Clearly, I've neglected this blog the past few months as I not only embrace the precious days of summer but also work endlessly in the hopes of decreasing the substantial college debt I face.
This summer, I feel amazingly blessed to have obtained a job that I never dread going to. Although the challenges I face in this new position are far more serious than in previous jobs, I wouldn't change jobs for the world. As a caregiver for a home care company, I have never felt more important in any role prior.
I'm not only responsible for helping clients through a typical day in their home, I also need to ensure their happiness, which is not as easy of a task as it may seem. There are no words to accurately describe the emotions faced when a client stares into the precious eyes of a woman, failing to recognize and understand that that is her daughter. The heart ache, sadness, and confusion associated with dementia is incomparable. However, helping the client embrace this new world they find themselves in and encouraging the family to partake in this new world is satisfying and fulfilling. To know that I have brought a mother and a daughter close again despite the barriers associated with Alzheimer's disease is the greatest gift. Even if for just one day, my client can smile because she was able to sit outside under the bright sun staring into her favorite flowers, I feel as though my life has a deeper meaning than I ever could have imagined it would.
I never could have imagined that I would spend my summer working over 50 hours per week and actually be enjoying each and every second of my life. If someone would have informed me that this summer I'd be getting paid to play cribbage, sequence, darts, pool, and other cards games, I'd have thought they were insane. I've met clients of all different ages, in all different conditions and helped them in all different ways. I've sat with clients and watched the Republican and Democratic National Conventions in a complete peaceful silence before falling asleep and getting paid for a full night's rest. I've assisted clients in preparing for the day, made meals, and aided in their preparations for the night. Nothing in life is more satisfying than to return home after a long day of work and feel as though I actually made a huge difference in someone's life. To see the clients tear up as I inform them that I will be leaving for school in just a week...that means so much to me. It lifts my heart, encourages me to continue pursuing my career goals, and reminding me to enjoy each and every moment that this life gives you. As I've seen clients nearing the end of their life, I can't help but reach out to my family and friends just to ensure that they understand how much I love them and how much they mean to me. Life is so precious. By the grace of God, I've been fortunate enough to have the most meaningful summer of my entire life thus far. I've cried, laughed, clenched my fists, and wrapped my arms around some of the greatest people. As I begin my third year of my college education, I feel as though this entire summer, I've learned more than I ever could in any overpriced college course. For the first time, I feel like I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. For that, I am forever grateful.
God bless.
