But then there were angels

I won't pretend that life is always hunky dory in my house. That things are always sunny and that we don't have our share of problems. Blake's health issues and Wesley's need for therapy aside, some weeks are down right crappy. And I think it's important to be real. Sometimes I think people assume that my faith in a GOD that loves me means that I'm not allowed to be frustrated or angry or depressed because of the curve balls my little family has been thrown. That's just not true.

In the past two weeks there have been a lot of happy tears, smiles, encouraging words, moments of laughter, prayers that have been answered, snuggles and joy. But there have also been really hard moments. Like the fact that our refrigerator is broken. It's been broken for 2 weeks now and we don't know why. It's 9 years old, it came with our house and we don't have the money to buy a new one. Like the fact that our hot water heater has been leaking for 3 weeks now and it's less than 2 years old and we don't know how to fix it or what to do about the leak so there's a hospital throw up bucket protecting our mudroom from eminent flood. Like the fact that even though both our children have Medicaid as their primary insurance right now, we still have medical bills that pile up and we are required to pay. And while David's new job is a step up in salary, we didn't account for all the hospitalizations and lab work and upcoming therapy and broken appliances.

But then there were angels. I love it when GOD changes our story just slightly with presence of angels. 

Angel #1: I got a message from a dear friend last week to let me know that she felt led to gift us a portion of her tax return. No questions asked, no need for a big fuss, just wanted our address. The check came in the mail while we were struggling last week in the hospital. Money was tight because I was having to eat hospital food. That loving gift will help us make up for the money spent that week by paying some of Blake's bills.

Angel #2: Today I called the plumber that originally put in our hot water heater. The broken part was under warranty but the labor was not. I was waiting with a check when he arrived. He finished the job, patted Blake on the head, thanked me for calling him and said "God Bless". He wouldn't take any money for his time.

Angel #3: My parents were members of a church in Richmond for 30 years. The church I grew up in. Members of that church are still bringing our little family meals when things get tough even though my parents no longer attend there. One of the dear families that attend that church even brought her three kids and a backpack full of toys and electronics to Blake and I while we were at the hospital so we wouldn't get so bored.

Angel #4: A sweet girl from high school, a wonderful friend that I used to play softball with, happened to be working downtown when we were inpatient last week. She had just a few minutes away from her office and spent those few minutes delivering some treats for Blake and I. What she didn't know is that the lollipops she dropped off were Blake's first taste of something in 5 days and he ate it til it disappeared with the biggest smile on his face. I cried.

Angel #5:  My Aunt drove all the way from Fredericksburg last Wednesday night, stayed at my parents house and came to our house Thursday morning so David could finally go back to work. David had no sick days saved and was unaware of how he would be reprimanded for his time away from the office. She sacrificed her health to be here when we needed her.


But then there were angels. Because I was promised: "for the LORD your GOD goes with you; HE will never leave you or forsake you."

And though the crappy days are still hard and the frustrations are still present and the depression is still nagging, my story is changed just enough by the presence of these angels and many others and the road just gets a little more bearable.