I’ll spare you most of the details of how miserable the last 24 hours have been. On Monday, Natalie had a 2-hour consultation with a pediatric urologist at the local children’s hospital in an attempt to stop the onslaught of urinary tract infections. While we were there, she peed in a cup and was pronounced clean. By that evening, she was starting to fever. Again. By morning, the fever was rising. I got her in to get some labs done and -surprise, surprise- it looked like there was some bacteria in her urine. There has been much medicine wrangling, shivering, vomiting, and general misery. This morning her temperature was 105.7. Seriously?
I had to take her in to get some shots, which she was not happy about, and in the struggle to get her to put her shoes on (that were all too tight, or too bumpy, or too “weird”) I told her that we can get her some new shoes another time, but please just put them on so we can get to the doctor on time. She got shots in both legs and was not pleased. She demanded that we buy her some new shoes on the way home. Even though I know it’s probably not the wisest idea, I decided to appease her and fulfill my promise and maybe ease some of her misery. (Note to anyone who’s thinking about calling the CDC: UTIs are not contagious even if they have a fever.) We tried on a few shoes, but that wasn’t going well, so I convinced her to go home and come back another day when she felt better. I tucked her into her carseat and covered her with her blanket and headed home.
A few minutes later, Matt called me to tell me that a lady called him from my cell phone saying she found my purse. Oh great. He then told me that she’s bringing it to my house. After a day like I’ve had, her honesty and kindness are a real blessing. I’m so glad that there are people who will respond with charity, even when they have no idea who I am or what I might need.
“I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. 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. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us, and in my case, one of them consented to marry me. Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind. . . . My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face.” — Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Ministry of Angels,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 29–31
I hope when my doorbell rings, I can express how much it means to me. Any wagers on whether I can do it without crying? These are the kinds of days you can’t make it through without knowing that God is watching, helping and caring. And now I know He is, because he sent me an angel.
Diapers and Divinity 
Human Angels are every bit as significant as the “other side of the viel” kind. They are the same in purpose, and are just as needed and just as heavenly. You have been that kind of Angel to me in my life, and I know you have for others. Let me know if you need to talk.
Shantel, I didn’t cry when she came to my door (almost), but I did when I read your comment. Thanks.
You and I might be living the same kind of life. Two weeks ago, I was in the hospital in the middle fo the night for five or so hours with preterm labor. Once they finally stopped the contractions and sent me home, I was jittery from the meds, exhausted and very emotional. I pulled into my driveway and realized I had left my wallet in my hospital room. I was too tired to even think about it.
My phone rang at 8 in the morning- it was the nurse who had helped me in L&D calling to tell me she had just gotten off shift and was going to bring my wallet home to me.
People are amazing.
Stephanie, I am so sorry for what you are going through (and Natalie). It is NOT fun. I hope you can find some answers. Fevers are so scary… she will be in our prayers for sure.
What an awesome angel! The world needs to hear more stories like this. There are honest and good people out there. 🙂
I hope Natalie feels better soon. It is so hard to feel rotten over a long period of time. At least she has the right idea about shoes helping a girl to feel better!
I don’t know how you didn’t cry. I cried just thinking about her kindness to a complete stranger. Our best to Natalie and all.
What a hard time for you. It is so much easier to be sick then to watch your children suffer. And there really are angelic people around us. I am so glad you have some around you, as heaven knows how you have been an absolute angel to so many other people, always knowing exactly the right thing to write to help all the rest of us through our difficult times. Good luck for you and Natalie, and that lady deserves a huge gold star and then some.
Hi Steph,
I know it probably sounds strange but it has been reassuring to see that I am not the only one in this world struggling. As a mom to seven (aged 19 through to 10 weeks)I struggle; I am studying another university degree (which I am due to finish in 3 weeks thanks to my husband’s support) and I struggle. But I guess the thing I struggle most with is my membership. I have been a member for 26years, served a mission, taught young women’s, taught Sunday school; and left the Church following the death of a child and my RM exhusband going completely off the rails (and never being held accountable).
Although, to be honest, I don’t know what I believe anymore, I am trying to find something. I still ware my garments, and my daughter loves young women’s. I just pray that I can find some direction and to gain some sought of testimony again. Reading your blog, has enable me to see, that I am human, just like everybody else. I struggle daily, but we are not alone. Thanks.
I was touched by that quote you shared and the compassion of that woman. Going the extra mile these days doesn’t happen very often. Thanks for sharing her example with us.
Good luck with your daughter. I think one of the worst things for parents is not being able to fix problems for our young children that are hurting them and that we feel should be fixable – especially medical ones. I feel for both of you. May God bless you with more of His angels!
Would that also be a tender mercy?
I’ll say a little prayer for you and your girl tonight!
Loved this post. If anyone deserves angelic treatment right now, it’s you and sweet Miss Natalie. I’m so glad someone helped you out. And isn’t that a great talk by Elder Holland?
Awh, I love that she did that.
And she probably isn’t giving it a second thought, because she’s that type of person.
And honestly, part of what drives me to make it to the celestial kingdom is that it will be FILLED with people like that.
A-mazing. 🙂
I want to be your angel! Pick me!! Pick me!!!
I love people who help out my virtual friends for real like. I so wish we could all be there for each other in person the way we are on the web.
Then again, you can always call DeNae…
Wow, that is an inspiring story. 🙂 I totally broke down in tears when I had an earthly angel lift my load. The gratitude that fills your heart in those moments is incredible. I will pray for you and Natalie. UTI’s are no fun. 😦
Heya…Just sending you a whole bunch of good vibes and love from New Zealand. I hope life returns to some kind of normality soon, and this tough time will pass quickly for you and your family.
Oh, that’s awesome. An angel indeed.
I’m sorry to hear about Natalie. Good luck getting it figured out.
For some reason this story as brought me to tears. What a gift that sort of sweetness can be, and how amazing that WE can be that gift for someone. Beautiful post, Stephanie. And oh how I hope things get better for poor Natalie soon!
!!!
I need an update.
I almost started crying reading this. I’m so grateful for earthly angels.
That is a very cool story. It’s nice to know there are people like that around. I hope the UTI clears up, they are not fun.