Blessed by Angels Everywhere

According to the Oxford Dictionary, an "angel" is defined as "a spiritual being believed to act as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God, conventionally represented in human form with wings and a long robe."

Five and a half years ago, I titled this blog "Our Russian Angel" when I was praying for our own angel -- in the form of a child.  I didn't expect the robe and wings but instead have kept my eyes and ears open to messages relayed from God through Kristina and others.

Two weeks ago, on November 18th, my dad had a mini stroke.  I call my mom his angel on earth because she recognized the signs and got help immediately.  Never thought I'd say that a mini stroke was a blessing but it did lead to further testing that disclosed much more serious issues.  Last Tuesday, November 26, dad underwent open heart surgery to have a tumor removed from the aortic valve, repair the heart valve and have a bypass of the left descending artery that was 95% blocked.

Dealing with this entire situation was difficult for me being so far away (2715 miles away -- but who is counting?).  Thank goodness for Ma Bell!  I appreciated the daily updates, but hearing the concern and fear in my parents' voices...and the cracking of dad's voice as we said "goodnight, I'll talk to you later" really tugged at my heart.

What really touched all of us in the family was the outpouring of calls, messages, cards and prayers from around the world.  Seriously -- angels in the form of friends, family members, co-workers, acquaintances, etc!  I even consider the awesome cardiac surgeon who performed the procedure for dad an angel -- he delivered the message that dad still has a mission in this world!

Then last Tuesday, the day of the surgery, I received a call from another angel, in the form of a lifelong, dear friend.  The call left me in tears--he informed me that he had a ticket to FL waiting for 
me.  Oh my God - I was in shock.  I started making arrangements for work and care for Kristina.   I was on my way to be with my family!  Words will never be able to express our deep gratitude and appreciation.

So, here I am in FL, united with my family.  I spend the days with mom and dad at the hospital, dinners with my brother, Jim, sister-in-law Erin, and nephews Jimmy and Andrew.  I am missing Jon and Kristina immensely but talk to them often.

We hope that dad's oxygen levels improve so he can come home tomorrow, Tuesday, as I fly back to CA on Wednesday.  Every day he is getting better/stronger and considering all he has been through, we couldn't be happier.  The saga continues so stay tuned and please keep the prayers going...

Thank you, everyone, for being there.  In our book, you are all angels!!

Reunited with dad the morning after arriving in FL.  Mom elected to tell Dad about my visit ahead of time...he was going through a tough time on Thanksgiving and mom felt it would give him something to look forward to.  ;)

Dad has been getting some Physical Therapy (very minimal in my opinion) so here we are on our first lap around the nurse's station.  If we can get dad's oxygen level up from 89% to 93%, then they will feel more comfortable sending him home.

This picture is for you, Ken!  xoxoxox