Angels

This last week I was talking with one of my friends who is also an angel mommy. She reminded me of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk on angels in the October General Conference. I decided to go back and reread his talk hoping to find a little comfort - I have been missing Gavin so much lately. Having Jack has made me realize so much how sick Gavin was and it has also made my heart ache because of all the things we missed out on with him. As I read the talk, there were a few things that stood out in my mind.

When speaking about heavenly angels, Elder Holland said,

"But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult time."

He then went on to talk about earthly angels,

"But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day."

I know that Gavin is my heavenly angel. I have felt his comfort and love so many times. But, as I read this talk again, I began to think more and more about earthly angels. This last Saturday I was able to visit with one of these earthly angels. One of Gavin's nurses from PCMC was coming through Vegas and stopped by to visit and to meet Jack. Catherine and so many other have truly blessed our lives and given us comfort during times of trials and heartache. Knowing that sweet, intelligent people were caring for Gavin was such a relief for me during Gavin's stay in the NICU. I am overwhelmed thinking about all the wonderful people here in Vegas and in Salt Lake that cared for and loved Gavin. Their love for us and Gavin comforted me during my time of grief.

We have been blessed by these people so much. We were fortunate enough to have one of the Valley NICU nurses and respiratory therapists present at Jack's birth. Not only were they there for their job - but I truly believe they cared enough about our family to be a support system for us. We had so many wonderful nurses and NICU staff visit us after Jack was born. It felt so good to know people remembered Gavin and our family.

I also go back and think about the nurses, doctors, physical therapists, specialists and respiratory therapists at PCMC. We were blessed with special nurses the day Gavin left us and with a doctor who was so respectful and kind during such a difficult experience.

It is true that Heavenly Father sends angels to help us. Some we can't see and some we find in friends and family. I am so grateful to these angels and to my Heavenly Father who knew what I needed and who I needed to bless my life and the life of my family.

Me, Jack and Gavin's nurse Catherine who came to visit on Saturday.