The Angels Among Us

Have you ever escaped what seemed like and unpredictable and difficult situation and came out unscathed? Met someone who came out of no where and helped you in a difficult time when you felt utterly alone? Received a sign that you were desperately seeking?

In my work in end-of-life care, we often see images of angels associated with the care we deliver. Lots of quotes with symbols of angels and figurines of angels adorning our offices. Sometimes it is a family telling us that their home health aide was "an absolute angel or "gift from God" during their loved ones care. These symbols represent the nurse who held a patent's hand while they wept or a volunteer who told the family that they are doing a good job and gave them relief to get out of the house for 30 minutes. Angels are among us! And they are not all in heaven. You sometimes have to look deep for the tiny blessings, especially in times of extreme sadness or difficulties. Especially in this line of work. I never go to work feeling sad about the outcome our patients face, but joy that we can change someones life, even at the end of it. That is what charges me and gives me my emotional paycheck at the end of the day. Sometimes those patients are the real angels, teaching us how to live and to love. 

 Look around at the people who fill you up, give you love and better your life. Are they not in your life for a purpose? Embrace them. 

The next time you are spared a disaster, lifted up from a complete stranger or given an unexpected gift in your life, how can you not believe that angels are among us?  

Have an "angel" in your life? I would love to hear about it.