Real joy.
The kind you can feel. The kind that spreads from one person to another without effort.
Sammy reminds us that wisdom doesn’t always come from education or experience in the traditional sense. Sometimes, it comes from a heart that sees clearly what matters most.
Gratitude. Presence. Kindness. Faith. Joy.
He is a gentle spirit in a world that often feels anything but gentle.
So I’ll ask you again:
Have you ever thought you met an angel?
Because sometimes, angels look like Sammy—
living, growing, and thriving in places like the IMPACT….and quietly teaching the rest of us what really matters.
And if we’re paying attention,
they just might show us how to live a little better, too.
About Julie Wood
As IMPACT's Executive Director, Julie Wood loves leading a team that embraces the discovery of how to help another find and embrace their most meaningful life. Julie is a North Carolina Native who has been committed to the human services field for more than thirty years. She is passionate about leading in a field that honors the diversity and unique gifts that each person brings to all of humanity.
Julie's education in Psychology and Social Work was completed at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
About IMPACT of the Piedmont
Since 1978, IMPACT of the Piedmont has provided 24/7 caring homes and comprehensive support services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Davie and Yadkin Counties. Our mission is simple: create dignity and belonging for every person we serve. Learn more at impactpiedmont.org.