Angels

When you use the word "Angel", sometimes the stereotypical, ethereal being with halo and wings comes to mind. To me, an angel can be someone who comes along at the right moment, just when you need them, to lend a hand. It is simple as the woman who stopped a few years ago when my son was having a meltdown in the parking lot and carried my pizzas to my car for me. This allowed me to pick up my son (who was trying to lay down in the road), and not deposit my pizzas all over the asphalt.

Being home after surgery has led to a lot of reflection. A lot has gone on in the past few months, but I feel like I am in a great place. One of the reasons for this is that I have so many wonderful people in my life. There are those who we probably take for granted. My husband Tommy is amazing. There is a reason I married him. He is my best friend, and has been there at every moment when I've needed him. Even if we weren't quite on the same page, we were trying to get there together. He dropped everything at work to be there for me when I was unexpectedly in the hospital. (In his field, dropping everything is a little more complicated than some).

There are people in our lives that we probably take for granted. Our spouses, parents, siblings (their spouses)...they jump in when you need them most. My family has been amazing. I'm so thankful for their love and support.

Sometimes the "angels" are those people who come to lend a hand at an unexpected moment, from an unexpected place. A wise woman I know told me recently that sometimes people are put in our lives for a reason. I was totally overwhelmed by the unexpected people who reached out to me when I needed them. People who shared their own stories, those who sent me notes or an encouraging email (or a "something borrowed" to help me get through), those who brought me food in the hospital (who knew Nerds would be the one thing that helped my nausea?), those who made dinner despite dealing with so much in their own lives.... I only hope that I can return the kindness one day.

My experiences of late have given me greater appreciation for...
Random acts of kindness
My family
Taking a moment to do something that might seem small, but will brighten another person's day
The little things