I believe there are angels among us

In life I believe there are guardian angels out in the world to look after you and protect you. I believe that these angels come in many different forms. I have always believed that things happen for a reason, and while we may not understand it at the time, those reasons shape who we are supposed to be. I believe, no matter how long or short lived a life might be, people were placed here on earth to make a difference and we are not to realize or understand that until they are no longer with us. I believe that angels here on earth carry out a variety of different tasks. Some guide us, some simply watch, some lend an ear, some merely set an example before us. These angels may appear as normal humans and sometimes they shine with all the radiance of heaven shining upon them, and making known that a part of heaven truly is here on earth.

My grandmother, Marilyn, was an angel on earth, that much I am positive of. She was an extraordinary woman who graced this earth with her presence for 79 wonderful years. She was the very patient wife of my Pappy for almost 60 years. She was the supportive mother of her three sons: Butch, Eric, and Conrad. She was the devoted grandmother of her 10 grandchildre: Allyson, Derek, Chad, Trent, Travis, Christopher, Ashley, Molly, Maggie, and Kurt. And she was the proud great grandmother of her twelve great grandchildren: Alyssa, Sophia, Erika, Isaiah, Kendra, Jenna, Abigail, Gracie, Maddie, Maya, Kal-El, and Faith. My grandmother was a God-fearing woman, who went to church each Sunday, taught Sunday School for more years that I can remember, sang in the church choir, was the pianist during services when the organist was unavailable. My grandmother was one of the ‘faces’ of the church. She never uttered an unkind word, never spoke ill of anyone, always prayed, and always looked out for me. I don’t believe she had any other task but to show others what the Grace of God looked like, what humbleness and humility can appear as, and what it meant to walk in the footsteps of the Lord.

Another angel who graced this earth for 13 short years is a girl I was never fortunate enough to have met in ‘real life’. I’ve only gotten to know of her over the past three years, but hers is a story that everyone should hear. The following excerpt was taken from the website: MadysAngels:

“Madyson Brendyl Law was born December 14, 1997 and left this world too early on December 21, 2010. Mady had more compassion and selflessness in her brief 13 years than most people express in their entire lifetime. She was and is the type of person who looked to be involved. She would volunteer for a variety of fundraising and charity events for such groups as Bushkill Outreach, Joeys Eagles, Operation Smile, Relay for Life, and Walk for Hunger just to name a few. Mady was the type of person who would save up her allowance and give it away to a multitude of causes. She was the type of person we should all strive to be.”

When I heard the news of Mady’s passing, my heart instantly sank. I knew she was the same age as my daughter. My heart instantly felt grief stricken for a girl I never knew. Her father was a friend of my husband, but I hadn’t really known the family at all three years ago. After visiting the MadysAngels website, I am further convinced that the young life of Madyson Law was so purpose-filled.  In her short 13 years of life, she truly walked this earth as an angel among us. If this note, written by Mady just a few short weeks before her passing, isn’t proof, I’m not sure what is.

                                             @MadysAngels

"I think that when people think of death they shall not dread it but rejoice when hearing the words... I think people are only sad because they fear people will judge them saying they have no feeling or a cold heart. Death is something to be proud of because you share memories with the person and when you think of death instead of those memories that people bring to your mind, remember the memories that you brought to their mind...

Death is just another rocky road in your life...."

Another little angel I had the privilege of getting to know, was my little Cancer Warrior Princess, Ella Grace Luchansky. Little Ella was diagnosed with Stage 4 high risk Neuroblastoma on March 10th 2011. She was only 2 years old. After a belly ache one evening that persisted all night long she was taken to her pediatrician the following morning. An ultrasound was ordered. The ultrasound revealed a tumor coming off of her left kidney that stretched across her entire abdomen. The tumor was wrapped around many organs and blood vessels,including the main artery to her heart. It was cancer. The doctors said she had a less than 30% chance of survival. After further tests and biopsies of the tumor, it was found that Ella had an amplified form of the disease. Ella had gone from gymnastics on Wednesday to stage 4 cancer in less than 24 hours. 

I had the pleasure of being Ella's Warrior, competing in the Warrior Dash for St Jude's in 2012. I wore my sparkly pink tutu and flowery headband for this little girl who touched my heart so deeply. For a little girl, she was a true WARRIOR. She never gave up, always smiled, and even in the midst of her pain and suffering, she inspired so many people. A Facebook page, dedicated to her, Miracles for Ella, gained over 1500 people. We all prayed for a little girl, who showed the world that a stupid, horrible disease known as cancer would have one hell of a fight against this spitfire of a small girl. And on February 11, 2013, my 40th birthday, my little Cancer Warrior Princess earned her heavenly angel wings. Anyone who was touched by this little girl knew she already wore her earthly wings.

You see, I believe there are angels among us. The country supergroup, Alabama, couldn't have sung it any better when they sang: 

I was walking home from school on a cold winter day.

Took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way.

It was getting late, and I was scared and alone.

But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home.

Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there.

And I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers.

Oh I believe there are angels among us.

Sent down to us from somewhere up above.

They come to you and me in our darkest hours.

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.

To guide us with the light of love.

When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees.

There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me.

A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand.

A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand.

And ain't it kind of funny that at the dark end of the road.

Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.

Oh I believe there are angels among us.

Sent down to us from somewhere up above.

They come to you and me in our darkest hours.

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.

To guide us with the light of love.

They wear so many faces; show up in the strangest places.

To grace us with their mercy, in our time of need.

Oh I believe there are angels among us.

Sent down to us from somewhere up above.

They come to you and me in our darkest hours.

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.

To guide us with the light of love.

To guide us with the light of love.

Until tomorrow, my friends....always be aware of the presence of angels. I believe they are always among us, sent down from above, to guide us with the light of love. 

Think Thankfully!!!