Asher

A couple weeks ago, one of the children at the hospital celebrated his birthday.  He turned six years old.  I enjoy planning parties, and being involved in all the children's unit activities.  Naturally, I offered to plan the party.  Asher's mother had past away after delivering her newborn son.  He is an only child without any half-siblings, or many friends.  His father has to work long hours in order to pay for his son's medical bills.  I wanted to make the event extra special because Asher's health has been deteriorating.  The doctors and hospital staff are giving up hope.  I could see in his father's eyes that he is planning for the death of his son.  Whether or not,  I was determined that Asher would conquer his current battles and will continue the treatments he needs to beat his cancer.  No matter what, I determined going to surprise him with fantastic and fun-filled birthday party to take his mind of his health.  He needed a day of fun and being spoiled!

I called in a couple of favors from friends I know in the area.  I also collected funds to pay for ,decorations, the cake, and beverages.  The hospital staff was more than accommodating.  The parents and friends of the fellow cancer patients chipped in make the sixth birthday an outstanding soiree.

My most important mission was to talk to his father.  I knew that he would know better than anyone else what type of entertainment Asher would like at his birthday bash.  One afternoon, I pulled Asher's dad, Paul, into the hall to chat about the party.  I informed him that I had everything organized and planned.  The last item on my list was to book the entertainment.  Without hesitation he blurted out "magician".  I was surprised that he came up with an idea so quickly.  I thanked him, and quickly started my search for the perfect birthday party magician.  I was fortunate to find a quality magician fairly quickly.  The shindig was planned, and ready to be set into motion.

On the day of his birthday extravaganza, Asher stood in a state of shock and awe.  He has been in and out of hospitals most of his life, so he never had a "real" birthday parties.  His face lit up with excitement.  He ran over to his dad and gave him a giant hug.  After greeting his dad, Asher rushed over to me for a big bear hug.  The next few hours were unforgettable.  All of this children enjoyed playing the games, watching the magic show, and eating all the yummy birthday treats(I'm sure the nurses weren't very happy that they were all hopped up on sugar).  Sorry nurses.... The kids had a blast.  That what was most important aspect of the birthday bash, to me anyway.  Forgetting about an illness your plagued with, or someone you love his struggling with everyday can be nearly impossible.  Even if I was only able to give the children a few hours of freedom, I consider that an accomplishment!

I had to leave the celebration a little early, so I could go take care of my treatments.  I went over to Asher to wish him Happy Birthday once more, and give him a big hug!  He was bummed that I had to leave, but he understood.  He asked if he could walk me out.  I told him he was such a gentleman, and of course, he could walk me out.  As we walked through the conference room door and into the hallway Asher grabbed my hand and, stopped me in my tracks.  He told me that he had one more thing he needed to say and do.  I knelt down, so I could look him in the eyes.  I could see that his mood had changed.  I was confused.  He then told me that he knew the magician in the room wasn't "real".  I asked him why he thought that.  He went on to say that those kind a magicians just do tricks to make people laugh, and/or to surprise them.  He said it was all fake.  I apologized to him about getting entertainment that he didn't enjoy.  He quickly interrupted me and told me not to be sad.  He did enjoy the illusions the magician showed everyone.  He continued on to say that he knows the difference between real magic and fake magic.  I asked him what the different was.  He lifted his head, and looked me in the eyes.  He said you are magical.  I'm was dumbfounded.  I didn't understand.  I explained to him that I wasn't magical.  I don't know any tricks, or any illusions.  He reiterated that those things do make a magician magical.  They are just putting on a show for money and for laughs.  I couldn't believe the wisdom that was coming from this young boy.  I'm sure I still had a look of confusion on my face.

I asked him why he thought I was magical.  He expressed to me that I am the only one whom can put smiles on his face and his dad's face.  As I mentioned above Asher's mom passed away very soon after he was born.  He told me that she comes to him in his dreams.  They talk about how Asher is doing, and how Asher's dad Paul is doing.  Every time he sees her in his dreams she tells him that she is his guardian angel from up above, and she has sent an angel spirit down to earth to take care of him(that angel being me).  My eyes welled up with tears.  I was speechless.  We embraced each other tightly as he whispered in my ear "thank you for being my angel here on earth. I love you".  I couldn't hold the tears in any longer.  They were streaming down my cheeks.  I composed myself the best I could.  I kissed him on the forehead and told him I love him too.  Then I told him to go back and enjoy the rest of his birthday bash, and I will be back to visit vert soon.

No more that 15 minutes later Asher's father called me.  He thanked me profusely for organizing such a wonderful kid/adult friendly party.  I told him there was no need to thank me.  It was my pleasure.  Before we hung up he said to me that he is grateful there all still angels on Earth.

Whether you are religious, spiritual, or completely unsure about what to believe.  Just remember to believe that everyone has good in themselves.  Don't be afraid to show your weaknesses, your sensitive side, or quirky side.  Explore all aspects of you who you are.  You may be surprised by what you reveal.