In February 2018, I wrote about Marvel in my “Angels Among Us” series. These angels are friends who appear in my memoir, A Long Awakening to Grace, because they helped me get through some tough times. Marvel continues to be an angel in my life … and in the life of my daughter.
I mentioned her twice more in my Caring for the Caregiver (June 2019) and Caregiver Update (July 2019). She, along with other friends, rallied round to help me deal with Nicole’s depression and the limitations placed on me as a caregiver. Marvel took Nicole to a concert, shopping for a bathing suit, to a water aerobics class at the Y, and gave her exercises to strengthen her muscles.
I saw Nicole’s spirit rise immediately. My friends are the best antidepressant on the market.
Because of Marvel, she gets out of the house and away from me once a week. And I have some time alone at home … a welcome reprieve.
There have been some hiccups for Marvel, taking Nicole to water aerobics. On September 10, Nicole fell and hit her head necessitating a trip in an ambulance to the Emergency Room. Can you imagine how hard that must have been for Marvel to call me? Nicole was a real trooper. She needed six staples to close the wound.
Nicole’s instructor called twice to see how she was doing. She recommended water shoes and told me where to get them. The receptionist at the dentist was thrilled to see Nicole for her first appointment at that office. Turns out, she’s in the water aerobics class and was glad to see Nicole is doing fine after that accident.
Last week, Marvel took Nicole to her class even though she wasn’t feeling well enough to participate. When she and I did a fun activity together on Sunday, I told her it wasn’t necessary for her to take Nicole when she isn’t feeling up for it.
Her angel-self shined through when she told me, “No, I want to do that. Nicole is really getting into the class and making friends.”
Apparently the staff at the Y gives Nicole extra attention. As soon as they see her, they get the lift to help her in and out of the pool. Nicole’s new friends were all glad to see her when she got back after her fall. Then she fell a second time on her first night back. It shook her up more than she let me know. Even though she wasn’t hurt, Marvel pulled the car up to the door so she wouldn’t have to walk far and several of her new friends surrounded her and helped her get in safely.
I was deeply touched by Marvel’s love and care for both Nicole and me and her commitment even when it isn’t convenient for her. I was thrilled to hear about the new friends Nicole is developing and that she has a life outside our home. This is a boost for both of us.
Marvel called just as I was finishing writing this post. She was on her way home from training she is doing to volunteer as a court-appointed special advocate and guardian ad litem for abused and neglected children. That tells you the kind of woman Marvel is. She is truly a marvel.
I am so grateful Nicole and I have this marvelous angel in our lives.
I don’t know Marvel that well but I knew she was a special person (.angel). So lucky to have her in your circle of friends.
Yes, Cindi, and I’m lucky to have you in my circle of friends, too. You are a blessing in my life.
You & Nicole are truly blessed to have Marvel in your lives and they, you! I know she has been with you for a long long time now & that is quite precious!♥️
Yes, Kathy, it is precious to have friends who have been with me for a long time. You are one of them and also one of the angels I write about in my memoir.
Angels attract angels, they like to ‘hang out’ together so I am not surprised you have an angel like Marvel in your life!!!
You would know, Diana, because you are one of the angels in my life that I like to hang out with. 🙂