Angels Among Us

Do you believe in angels? I do! With all of my heart, I do!

I believe heavenly angels surround us, cheer us on, guide and protect us.

I also believe there are angels on earth who surround us, cheer us on, guide and protect us and most especially, serve us.

On my blog today I want to recognize the many "Earthly and Heavenly Angels" that have encircled our family.

I am not going to mention names, because I do not want to take the chance of forgetting any of them.

I want to start with the many angels from the West Hills Ward. Words can not adequately express how grateful I am for their loving kindness, service and love.

Where do I begin? The sisters of the West Hills Ward are some of the most loving and kind women I have ever known. Their love for my daughter and her family is beyond anything I have ever witnessed. Their willingness to bring in meals, take and pick up my grandkids from school, watching them when I have had an appointment or a meeting, is humbling.

There is one angel in particular that I receive a text from several times a week asking if she can bring the girls home from school. Many times with that text, comes an invitation for the girls to go swimming or to get an ice cream. And when she brings them home, she has not just one plate, but two plates of Texas sheet cake in hand!

Countless West Hills Ward angels have come by to see Erika, bringing books and magazines, lotion, candles, flowers, and most importantly their wonderful spirit, love and smiles! I am overwhelmed by their generosity and concern!

Can I also mention one evening, the door bell rings and there stands a group of youth with their leader. They inform us that they are on a service scavenger hunt and they are here to serve. I had just put the kids in the bath. Two of the young women, without hesitation, jumped right in and helped to bathe the kids. Another one of the young women grabbed some lotion and got on her knees and gave Erika a foot massage. Who does this? Angels...Beautiful, Earthly Angels!

I would be remise if I didn't mention Erika's "angel visiting teachers." What wonderful, kind, loving women they are! Their service, kindness and love is beyond measure.

In the scriptures we read that the greatest commandment is to love one another as our Savior loves us. We read that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are in the service of our God.
The West Hills Ward is the epitome of this great commandment. They love and serve with all of their heart, might, mind and strength. Thank you West Hills Ward!

Our "Army of Angels" extend to our wonderful family and friends. My daughters and son, Erika's aunties, grandma and cousins who have so lovingly and willingly brought over meals, called to see how Erika is doing, watched over the little ones and given of their time to serve their sister, niece, granddaughter and friend. I have friends who who will take a day off from work to spend with me and the little ones,  I say, "Thank you for being my "angel friends." Thank you family and friends for your love, prayers and service!

 ...Then there are angel husbands. Our son in law Lex, Erika's "lovey," her eternal companion. He is more than an angel! He loves, serves and adores my girl wholeheartedly and unconditionally!

I must also mention my "angel co-workers." As I wrote in a previous blog, I took a 12 week leave of absence. I had half of that time in vacation, sick and comp time. The rest of the hours were donated by my co-workers. As I write this, there are tears in my eyes and my heart is overflowing with gratitude at their willingness to give, so that I can be here for my girl and her family. Thank you to my co-worker angels!

To all the "earthly angels" who have prayed for my daughter, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your prayers have given our girl the strength and courage to get through this!

Most importantly, I am most grateful to a loving Heavenly Father, who knows us, loves us, and hears our prayers. My grandchildren prayed each day for angels to be with their mommy. I know their prayers were answered. I am so deeply grateful to Him for placing angels from heaven and earth in our life path!