Angels Among Us

November 15, 2011, was easily one of the worst days...if not *the* worst day...in my entire life. Losing Dad is still incredibly painful, but what I find myself focusing on more and more as time passes are the moments of incredible laughter, happiness, and grace that also happened that day. I have posted about some of those moments here and here, but there is one really special example of God's grace that I haven't shared until now.

After Dad died we were all exhausted and completely emotionally drained. I'm sure what we all really wanted to do is head straight home, climb under the covers, and never come out. Instead, since Dad wasn't able to get the Smithwick's he wanted in the CCU, we decided we would all stop at an Irish pub near the hospital and raise a pint to Dad.

On our way out of the Coronary Care Unit we walked down the hallway past the small family waiting room where we had waited together when Dad had the balloon pump removed. I noticed two people sitting in the waiting room, but who they were didn't register at first. Then, it hit me. It was our cousins, Maureen and Kathleen! Talk about salve for a weary soul!!

These two beautiful women drove 2 hours - one way - because they wanted to be there to give us each a hug! We had no idea they were at the hospital. They just sat and patiently waited because they knew sooner or later we would have to come out of those Coronary Care Unit doors.

With a little arm twisting we convinced Mo and Kacks to join us at The Life of Reilly to raise a pint to Dad. We talked, laughed, cried, and shared lots of memories of Mom and Dad. It truly was the perfect ending to the best worst day.

If you would have asked me that night if I wanted anyone to come down to the hospital I'm certain I would've said, "NO!". If Mo and Kacks would have called to ask us if they should come, I'm sure we would've told them to stay home. I'm also sure that Maureen and Kathleen could think of a million different reasons why they shouldn't have come to the hospital. The time of night, a four hour round trip, and work the next day are just a few reasons that immediately pop into my mind. But, they didn't listen to those "reasons". They did what they felt led to do and I am beyond grateful! What we all really needed...and God knew even though we didn't...was fresh faces, broad shoulders, and warm hugs.

Mo and Kacks, the selfless love you shared with us that night and throughout my entire life has further convinced me of what I already know - there our angels among us.

I love you both much more than you will ever know.