In the United States first responders are appreciated for their efforts to take care of situations that can cause damage to lives and properties. Fire fighters, doctors, nurses, police officers, veterans and clergy are the most prominent one sees when something happens that can harm people. Whether it is in their DNA, it comes from one’s background or learned, those who first answer the call to be there to help do so at their own risk.
One need only reflect on the 2001 disaster in New York City at the World Trade Center when hundreds of fire fighters went into the Twin Towers to rescue thousands of people trapped by fire and exploding planes to realize that most of them knew they would most likely not survive, especially as the buildings were collapsing. This is an example of true caregiving in a challenging time that was a blessing to all of us because of their attitude to save anything they could no matter what they faced themselves.
Most of us will never be faced with such a tragic fate as that disaster, no matter if we were trained to do something to help or not. What we will be called upon to do is to be present to a loved one when they are ill, whether they are suffering at home, cared for in a hospital or are living in a facility which we will visit as needed. No matter what the situation, we will be called upon to step up to be a caregiver for some period. How we respond will make the difference to both the person in need and to the person who volunteers to be there in whatever capacity is needed.
If the caregiver is a woman, I can tell you from both personal experience and from watching how they accomplish all the tasks before them, that it is second nature. As a child, I watched how my dad’s mom took care of grandpa who became bedridden from a disease that had no known cure in the 1950s. Though doctors did home visits back then, my grandmother had to do all her regular chores and still make sure her husband was cleaned, fed, changed, given medicines and whatever else needed to be done to give him as much comfort in the time he had left before he died. They were both in their seventies; him frail and her declining physically in her own way.
Though today there are many cures available with availability of hospitalization and rehabilitation as well as home visits, it is still important to be present to a loved one in pain. There are multiple personal needs that need to be addressed and areas of care in which the caregiver may not be familiar with such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and housework.
Whether the person who is ill survives, becomes a permanent person with disabilities or passes, the caregiver must be there to help, be a cheerleader, punching bag, prayer warrior and one to bring hope, peace, joy and love into the situation. It is the ultimate time when one will be asked to ensure that the ailing person will be taken care of first. The caregiver must address the needs of the person who needs help in lieu of anything else. Healing or a sense of wellbeing comes when the ill person realizes they can totally rely on their caregiver to be there no matter what the situation is.
The blessing comes for both the patient and caregiver when there is stability in their relationship. The asks are answered, and the timing of the response is not questioned by either. Both put their faith in one another and in God’s gift of love for His creation. The attitude of both is one of love! Neither wants to disappoint one another nor make excuses for why they cannot be there.
God promises us if we are faithful in our care for others, He will give us the gift of everlasting life in which He cares for us. Let us always put those whom we love first in our lives so they can be healed from living a life of doubt and pain. Be the blessing God created us to be with an attitude of love, so we live in peace and joy forever.
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