Medal of Honor Tribute
Special Blog Edition!!!!
This is my beloved sis’ aka sis-in-law’s birthday today. I am writing this blog to honor her and express my love for her for the many years we have done life together. She has been my loyal and devoted friend since I was twelve; she was nine and her brother was thirteen. She was her brother and my mascot, giggling when we would hold hands. Years later, she was my support, accompanying me to her brothr’s cancer treatments and doctors’ appointments. At 18, she traveled and sang with us in our Master’s IV Quartet for years. She was my partner in our niche-market Estate Sales business. We marketed the home and sold its contents.
But, more than all she meant to me, Karen deserves a 21-gun-salute, applause, a standing ovation and medal of honor for being Mom’s undaunted, devoted, and tender caregiver. The care Mom receives is nothing short of royalty treatment. Mom, today, isn’t the one you see in these photos when she was spry, feisty and well. She has many needs. 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. I want to acquaint you with a hero today.
After Dad passed away, 23 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.” Three years ago, Karen and her husband welcomed her into their home and have given her 24/7 care. What that means is they don’t take vacations. Karen doesn’t have luxurious spa days or shopping excursions or just a couple hours on her own. Believe me, I’ve wanted to step up and give Karen relief, but Mom insists only Karen. Others may ignore that insistence, but not Karen. Mom’s trust and security is enveloped in the devotion of her beloved daughter. Fortunately, on Saturday, Mom and I had together-time while Karen and George stole away for just a couple of hours.
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 is relentless in faith, determined in hope, and unquestionable in her care for mom. Being a caregiver is NOT for the faint-hearted. Karen is a “brave heart”.
She doesn’t feel caregiving is a duty or obligation. She welcomed it into her heart as a God-given ministry. God uses her hands as an extension of His hands – holding, soothing, supporting, embracing, comforting, and healing. At 99 in just a few days, Mom just wants to “go home” and wonders why she’s still here. But God uses Karen’s words to encourage her as she speaks hope and strengthens Mom’s faith and trust as she imparts such incredible patience and love to her. 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 applause and a standing ovation for a “job well done”! In fact, He’s saying “Well done, good and faithful servants. Enter into 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.