Gratitude for our Caregiver

--by wooka85257, posted Nov 11, 2011

About 2 months ago I realized how often my mother's caregiver would do kind things for me. Not just little things ~ BIG things, like picking oranges and juicing them, making my bed for me when my muscles are so tight I can't bend over easily, raking the leaves and weeding the front yard......... those kinds of things.

I ALWAYS thank her, and she says she enjoys it. But I decided, since she is paid a set wage by the agency we went through, and has a large family to raise, I would put a dollar in a decorative box every time I see one of those kinds of things that she has done for me.

I have already changed out 20 single dollar bills for a $20 bill TWICE and have probably somewhere in the vicinity of $70 in there. That's my own "thank you for your many kindnesses" box, and when the time comes (and it will, probably this year) when we can no longer afford a caregiver for my mother, I will have a box of money that will say thank you in a tangible way, and which hopefully will help to tide her over until she gets a new job.

We've had her for 2.5 years, and she's like family to us. She is our own precious angel. And while I know she does these things out of kindness and love for us, it will be my chance to do something out of love and kindness for her. Because it is just a dollar every now and then, it is hardly missed. But in 6 months, or 10 months, or however long it is before the money runs out, it will have grown to quite a bundle of love.........just like all the bundles of things she has done for me.

I don't want the day to come when she will no longer be with us, because I will miss her presence terribly, but I can hardly wait to give it to her!

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Posted by wooka85257
Nov 11, 2011
Comments (17)

Readers Comments

KidsCoach wrote: What a beautiful gesture on your part and what a gift it will be to her. Not just for the monetary value, but to put into perspective her unselfish kindness and how many gestures she offered your family that were recognized. Caretakers are the earth angels of the world!

PassionateM3 wrote: I love your story and for people like you, it makes me greatful to be a caregiver. Even if your not appreciated by anyone just knowing when you look in the eyes of the person your caring for, makes me feel rewarded! :)

harjie wrote: Wow, what a wonderful caregiver your family was blessed with! And your thoughtful way of honoring her is even more applaud-worthy! She will be so incredibly happy =) thank you for being so kind.

RMB333 wrote: What a wonderful idea to show your gratitude! Thank you very much for sharing your story with us. Immense & untold blessings!

Bluebell wrote: You are a kindness star, and so is that beautiful soul, in fact an angel in form of a caregiver. Love and light and endless blessings, bluebell

Joy wrote: How beautiful for both of you! Thank you so much for sharing your message of kindness. Blessings to both of you!

princessliz wrote: So thoughtful.

HappyDae wrote: Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story. Many take for granted those who are compensated for their in home health care. But you recognize your mother's wonderful care giver as a true friend and angel of mercy. I love what you do to show your appreciation and your future plans for her. You are an exceptional person with a beautiful giving spirit. Sending my warmest heartfelt wishes that your mother is doing well and that all you do for others will "come back to you in good measure and pressed down. "kjv love and peace, happydae

Jan wrote: We had a caregiver like that for my mom. At christmas my mom made her an afghan and i gave her $50 cash. She said the agency didnt allow them to accept gifts and of course i insisted. We paid the agency $14 an hour and the caregiver earned $8 an hour. :(

wooka85257 wrote: Another update: the kindness box has $582 in it! And she still has no idea i am doing this for her. Every day she is here, she is a gift to both my mother and me, and we give her birthday and christmas gifts, and i celebrate the anniversary of when she first came to us with a cake and $100. I save up for that every year, and it never fails to surprise her.

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