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During my experiences with cancer and surgery, I appreciated the great folks surrounding me. I thought they were good people. What I learned is that there are many angels among us. 

I never dreamed that so many from our community would do so much to help Jessie and me as we moved through this process. Having prayers from all over is humbling. From meals prepared and delivered to taking us to Richmond, all has been very much appreciated. 

With the willingness of Cindy to cover all the constituent and legislative issues, our office has not missed a beat and responded to the needs of the district. She is truly an asset for our office and the entire district. 

ANGELS CLOSER TO HOME 

My daughter-in-law has been my angel of mercy. With her knowledge of medical issues, she has been able to help us interpret what the surgeons were telling us. Likewise, she has come to the house early in the morning and late at night to administer shots. Not only that but she successfully helped me through down times. 

My wife is a beautiful person. She has been a wonderful life partner despite all of my shortcomings. She has been a super mother for our four children and now a super grandmother for our now four grandchildren. She has stood by me throughout my years in Richmond. However, I did not appreciate her real beauty until the trials of the last month. She has done everything needed to see me through this challenge. I could ask for nothing more. Watching her doing everything needed with the energy of a twenty year old has been so humbling. 

NOT ALL ANGELS HAVE WINGS 

Before I leave my surgery experiences behind, I wish to share several additional thoughts. The morning they rolled me into the operating room, the kidney surgeon asked if there were any requests. Jessie asked if the Lord’s Prayer could be prayed. The bed was rolled into the operating room. There, sixteen folks were at their stations around the room. The doctor told them of our request for prayer. 

I have heard that prayer forever, but never like that. It was like a surround sound audio system with voices surrounding me. That team saw me through successfully. 

Some angels don’t even have arms. When I came home from the hospital, my dog, Leah, was overwhelmed to see me. She watched my every move. She slept at my side night and day, understanding her role in my healing. 

Too many have offered prayers and encouragement for me to list, but I have little doubt that those prayers lifted me up. 

FRANK RUFF JR. serves as the 15th District senator in Virginia. He can be reached at Sen. Ruff@verizon.net, (434) 374-5129 or P.O. Box 332, Clarksville, VA 23927.