My Story of Helping on a Snowy Day:
I vividly remember one winter day in Illinois, when I was 9 years old. There was about 12 inches of snow accumulated outside from a storm the night before. Having grown up in Illinois almost all my life, snow was nothing surprising…what was surprising was when my Mom told me and my older brother that we were all going to go shovel the driveway of some elderly friends. I wish I could say my immediate reaction was agreeable, but I admit my reaction was more like that of dismay. I mean, what kid wants to go shovel snow on a Saturday?! We all packed into the car with our shovels and headed over to our friends’ house (which meant we had to help shovel our driveway first), and oh boy did we shovel! While I remember how tired and sore I felt while shoveling, I think what I remember the most was how radiant the elderly couple looked who we surprised that day. You see, this 70-year old couple did not have immediate family nearby to help them. They smiled and thanked us (repeatedly), invited us in for hot cocoa and basked in our company after we finished shoveling. Yet, we probably spent more time visiting with that couple after shoveling snow than we spent clearing their driveway. Why? Because a listening ear is just as precious as a physical gift.
What I learned: Helping is a Multi-Faceted Endeavor
Because of that snowy day, I started the journey of understanding how people are relational, spiritual beings who need to feel loved as well as cared for. In addition, loving care doesn’t just mean shoveling snow, taking out the trash, washing the dishes, or cooking a meal (even though all those things are great ways to show love!)…it means giving someone your full attention…empathically listening to them. Later in life, my study of psychology helped me to learn more in-depth how empathic listening helps others to release their emotions, reduce their tensions, and even problem solve. These are reasons why I now value working with others who share my passion for loving people through practical and relational methods.
Helping Your Loved One
Whether or not you live near your elderly loved ones, you want them to get the best care possible which includes making sure all their physical needs are met…but it also means so much more… At Best Loving Care at Home, our Caregivers go the extra mile to make sure your loved one feels loved through helping with their practical needs and providing an empathic, listening ear.
Contact Us if you need extra help for your loved one or if you share our passion for loving others and want a job offering compassionate care.
