A Lunch Hour Well Spent 4/14/2008

A lunch hour well spent
Current mood:  catalyzed
Category: Friends

Today I went to a local rehab/nursing home facility that my company works with.  I went on my own time though.  Last Friday my friend and church secretary had sent around an email about a lady who was just... exhausted.  She and her family had been sitting with her 21 year old brain damaged daughter essentially everyday for almost two years, after the same situation before this with her father.  They are tired, worn down, and needing a break, understandably.  I thought of my friend's sister who has been such a lifesaver for me, keeping C so much.  I knew I might be able to help her, even though I can't keep children during the day for single moms.

I called the lady and told her that I didn't necessarily have a whole lot of time, as a single mom, but I do have a lunch hour that is mine to do with what I please.  I thought she could at least get out and get some lunch or something.  She cried.  I was surprised.  I met her and another of her daughters today and they are very warm, wodnerful people.  They love this girl very much.  It is very heartwarming to see the attention they give to her.  The family is so full of life and they have pictures up everywhere, showing the very beautiful girl before the accident.  It was obvious that she was as full of life as the rest.  Her family is insistent on keeping her as full of life and as much a part of the family as possible.  And I applaud that.

I had tried to explain to her mother why I wanted to help when she asked me.  I explained to her about my friend who helped me so much, and I told her that she had been a lifesaver in this world of "be ye warmed and filled" attitudes (reference James 2).  Her mom said, "Oh, so you're paying it forward."  As I walked out of the facility I got to thinking, well, I guess I am.  I just want to help as I have been helped.  I want to take care of my fellow man as Jesus tells us to.  "They'll know we are Christians by our love." 

I asked about what to do, we talked about massage, ROM exercises, etc.  The main thing was communication.  It's very obvious she can hear.  I plan on reading to her.  Her mom said she was a real bookworm.  That will be fun.  I just hope I don't annoy her...  ;)