The Gift of an Earthly Angel

My father passed away on May 29, 2026. Since then, I’ve found myself reflecting with deep gratitude—not only for my father’s life, but also for the incredible blessing of having a phenomenal husband by my side.

As I looked back over the last nine years, I realized just how long this caregiving journey had been. It began with my father’s gradual cognitive decline, followed by his failing health and, eventually, the daily challenges that come with complete dependence on others. Four years ago, he began living with us part-time. During the final fifteen months of his life, he was with us full-time.

Caregiving is rarely a journey anyone can walk alone. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how I could have done it without David.

My role as my father’s Power of Attorney was largely administrative. I managed caregiver schedules, paid bills, coordinated appointments, handled paperwork, and took care of many of the more difficult hands-on aspects of caregiving.

David, on the other hand, brought joy into my father’s days.

He made Dad’s breakfast and lunch. He sat with him, talked with him, kept him entertained, and found ways to make each day a little brighter. The two of them developed a beautiful rhythm together. Dave often said that other than me, my dad was his best friend.

We often joke that David’s role consumed 70% of the effort as he took care of food and fun while my time investment was about 30% as I handled cleanup—but I tell him I get double points for cleanup.

Humor carried us through many difficult days.

Yet beneath the laughter lies profound gratitude.

There is absolutely no way I could have navigated this caregiver journey without him. His kindness, patience, steadiness, and willingness to serve became one of God’s greatest gifts to both my father and me.

A few days before my father passed away, I woke one morning with a song playing in my mind.

As I listened to the lyrics forming in my heart, I realized they weren’t simply about marriage. They were about the earthly angel God had placed beside me to help carry this sacred season of life—to share the burdens, the heartbreak, the exhaustion, the laughter, and ultimately, the goodbye.

Sometimes God sends angels with wings.

Sometimes He sends them wearing blue jeans, making breakfast, telling jokes, offering a steady shoulder, and quietly showing up day after day.

If you’ve ever walked the caregiver’s road and had someone you could lean on through it, I hope you know what a priceless gift that is. And if you were blessed with one of those earthly angels, I hope you’ve had the chance to thank them.

I know I never could thank mine enough.