Angels

This will be a faith-centered post. As my faith is a huge part of who I am, it is bound to come up every now and then.

Today is the birthday of one of my angels. I want to dedicate this post to him, even though I am sure he won't be reading this, but I can guarantee he has been there through all the times that I was struggling, emotionally, physically, or in any other manner. Last year, as I sat in the hospital, going through some tests to figure out what was wrong.As I sat in a long test, that was somewhat painful, he was there. I know, that no matter what, he will always be there for me. He always has and always will be.

As I have struggled to cope with my condition, through the diagnosis, flare-ups, pains, and hard times, I have honestly learned a lot. I had been having. When I feel alone, scared, frustrated, sad, or discouraged, I have learned that there is always someone there. I learned how helpful and necessary angels are, both seen and unseen.

The quote below sums this up:

"God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. "[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved." On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who comes and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal." ~Jeffrey R. Holland


I know that this is true and that angels. There are people here who can help you whether it be through a smile, a needed talk, an act of service, being there when times are hard, and so much more. These are are examples of seen and known angels. Even more, I know that there are unseen angels, who help and support us in those moments when we need it the most or at those times when we can't make it on our own. I am so grateful for both types of angels in my life.

Standing By

When I was first diagnosed with Gastroparesis, there was an excitement with finally knowing what was wrong. After the excitement wore off, I knew I was going to need the love and support of others during the coping period and while I tried to make sense of the diagnosis and of what was to come. I am so grateful for the many people who stood by me during those times. I admit, it wasn't always pretty. I remember when I initially hospitalized after an Endoscopy for malnutrition and dehydration. I also underwent some other test. The put me on the cardio floor and I was, by far, the youngest person on the floor. It was the week before Easter, and who wants to spend a holiday in the hospital. When I was first given something of color to eat, my mom decided to take a picture of me with it. Big deal when you green jello. She joked about how the jello stood out because everything, including myself was so gray. I wasn't healthy. It gave me a chuckle.

On the Friday before Easter, one of the nurses came in and told me that if I was still there on Easter (because there was no timeline for my release), they would set up an Easter Egg Hunt for me. It was so kind and nice of them. Here I was, 23 years old, and having nurses wanting to set things like this up for me. They were great! I was release from the hospital the next day and never did get that egg hunt, but was so grateful for the thought.

There were visits, singing telegrams, shoulders to cry on, milkshake get togethers, and so man other things that let me know people were there for me and would stay with me through this trial.

There were so many people who stood by me through all of this. If I named names, I would surely forget someone. However, I truly want to express my gratitude for the people who helped me through: family, friends, medical staffs, employers and coworkers, church leaders, companions, and so many more. I could not have made it through all of this without you.

I wish I could return the favor to each and everyone. There are two songs that have become theme songs for me. I so badly desire to help others through hard times (facing it with compassion, understanding and reality) because of all the help and support I have received.

 

It is so crazy how true this song is. We will have trials, pains, and hard times. Life is not east, especially when dealing with chronic illnesses. There is always tomorrow and we can always make tomorrow and better day then yesterday or today. We cannot always rely on ourselves. Our strength will not hold up, but with help we can get through. After we cope, we can sing this song. "Lean on Me, when you're not strong. I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on."

First, I love the video that goes with this song. These children are going through some harsh trials, but look at how happy they are and the joy they are finding. That is a message in and of itself. Next, this expresses my feelings so much. Talk to me. Let me help. It's hard to let your feelings out or to talk about your trials, and I promise I will not turn my back on you because of your trials. I'll be here for you! Third, it is so easy to feel abandoned, alone or forgotten, but I promise you that you are not! There is always someone who cares. If you can't find that someone, remember I am here and I care. These lyrics are so powerful that I wanted to share them with you:

Oh, why you look so sad?

the Tears are in your eyes

Come on and come to me now

Don't be ashamed to cry

Let me see you through

'Cause I've seen the dark side too

When the night falls on you

You don't know what to do

Nothing you confess

Could make me love you less

I'll stand by you

I'll stand by you

I won't let nobody hurt you

I'll stand by you

So, if you're mad, get mad!

Don't hold it all inside

Come on and talk to me now

Hey, what you got to hide?

I get angry too

Well I'm a lot like you

When you're standing at the crossroads

And don't know which path to choose

Let me come along

'Cause even if you're wrong

I'll stand by you

I'll stand by you

I won't let nobody hurt you

I'll stand by you

Take me in into your darkest hour

And I'll never desert you

I'll stand by you

And when, when the night falls on you baby

You're feeling all alone

You won't be on your own

I'll stand by you

I'll stand by you

I won't let nobody hurt you

I'll stand by you

Take me in into your darkest hour

And I'll never desert you

I'll stand by you

Oh, I'll stand by you

I'll stand by you

Lyrics from: http://www.metrolyrics.com/ill-stand-by-you-lyrics-carrie-underwood.html

Once again, a sincere thank you to all those who allowed me to lean on them, and still allow me to do so, during hard times. These songs express my promise to you (and anyone who is reading this). I'll stand by you so please lean and call on me when you need a friend or support. We all need love and support!