Angels like tally marks

Ever since we told the kids about my illness, Hayden has been the only one to make mention of it around the house. Then again, he's typically been more expressive with his feelings -- always quick with a spontaneous "I love you" -- so now he often tells me out of the blue, "I hope you feel better, Mommy." Exactly what you want to hear from a five-year-old, and honestly, I just can't hear it enough.

Last night as Camryn was saying her prayers and listing off the usual recipients of "God bless...," she added some extra prayers for friends who were having birthdays, then added, "...and for Mom, because she has cancer." It was the first time I've heard her say the word, and I was amazed at how normal it sounded coming out of her mouth. As if I had the flu or something. It actually made me feel somewhat relieved. Her silence up until now had been a little concerning.

I quickly tried to match her casualness, thanked her for the extra prayer, and reminded her that every time someone prays for me -- or for her, for that matter -- it's like sending angels to help. "Does it make you get better?" she asked. I told her that I believed it would. Then she asked, "How many angels do you think you have already?" I told her I couldn't even count how many. "It's like the angels are tally marks," she said, drawing little lines in the air with her finger. "Yep, like tally marks with wings," I told her. And we both had a good laugh at that.

Today I send my sincere thanks to each of you for adding to my collection of angel tally marks, from my neighbors across the street to my Canadian family thousands of miles away. I simply love you for it. And a happy Thanksgiving to all. : )

With hope,
Angela