Angel of Hope

I have a dear friend who reentered my life practically the day I was diagnosed. Some of my memories are blurred from those early days. I call her my Angel of Hope. We didn't mean to lose touch with each other. It just happened as our lives marched on, & we busied ourselves with church, activities, & raising children. We never lost our admiration for each other & always knew we could call on one another. Truth is, our paths seldom crossed, maybe only occasionally at Walmart.

5 years ago, she received a diagnosis, not too much different from mine. I was horrified. She was so much younger than myself & her children were little. Life isn't fair, & this made no sense to me. Little did I know that she would become my mentor. She taught me how to walk this walk. Her family grew closer. Her faith increased. Her love for others became larger. Her sense of humor... well, I think it abounded! Even her self-confidence evolved.

My Angel of Hope saw herself healed & that is how she has lived every day of her life. Yes, she had her surgery, her chemo, her medications, & her infusions. She cried her tears (so I am told), & she dealt with each blow that came her way. Her husband stood by her side & became her advocate, her encourager, & her best friend. This crisis changed her, but I can attest to the fact that it only refined her. She sorted out her priorities, & I believe asked God to prune her into the most beautiful person I know.

Where would I be without my Angel of Hope? I suspect I'd be floundering in a pit of despair. My beautiful angel showed up on my doorstep soon after my frightful diagnosis with a book about Hope. She held my hands & prayed for me before each chemo. She answered every question I had, even the ones that were too personal to ask. She brought me gifts. She made me dinners. She sent me heartfelt, cute, & funny cards. Most of all... she taught me how to walk this walk.

I thank God for sending her to me. I pray for her every day. I don't know what I did to deserve her. She is evidence that God has his ear & his eye turned toward me. He put someone in my path to show me the way. I am the recipient of God's great love.

dedicated to Michelle (my Angel of Hope)