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We Are all Just Walking Each Other Home
by Susanne White, Caregiver Warrior
I passed by an ambulette truck today whose driver was operating the lift to help a man in his wheelchair into the vehicle. The man in the wheelchair had what appeared to be his wife, friend, or family member with him. I overheard the man, his friend, and the driver having a wonderful conversation about living each day to the fullest and how short life can be.
I have met so many amazing people during my caregiving journey.
It was truly heartwarming to see what I imagined to be 3 strangers so deeply engaged with each other. I flashed on all the people I met during my caregiving journeys and all the times I experienced similar circumstances when I was caring for my Mom and Dad. I ran across so many people giving amazing service to the people I loved and cared for and had some of the best conversations in my life.
From ambulance drivers to nurses, aides, doctors, cashiers, custodians, attendants, managers, and supervisors, hundreds of caring strangers came across my path. Since I am a rather loud, outgoing personality who inherited the gift of gab from my Irish Grandfather, this was like heaven to me. I got to hang out constantly with tons of new people.
When we connect, we invest in each other.
What I quickly came to understand, was that not only was this fun and interesting to me, it was also a blessing. It afforded me a chance to connect with the very people I needed on a very serious level to provide extraordinary service to my parents and me. This took my more bees with honey attitude up more than a few notches. It allowed me to get to know and establish a relationship with people who then became more invested in my family and their care simply because they felt a connection to us. I felt the connection too, and by getting to know each other and sharing stories, we were threading our lives together.
I love the saying that we are all just walking each other home. I find that so true. Reaching out, connecting, and being heard is a glorious way to travel through life and the safest way to find our way home in the care of each other.
Sharing our stories brings us closer together.
Don’t miss out. Remember to notice and acknowledge the angels standing right in front of you as you travel through your caregiving journey. It’s those very angels who quietly go about their job helping you that might have the most interesting and wonderful tale to tell you. They might also need to hear something from you that could help them brush off their wings and keep flying. Don’t underestimate the power and beauty of human connection. Be open and ready to experience it. Everyone around you will be blessed.
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