Angel Hugs
By Marsha Jordan

Ever wonder what angels look like? Are they gray-haired women with dangling earrings like Della Reese in the television show? Or do they resemble chubby, winged babies portrayed in paintings? I've never seen a spiritual being, so I can't say. But I have encountered some "earth" angels who are just as beautiful as any heavenly spirit could be!

There's my middle-aged friend, Margaret in Oregon, who lovingly and tirelessly cares for the brain-damaged crack baby she adopted. When he stops breathing due to seizures, she revives him with CPR. Many nights, as she sits up with him, she crochets afghans and sews quilts and tote bags for other disabled children. Margaret may not have wings, but she's an angel in my eyes! .

Across the country, on the East coast, a forty-something cancer survivor, Jan, shares the strength and wisdom she gleaned from her battle with cancer. Understanding the terror of facing this disease and the joy of defeating it, Jan helps other patients wage their own wars. She gathers them under her wings and upholds them, traveling alongside them on their journeys. A gifted graphic artist, Jan also designs web art for sick children. Maybe she's not a real angel, but to those hungering for a listening ear and a hand to hold, Jan is a gift sent from heaven.

In the Midwest, Mindy, a young, single gal, busily types away at her computer. The hundreds of uplifting messages she sends lighten many hearts and restore hope to those weary of life's struggles. It's the tapping of a computer keyboard I hear, but it sounds strangely like the fluttering of angel wings.

Sue Gene, in Louisiana, packs a lot of love into each box of toys she mails to sick children. She boasts no supernatural powers, but the smiles she provides are nothing short of miraculous.

In Texas, Tiffany moderates a chat group which is really a lifeline for weary parents who vent frustrations, find encouragement, bask in acceptance and understanding, and make lasting friendships. Instead of a halo, Tiff has a southern accent, but she's an angel to more than a hundred chatters who depend upon her technical skills.

In Massachusetts, full-time student and busy mom Jenn works with her two school-aged children, rubber-stamping cards for sick kids who look forward to receiving "happy mail."

These heavenly ladies are just a few of the 500+ members of the Hugs and Hope Club - a group of the most caring, selfless angels this side of heaven. They are ordinary people who are accomplishing extraordinary things through their combined efforts. The club is seeking more hug-giving, hope-restoring earth angels to join them in spreading love (and a little heaven on earth) to sick kids and their families - one hug at a time. All you need is a caring heart and the desire to share your love. To learn more, visit www.hugsandhope.com.

Marsha Jordan is the founder of the Hugs and Hope Club. She is a disabled grandma who lives in the northwoods of Wisconsin with her husband of 26 years. To find out more about her, visit the link above to read her bio on the contributors page.