A Good Night's Sleep

Teaching and taking care of my family kept fears about my breast cancer treatment under control during the day, but one night they overwhelmed me.

The surgery was approaching and I couldn’t relax in bed. Finally my husband reached over to me in the dark.

“It will be alright, Marlene,” he said. “Just you wait and see.” He laid his hand on my back, patting me gently. It didn’t drive away my fears entirely, but knowing Rick was there for me sure helped.

The night before surgery I found it especially hard to stay positive. What if I die? I thought, curled up under the covers.

I tried to pray, but the words just wouldn’t come. Then I felt a touch on my shoulder—warm, firm, reassuring. Rick. I rolled over to thank my sweet husband for always being there for me. But he was on the far side of the bed, fast asleep!

Yet I still felt that comforting hand on my shoulder. A deep peace flooded over me, washing my fears away. I didn’t feel anxious now; I felt tired. I fell into a sound sleep—the best I’d gotten in weeks.

I awoke the next morning with anticipation, but not dread. God was with me. My fear was no match for that.

Today, seven years later, I am healthy and cancer-free. Sometimes I still worry—about my children, my husband’s job, my aging father’s health.

But whenever these concerns threaten to keep me awake, I remember that angel’s touch on my shoulder. And surrender all my cares to God, who is always close at hand.