Caretakers are “Angels” in Disguise
According to Webster’s Dictionary, caretaker is defined as a person hired to take care of something or someone. The word that caught my attention is hired. By definition, again from Webster’s Dictionary, hired means to get the services of a person in return for payment.
When I think of the word caretaker, a different image comes to mind. A person not hired for pay, but who volunteers from the heart to help another in need. Their services are vast, from a kind word to a much needed bath. The reach of the caretaker reaches near and far.
On March 11, 2006, I entered into a new realm of caretaker. Prior to March 11, 2006, I was the long distance caretaker for one precious lady, My Sister My Hero, Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007. Cathy has Cerebral Palsy … but it does stop her from living life to its fullest. Read her memoir at www.nancycarey.com.
Although we rarely lived in the same state, God still used me in service for him. He used my voice … and he used it well. In addition to being sisters, Cathy and I are best friends; rarely a day goes by without a phone call. Like clockwork, I call her to confirm she is ok and all is well. Being a caretaker is more than caring for the physical body, but for the emotional side as well.
A kind word is like good medicine – it encourages the heart and gives hope. From one precious lady, God spread my wings and widened my caretaker path. He opened the doors to the Ms. Wheelchair America program www.mswheelchairamerica.org. A program that expanded my “caretaker” duties wider than I could ever imagine. And what was my payment – absolute JOY.
It’s an honor to be a caretaker, to offer my able-bodied arms, legs, eyes and ears to those less fortunate. And to offer my services without pay is a blessing.
So the next time you hear the word “caretaker,” don’t turn away and say, “Not me!” But open your heart to the possibility of being a blessing to someone – without pay. Send a card, make a call, stop by to visit – once you offer your services to God, he will use you as an “angel” for someone in need.
