Do you believe in angels?

A couple of weeks ago, I declared I believe in angels. These heavenly, helpful creatures come in both celestial and human form. On many occasions, I've been fortunate enough to benefit from the graces of the corporeal versions. I'm surrounded by human angels who've helped me in countless ways.

I'm sure heavenly angels have also guided and assisted me during my life. I just haven't been made aware of their work.

For as long as I can remember, I've always asked God to send angels to protect my family when we embark on a long car trip or when I felt we were in danger from inclement weather. (Even though, ironically, most car accidents happen close to a person's home.) It made me feel better to envision invisible winged creatures blanketing the vehicle and shielding us from harm.

I've never talked freely about my belief in angels nor my silent prayers of protection. It's not something one mentions because of the potential for others to snort in disbelief. But I'm past that now. My cancer experience and brush with death moved me past caring about the negative reactions of others to my beliefs. It's a matter of faith. I believe in angels and I respect if you do or don't. It's that simple.


A couple of months ago, a friend from my cancer survivor group talked about angel cards that she discovered while on a retreat post treatment. They piqued my interest, so I went online and ordered a deck from Chapters. The goal of the cards is to increase the clarity of the messages from the angels. The guidebook that accompanies them says, "Angel Therapy is a powerfully effective and safe healing modality that helps you release fears or other emotional blocks, receive guidance about your life purpose and other issues, and heal your body and life."

Despite my belief in angels, I was a little sceptical. Why would angels (and therefore God) communicate directly with little old me? I believed angels did their work almost invisibly. Would cards really work to convey messages?

But I approached the cards with an open mind. The first day I used them while waiting for Angie to pick me up for my first post-chemo appointment in Hamilton. If you recall, I was crying in pain from the Olaparib and devastated because I wasn't sure I was going to be able to withstand the side effects of the clinical trial drug designed to save my life. I was discouraged and sad.

That morning, the reading consisted of two cards (the main card I selected and one that jumped out of the deck because it was another message I needed to hear). The main card was: If you get nervous, focus on service, which says, "You drew this card because you've been called into spiritual service, either as a healer or a teacher."

Just when I questioned whether I was going to be able to do this clinical trial to help both me and others, I selected this card. The message goes on to encourage me to give a seminar or write a book so others can learn and benefit from my experiences. The direct correlation to my life was uncanny.

The card that jumped out of the deck was: Crown Chakra. "You drew this card because the angels are asking you to trust and follow the ideas you've recently received, as they are the answers you've been seeking for your current situation. You already know the truth and the best course of action to take. Trust this knowingness, and take appropriate action."

I got chills reading the message on that card. It reinforced I was doing the right thing by participating in the clinical trial and indicated I was going to be able to stick with it. That afternoon, I got some antacids so I could continue to take Olaparib.

I don't do a card reading every day and I have some difficulty with some of the cards I draw, but I try to keep an open mind. If these cards make me reflect on my situation or life in a different, more peaceful way, that's a good thing.

Tina