Monday, December 21, 2009

My heart wept for her

Today, I had the privilege of helping someone that I had never met before. She lives in an assisted living facility and has Parkinson's which has left her unable to walk, speak and really communicate much at all. She is a wealthy woman but has one sister who refuses to assist her in any way except for when she has run out of money. (The sister will be inheriting the money when she passes away). The bills have not been paid since July so as you can imagine, there are collection notices and a box stuffed with stuff that needed to be sorted through. I agreed to assist her and I think she helped me more than I helped her.

I was forewarned that she was not very fond of Black people and that she may react and not want me to help her.

She sat in a wheelchair and I greeted her. She looked at me curiously. I smiled and then sat down next to her. I chatted with her (she listened and I chatted) about her sweater and singing, anything to see if she would respond. She would only make sounds but some of the sounds did sound like yes and no so I was on a roll. When I mentioned that I played the piano, her eyes lit up. So I decided, to communicate by watching her eyes. Everytime I mentioned something and her eyes lit up, I continued to talk about that subject. A few times, she looked as if she wanted to burst out in conversation but couldn't. She rubbed at the corner of her mouth and started to cry. I knew it was frustration. She so wanted to talk with me but it was like she was trapped inside of the exterior of a hardened shell. I reached out to her and told her that it was okay...that I could understand her just fine. I comforted her and told her that I knew that it must be hard not to say what she really wanted to say.

I asked her if she used to enjoy cooking. Her eyes said not much. I asked about baking. Her eyes said, "yes". Then, I asked if she liked ginger cookies and her whole face lit up. I decided right then, that I was going to make her ginger cookies and I told her so.

I spent all day working on her bills but before I left, I saw her in the dining room and told her that I would be back tomorrow. She smiled at me and this time, I knew, she liked me.

I am touched by the people that God places in my life. She is one of them. She could've been a movie star years gone by or perhaps a politician or someone that traveled in elite circles who probably wouldn't have considered giving me the time of day. But today, I think we both shared a kindred spirit. Her eyes spoke volumes and I'm so glad that we shared that time together.

15 comments:

Mari said...

You were a blessing to her, and to me too, today! The fact that you took time out of your day, during this season, to help someone who may have been prejudiced against you speaks volumes! This is an example we should all follow.
I'm glad you were blessed too!

The Peach Tart said...

What a wonderful angel you are. God does send us the most wonderful angels too. Much healing going on there between you two, not just for the two of you but for the consciousness of the world.

JennyMac said...

tissue alert!

This is really touching. You are a blessing.

Formerly known as Frau said...

Wow you are truly a giving person...I admire you so much.
xo

Deidra said...

I can see you sitting there with her, giving of yourself. You are a gift...

Anonymous said...

How wonderful of you to help her. You yourself are an angel.

Thanks for the tears. But it reminds us what Christmas is all about.

Suz said...

Giving the gift of yourself is priceless. Maybe God is trying you out for a new vocation!! That woman was blessed by your patience and kindness. What a wonderful thing to do.

Have a very Merry Christmas. You a special soul.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

It sounds like your both were a blessing to each other. We never know what doors God will open for us and what plans he uses us for. Today you were this precious ladies Dream Angel. What a sweetheart you are!

Ya'll have a wonderful day just spreading the joy!

Menopausal New Mom said...

Oh so beautiful. You made me tear up. What a wonderful thing to do for someone and she recognized how wonderful you are very quickly. Such an amazing thing you are doing, please post again once you have delivered the cookies, I would love to hear more about her.

Deborah Ann said...

I followed one of your comments from another blog. You see, chocolate is my passion, well next to Jesus, anyway. I fell in love with you after reading this post. This is my heart! I volunteer at a nursing home, and there is pure joy in helping someone, and making a connection.

Merry Christmas, my sister in Christ!


Hugs,
Debby

lemonologie said...

What a beautiful post! It takes a special person to work with the elderly. All of my grandparents have experienced nursing home care. Some of the nurses and volunteers have been such a blessing to us.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

God bless you for helping, Simone. So many people are uneasy around the old or infirm.

I wish more people had your compassion!!!

Elle Bee said...

This post taught me so much about you--what a kind and gentle woman you are! To speak to someone with such genuine interest and love--someone you don't even know. You have the heart Jesus wants us all to have.

Buckeroomama said...

I can so picture you with her and how gentle your presence must have been May the genuine kindness you show to other come back to you a hundredfold.

lagirl/sweet tea said...

God bless you.
The message is "love"
and you spoke it loudly.

 

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