Little Guardian Angel by Susan Fahncke

She is my little sister and he is my tiny son.
Diagnosed with a brain tumor last year, my sister is battling for her life.
Angel continues to teach those around her of hope, courage and of an indomitable spirit.
She just never gives up.
They are very much alike.
Noah is now three years old.
Born deaf, he has had to adapt to the Hearing world around him.
Very few people in his life can speak his language, so he has had to learn to express himself in ways that those who don't sign can grasp.
He teaches and amazes me daily.
His spirit too is indomitable, determined, and contagious.
I know they are kindred spirits and I know that they forged some kind of unbreakable bond in Heaven.
Watching them now, my heart feels the sharp twinge of pain at knowing how my sister struggles.
Angel has lost the use of her right side, and her communication is rapidly deteriorating.
The tumor is taking its toll on her body and the words often can't escape, can't find their way to our ears.
She is frustrated at her body's inability to convey her heart's meaning, her thoughts, everyday things we all take for granted.
Noah somehow understands this and in an inexplicable way, they have developed a sixth sense for each other's thoughts.
At times I can tell something is wrong with Angel by reading Noah's face.
He constantly remains in tune with her, always on the lookout for a sign that she needs him.
In turn, she will understand which toy or book he wants, the communication between them silent and magical.
Heads together, they are sitting close, Noah softly patting her round cheeks and signing hurtť.
He can see the evidence of her latest fall and gently kisses the bruise on her forehead.
Their eyes speak volumes beyond what their lips can't convey.
I am amazed at this incredible understanding, this beautiful link between my two Angels.
Appointing himself her guardian angel, Noah will take Angel's hand and with his tiny three-year old arms, try to steady his aunt as she struggles to maneuver to another room in our home.
His sweet little brow furrowed in concentration, he focuses all his energy on helping her.
I have no idea how he knows when she needs help, but he does.
And in his innocent toddler mind, he is all the help she needs.
He pulls the chair away from the table at meal time to help her sit down with the minimum of pain.
He walks behind her and pushes on her bottom as she fights her way up the stairs, and when she has had too much and the despair overwhelms her, I find my small angel curled up on my sister's lap, in a wordless cuddle that comforts her restless soul.
His little blonde head resting on her shoulder, he strokes Angel's swollen, useless right hand and she knows she is loved.
I wonder if, years from now when Noah is grown, he will remember the special bond he and Angel share.
I wonder if the strength of their relationship will extend beyond memories that become a blur after childhood.
I try to keep the memories saved within the pages of my journal, knowing that one day they will be cherished treasures from hazy days gone by.
She has fallen asleep again, the constant fight to get through the day often exhausts her and I watch Noah's face as he sees that her eyes are closed.
Without even a pause, Noah quickly takes the blanket off the back of the couch and gently covers Angel with it, lovingly pats her arm with his chubby little hand, and pauses only to make sure her eyes are still closed.
He then bounces off to push his train around the tracks and I watch her eyes open sleepily and see her smile softly in Noah's direction.
His back is to her and he doesn't see the knowing smile on his aunt's face, but I do.
Tears fill my eyes.
I know that God didn't just give Noah to my husband and me.
I know that Noah came down to Earth at just the right time, to be here for Angel.
He knew that Angel would face a rough road, and that she would need a kindred spirit, a guardian angel.
And I happily share my son with her.
It is one of his callings in life to be Angel's little angel.