Caregiver

A few months ago I ran into a couple ladies I know on the trail.  One had had knee surgery and was walking with her support poles - very carefully.  A mutual friend of ours was walking with her - as a friend, but also just in case she needed help.  That woman often helps others in similar tangible ways.  I mentioned something about how she was a good caregiver, meaning to give a compliment.  As I walked off I heard her say - with a bit of testiness - that she wasn't a caregiver, that the first woman didn't need caregiving.  I was embarrassed and felt bad that I'd been so misunderstood.

Today's article by Natalie Gochnour brought this to mind.  And yes, I stand by my assertion that the one was a caregiver (giving kind care to someone) and the other was the recipient of said care and kindness.  (I saw a sign in the grocery today I nearly bought - it said simply:  Be Kind.  I love that!) And though I still remember that interaction with a bit of shame because of her response, my intent was to only be encouraging and recognize her effort - her actual "ministering" to a friend.  She was a good example to me, until her parting words.

We Are All Caregivers

I particularly enjoyed the quote in this article by Lowell Bennion.  Enjoy!