Saturday, July 18, 2015

Grace

focusmagazine.org

In a home where those forgotten by the world
are cared for,
she changes diapers, bathes and feeds
half a dozen severely disabled,
mostly non-verbal adults.

"I love them," she says, sincerely.
"People think there is no one in there.
For 30 or 40 years their bodies 
have been well cared for, but efficiently.
But what about the luxury of choice?
what they might wish for?
what they might be thinking?

"I give them choices. 
The others think this takes longer, 
makes more work. 
They grumble it's a waste of time.
But choice  makes a difference to them,
even in such small things as
would you rather wear this, or that? 
Would you rather sit in your chair, or on the couch?
They are learning to say No.
Now we're working on Yes!
"They trust me. They know I see them.
I sat beside one man's bed one night, 
with no one else around.
I made him look at me, eyeball to eyeball, 
and I said to him,
"I see you. I truly see you. And you are beautiful."
And a single tear trickled down his cheek."

Grace. It is what makes us all
shiny dancers.


for my daughter, Lisa, who works in a home for severely disabled adults, who sees and advocates for the persons inside those broken bodies, who brings them laughter, and choice, and respect, and who has gained their trust and adoration.

for Karin's prompt at Real Toads: Grace. A quality I greatly admire in human beings.

22 comments:

  1. This is a lovely story--I am sure that choice does make a difference--it is an acknowledgement of a fellow being. Thanks so much for sharing this, Sherry. k.

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  2. This is such a wonderful tribute to your daughter! She is so beautiful and sounds like such a loving and caring person! Loved this :D

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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  3. What a wonderful daughter. To look at and really see these people -- what a gift Lisa has & passes on.

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  4. To have a caregiver who takes the time after we are unable to be in our homes is a triple blessing. Thanks for the Grace.

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  5. You tell your daughter that her Mom just made me cry. And that if she was anywhere near me, at the moment, I would probably smother her with all my hugs.

    She is grace made women. I'm very happy, and grateful, that you allowed us to see her. ♥

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  6. such a caring soul your daughter is, God bless..... ...a beautiful poem about that what makes us humane...

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  7. Beautiful and heart warming piece indeed. Its nice of you to share that. Greetings!

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  8. Your poem was not just written by a very good poet but also by a proud mother and I can only commend you on this marvellous combination. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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  9. Sherry, what an amazing, caring, wise young woman. "I see you. I truly see you. And you are beautiful." This gave me chills.

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  10. She is gracious and full of heart & love ~ Thanks for sharing Sherry ~ She is truly your daughter ~

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  11. Empathy and caring, true interest in others, giving of the self--there is no higher grace. You must be very proud of her! and I know just where she gets it from.)

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  12. Your beautiful daughter and a wonderful post! Thank you so much Sherry. Take care of yourself on your journey. Come home safe.

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  13. I know where she got that personal kindness, Sherry.

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  14. I have the greatest admiration for the selflessness of those who care for the injured, sick and disabled. Your daughter is an exemplary emblem of grace.

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  15. Thank you for sharing this profile in grace and humility.

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  16. Lisa is full of grace. Blessings to her! What honor and respect she shows the people for whom she works. I love knowing there are people like her in this world.

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  17. I am everlastingly grateful for people who, like Lisa, truly care for the very-elderly. Both of my parents were in care, in different wings of the same care facility. Even after my father's dementia was so bad her couldn't even recognize my mother, I heard one staff member say to another, "Gordon is always such a gentleman." It made me cry happy tears.

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  18. Theses so very beautiful! She is so very beautiful ... she has your heart. And she is doing the most important thing in the world.

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  19. Oh my word, Sherry...my response is tears...so beautiful. ♥

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  20. Wonderful write and a beautiful daughter that takes after her beautiful mother :-)
    ZQ

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  21. That is so beautiful, Sherry - both your words and your daughter's works. xx

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