To quote Wikipedia, "angels are often depicted as benevolent celestial beings who act as intermediaries between God or Heaven and Humanity." I also believe these messengers come in many forms, and if we look closely at our lives they lived among us without our even realizing it.
Angel Warriors
When my dad was in the hospital with congestive heart failure, his condition was made worse by his Alzheimer’s and a violent reaction to a drug.
He became disoriented and I was told he needed someone to sit with him 24/7. I could handle this for a period of time, as I had leave accrued. But I knew our family would need more helping hands, most especially at night. I checked with the nursing service at the hospital and was referred to a medical “sitting” service.
After taking a week of vacation time the first week to sit by his side, I had to send for that additional help. The first angel to come to my rescue was Isaac. Isaac was from Nigeria, and was taught respect for life, most especially for the elderly. Isaac came within two hours of the call and sat with my dad off and on for the next two weeks.
My father’s condition worsened with a urinary tract infection. Such infections are known to make the elderly particularly anxious, even combative. I had friends who warned me that such a condition could totally alter an elder’s demeanor. For a week of the stay my incoherent, drugged, father raved, cursed at and fought Isaac’s efforts to soothe him. But still Isaac did not falter. He sat like a stalwart protector and ministered.
The other angel the agency sent was J.J.; he sat with my father for as many nights as Isaac pulled day shift. J.J. was smaller framed, but muscular. J.J., like Isaac, could flash a winning smile that assured you, even when things seemed darkest. They were friends when they came to the United States from Nigeria. They were studying to be pharmacists. They were sharp and dedicated to all they undertook.
And so it went, with Isaac and J.J. spelling each other, fighting old age, and literally holding off death. I grew to think of them as ministering angels. I had never witnessed such patience and utter kindness.
My Dad had to be moved to a geriatric facility and the last sitter to be with him was Isaac. Isaac helped to track down every personal item, until all were found and my dad was ready to be placed with his next charges. I recall Isaac running down the hospital corridor, with a container holding my dad’s false teeth.
After sitting that night until I had to bow to weariness, I went home and I was bereft. Who would now be at my father’s side through the long nights? Sure he had telemetry and nurses who would meet his needs, but who would hold his hand and respect his years? I was sad because Isaac and J.J. would not be there.
I hope I can always find Isaac and J.J. or caretakers like them. I remember wishing that I were rich and could pay them lavishly for the loving care they provided. It was at a time when our family needed it most.
Next to the biblical Job, only Isaac and J.J. were proper candidates for the “patience” award. If I ever get sick, I shall not care for drugs or technology; I shall not give a fig for the echocardiogram or the ultrasound. When I get sick I want to call Isaac and J.J. and have those two angel warriors swoop down, and hold my hand, and wipe my brow—I know I shall recover.