Heart with Angel Wings: A Story of Fierce Compassion

This is a true story about a woman and the love of her life- her best friend, and her soul mate. He was a strong, handsome, and intelligent man full of love for life. The man loved the woman so deeply, she never felt alone or afraid. A love story like no other, they shared every moment together in pure bliss. A love story of two people who came together at the perfect moment in time, when all the stars perfectly aligned, and the heavens opened up to shine down beauty and glory among them- a dream come true for them both. Then one day the strong man became ill, and his life would be cut short, leaving the woman alone and sad but with a heart full of the love he had given her and a treasure chest filled with the memories they had shared, enough to last a lifetime.

It was throughout this time of illness and grief that the woman would be surrounded by the most glorious hearts of friends and family. They would love her and care for her in so many ways, she wondered how beauty could exist in the uncertainty of darkness. It was in the simple acts of kindness that she would feel embraced. It was in a giant hug, in a tender smile, or in a caring visit. Friends and family would gather to express a love like no other, to express "fierce compassion" with gestures of kindness and generosity. They would come from all over to give from the heart what was needed during a time of great sadness- to love, to support, and to show fierce compassion for a situation beyond control. Fierce compassion appeared as a knock on the door to simply offer a homemade lunch and a hug. Fierce compassion showed up in the mail with a heartfelt card full of prayers and thoughtful words. Fierce compassion arrived in prepared meals, delicious desserts, baskets of goodies, and loving gifts. Fierce compassion traveled for hundreds and thousands of miles by car just to physically be present during a time of great need. Fierce compassion came in phone calls, intimate/personal visits, text messages and letters. Fierce compassion appeared as a heart full of love. However, the greatest compassion of all was seen in the heart of the caring husband whom suffered great illness, even through his most difficult time, he was able to give unending love, grace, courage, and immense gratitude.

On October 11th, 2022 the love of my life lost a courageous battle to cancer and I will never be the same again. But somehow I am here today, remembering the love and the fierce compassion that embraced us and carried us through, like a heart with Angel wings attached on either side. It was through so many acts of kindness combined with the fierce compassion and love of others that we were truly able to feel the love of God here on earth. After years of giving and offering compassion to others in need, as a nurse practitioner, mother, wife, caregiver, and yoga teacher I am now on the receiving end of taking in the love of fierce compassion. In my sadness, I am extremely grateful for the fierce compassion of others. A beautiful example of Gods love for us all.

Wife of Jason, mother, nurse

Erica Jane Cheatham- Ormeno

Original Publication Printed in

American Holistic Nurses Association

Beginnings | February 2023

Volume 43 Number 1