Give Her a 21-Gun Salute
Today, October 25th, is Karen’s my sis’ aka sis-in-law’s birthday. Thank God for the gift of her to all who know her. I am dedicating this blog today to honor her and to show you what a devoted and loving caregiver looks like. Without doubt, she has lived an exemplary life of giving care to those who needed her the most.
Karen has been my loyal and devoted friend, doing life together since she was 9 years old; I was 12; her brother, Ron (eventually, my husband) was 13. Years later, she was my strong support, accompanying me to her brother’s cancer treatments and doctors’ appointments.
Today I want to honor Karen, Mom’s unparalleled caregiver 24/7 in the last five years and even before that, attending to her needs even before taking her into their home. Before Mom, she was her Dad’s caregiver, then she was my cohort in helping in the care of my husband, her brother, when he was so sick until he passed. And before these loved ones, she cared for many others who would have been forgotten were it not for her care of them.
In the care of Mom, Karen deserves a 21-gun-salute, applause, a standing ovation, and medal of honor. Karen was undaunted, devoted, and the most amazing tender caregiver. The care Mom received was nothing short of royalty treatment.
To those of you who are caregivers and are used by God in the ministry of caregiving, I totally believe you have the Father’s heart of love and compassion.
After Dad passed away, 24 years ago, Karen told Mom “If the time comes when you don’t want to live alone, you’ll always have a home with us.” Five years ago, Karen and her husband welcomed Mom into their home. Mom had many needs. They gave her 24/7 care. That meant they were homebound. They didn’t take vacations. Karen didn’t have luxurious spa days or shopping excursions or just a couple hours on her own.
Mom insisted only Karen to be her caregiver. Others may have ignored that insistence, but not Karen. Mom’s trust and security was enveloped in the devotion of her beloved daughter.
I can’t begin to explain how caregiving 24/7 could have taken a toll on Karen and anyone who doesn’t have a tight relationship with God. But if there’s anything I know, she was relentless in faith, determined in hope, and unquestionable in her care for Mom. Being a caregiver isn’t for the faint-hearted. Karen has been a “brave heart”.
Karen never thought of caregiving as a duty or obligation. She welcomed it into her heart as a God-given ministry. God used her hands as an extension of His hands – holding, soothing, supporting, embracing, comforting, and healing.
At 2-weeks shy of 100, Mom went “home” to heaven. Up until that day, Karen was relentless in making Mom comfortable, always speaking to her with love and tenderness. Those actions certainly do sound like the actions and character of God. God with skin on.
Caregiving is a hidden ministry that goes unnoticed by many, but it is a ministry that God sees and one that pleases Him. Jesus recognized its importance when He said, “Whoever helps one of these little ones because they are my followers will truly get his reward. He will get his reward even if he only gave my follower a cup of cold water.” Matthew 10:42.
Maybe you’re a caregiver, too. How blessed you are to be able to make God’s heart glad as you touch others with His love. I can imagine He is giving you a standing ovation for a “job well done” too! In fact, He’s saying “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter my joy. You earned it. Receive it.”
Happy Birthday to my hero, Karen. I was chosen by your brother. He chose me to be your sister. And I am, the blessed one. Now, enjoy this new season of rest and joys with your family! “He makes YOU lie down in green pastures to restore your soul!”