Angels on Call

In Sickness and in Health
By Archie L. Klusmeyer, Covington, Oklahoma

Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 1998, I was determined to beat the disease.

"First I'd recommend surgery to remove what we can," my doctor said. "Then we'll start on a program of chemotherapy and radiation."

The surgery went well, but I wasn't prepared for the excruciating post-op pain. I tried to stay upbeat in front of my wife and children, but fear gripped my heart. I shut my eyes. Lord, what if I can't get through this?

When I opened my eyes the room looked different. A bluish haze seemed to hang in the air. I blinked my eyes hard, but it was still there, swirling around my family and over the walls.

Looking closer, I realized that what looked like smoke was actually hundreds of nebulous figures darting and weaving around the room. Angels! The room is filled with angels! My fear melted away.

"How are you feeling?" my wife asked, unaware of the figures flitting to and fro behind her.

"Fine," I said, still in pain, but no longer afraid. In fact, I had never known such peace. The angels stayed with me over the next several hours, until the worst of my pain had subsided. I could no longer see them, but I knew they were still there. That thought kept me strong in the tough months ahead.

Even today, healthy once more, I know those angels are never far away.