Moved with compassion

I picked up a second job, when I was working at Papayaʻs. I entered into my time as an in-home caregiver for Soly and Abdel Latif with just a little bit of hesitation. I wasnʻt sure if I was going to be what they needed or even if it would be something I wanted to do longterm. I give a lot of myself away but donʻt always take the time to take care of myself. Itʻs a tricky balance.

For about a month I felt like a glorified housekeeper and the work was challenging.

All of a sudden, something shifted in my heart, and I began to look at these two, lovely people with new eyes; with eyes of compassion motivated by love.

Soly and Abdel are in their 80ʻs. Soly is forgetful and Abdel is legally blind. This was how I was introduced to them.

Soly is one of the sweetest and most loving women I have ever met. She is patient and kind even though her relationship with Abdel over the years has been anything but easy. Abdel is gracious and kind with me but I find myself wishing he would be the same way with his wife. She does so much for him, receiving so little in return. When Abdel laughs and smiles, it makes my heart smile. When Soly blows me kisses each time I leave their house, my heart takes wing.

I think of Soly and Abdel as adoptive Grandparents and they think of me as family as well.

I have been told by their family that their house has sparkled and they seem more at peace now that I have been working for them. How that blessed me!

I do not see what I do as a job. Itʻs an investment into their lives. It has begun to get to the point that it is hard to think of taking money for what I do because it is so easy, now, and comes from such a genuine, loving place in my heart.

Yesterday, I found out Abdel went to the hospital for sores on his legs and water retention in his body and around his heart. He is ok and being taken care of while Soly gets some much needed rest of her own at home.

Before I began to clean, today, I sat and listened to her as she talked. She told me about her youngest son that died 4 years ago. The tears of a mother that has survived her child are heart-breaking. I am convinced that the greatest gift I can give someone in pain is the ability to be heard.

May I always be moved with compassion and quick to listen in love!