Be an Angel

Have you ever been really sick?

Not with a bad cold or in bed with the flu.

Really sick.

Like not-knowing-what’s-wrong sick.

Or needing months of treatment or a major procedure to get well.

Many of us have been there- either ourselves or at the side of a loved one.

9 years ago, I was there. My wife, Sashie, was diagnosed with leukemia and needed intense chemotherapy and a Bone Marrow Transplant to overcome the disease.

A “new normal” set in.

Survival mode.

There was so much that needed to get done- for her, for our 4 young children. At the hospital, at home, work and school.

And it all fell on my shoulders. I felt like I was always operating in fog.

It was overwhelming.

However, there were bright moments, times where the clouds lifted and the sun shone straight through.

We had so much support from friends and family. Meals were taken care of, babysitting and childcare were arranged without the worry falling on our heads.

But it wasn’t that.

It was the random messages saying “we’re thinking of you” or “how’s Sashie? The family?”.

The potato kugel dropped off at our door every Friday.

The surprise and totally random gifts and toys and notes that showed up in the mailbox, as if the sender knew exactly when they were needed most.

These were angels reaching out to us, letting us know that they cared. That they were there.

That we weren’t alone.

I lived for those moments. I lived because of those moments!

Today, we’re grateful that our family is healthy and whole.

But there are so many just learning of their “new normal”. So many who’ve forgotten what the “old normal” looks like and aren’t sure if they’ll get it back.

They’re lonely and scared and confused.

And they could really use an angel.