Errand of Angels

The day of my first chemo was filled with many different emotions--I have to admit that one of those feelings was self pity.  I looked around the room and saw that I was the only person under the age of 70 receiving a chemo treatment.  The room was packed and they directed me to the only empty recliner in the front of the room.  The room is partitioned off by half walls so you can only really see the people on your row.   I really liked my nurse and she was very thorough in explaining everything to me.  She got me started on the infusion and Chad resumed his work on his laptop.  I opened up my book "Little Women" and stared at the page--not really feeling much like reading.

Moments later, I felt a touch on my arm and looked up from my book.  I found the sweetest, nicest woman kneeling beside my chair so she could be at eye-level with me.  She told me that she couldn't help but noticing how young I was...She said she had overheard the nurse talking to me and could tell that it was my first time coming in for treatments.  She asked me how many children I had, their ages...etc.  She asked me what book I was reading and I showed her that it was "Little Women."  Her face lit up and she told me it was her favorite book and that she had read it probably 15 times.  After talking for a while longer, she patted my arm and got up to leave.   I honestly imagined her walking away and disappearing into thin air and having me ask the nurses, "Where is the lady in the yellow shirt who was just talking to me?"  I imagined a puzzled look on the nurses faces as they replied "What lady?"  So, before she could leave I asked her "What is your name?"  She said, "Michaelene."  Not a common name, but one that I had heard before.  I replied "Michaelene Grassli?"  She said "Yes."  She was a member of the General Young Women's Presidency for the LDS Church and the Primary General President years ago, when I was in primary.  She sat back down and talked to Chad and I a little more as we made some more connections like my dad taught a child of hers in seminary etc.  We finally let her leave and I felt like even though she didn't disappear into thin air, she truly was an angel.  She even looks like an angel--she is radiant and beautiful!!!  I realized that she could have easily buried herself in a book or a magazine while she was waiting in that room, but she was on the Lord's errand that day as she listened to and followed a prompting from the Spirit to come and bring me some comfort and cheer.  In my mind, Sister Grassli has achieved rock star status, complete with first-name recognition bragging rights!

This experience and others that I have had these past two months made me think of the 2nd verse in the hymn As Sisters in Zion:

"The errand of angels is given to women; and this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:  To do whatsoever is gentle and human, to cheer and to bless in humanity's name."

We have been cheered and blessed by so many through this experience--I can't even begin to name all. So many have helped us bear our burdens: from childcare and driving my kids to practices, scouts, etc. to cleaning our house, making dinners, making trips to the store, not to mention the cards and gifts we have received.

On this Mother's Day I think of my mom who has always been and continues to be an angel.   Her capacity to love and help her children and grandchildren amazes me.  She has always helped my sisters and me when we have a newborn baby---even if it means flying alone to different parts of the country to do so!  I know she would fly to the moon if one of her children or grandchildren needed her.  In recent weeks, she has helped me so much with the kids, and she has done my laundry.  The first week, when I was so sick, she came everyday after school and helped the kids with their homework and stayed until Chad got home.   Through her service, she has eased many of my burdens throughout my whole life and especially now!  Chad's mom has helped us so much as well--taking care of my children while I am at dr. appointments and cleaning our house!  She also cooks Sunday dinner for us.  She has been such a support and we know that she is always praying for us!  We thank heaven for our angel mothers who love us, serve us, and continue to nurture us and our children.

We are so grateful for all the angels, seen and unseen, who are helping us on this road!