The Death Angel

Sometimes I am so filled with anxiety that I can?t concentrate on anything except my worry. My aunt with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is constantly on my mind. She is so helpless and when I?m not there I worry about her. Is she getting enough fluids, does her nose need wiping, are her clothes arranged comfortably? These are just a few of the things she cannot do for herself. As I?ve said before: Lou Gehrig’s Disease a wicked sickness. One that robs you of your voluntary skills while letting your involuntary skills live on. When the brain still works and the rest of you don?t it is a pitiful situation.


I am hurriedly writing this today so I can get back to my aunt?s home. She had a really bad day yesterday. Her oxygen levels dropped and she was in pretty bad shape. Today she seems much better with the oxygen machine turned up. There is no way to describe the emotion that goes into watching someone pass away. I?ve been with a few as the Death Angel took their hand and they drew their last breath. My wonderful Grandma Verlie. She just breathed in that one last bit of air and gently floated to a better place. My husband?s mother Idesta recited The Lord’s Prayer the last night I stayed with her. She couldn?t respond to me, but there was no mistaking the quite, humble mumblings of her prayer.


I truly believe there are angels all around us. Sometimes I can feel them helping me. Other times I?m unaware of their presence. I don?t know when my aunt?s time will come, but when it does I am assured of one thing, she will die, but she will never perish! This morning as I lay awake around 4 a.m., a scripture traveled through my mind.?John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.


The Great Comforter sent His angel of peace to me this morning. As I watch my aunt struggle through these next days, weeks or months, I know she is surrounded by her own angels. And until The Lord sends down His Death Angel for her, I myself will open my arms and welcome whatever happens. And when I feel overwhelmed all I have to do is remember God?s promise.

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Joyce Hincher July 8, 2011 at 3:35 pm

Sarah, I feel your pain, I sat and rubbed my precious sister’s arm and hand until she turned cold. But I knew she was in a better place.

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