She brought a fragrant rose every day. I always wanted to change Chelsie’s name to Joy.
She reminded me of a fountain that was always bubbling over with joy. She always knocked on the door at 9:55 in the morning. Mr. C would go off to do his errands. Chelsie and I would do what we called “Ms C’s Spa Treatment.”
Chelsie would sing with her beautiful voice and then a story.
“Well ladies my girl Fatima had me all in stitches. She had wanted to make homemade bread for dinner. That bread broke my knife. Well girl I think what we have is a homemade brick. No use crying cuz this bread will make a fine door stop.”
It was always like that with Ms C, Chelsie and I laughing until we were bent over on tears.
“I can’t wait for tomorrow morning.” Ms C would say as I put her to bed for the night. (“neither can I.”)
***
I cannot say enough about those who give their time to care for an elderly family member or friend. Many give up their jobs to be the primary caregiver. It can be a strain but so vital for the senior who needs conversation, assistance, hope.
Others hire caregivers to provide several hours to 24/7 care.
The care giving industry is blossoming / bulging at the seams.
Caregivers are essential for those who choose to stay at home and those in facilities where the nursing/cna ratio can be as high as 50 patients to 1 nurse/cna team (my first job in the 70s the ratio was 8:1)
Many caregivers are in their 60s and some in their 70s. They are excellent at caring for the elderly but are considered “elderly” themselves.
*** Co-Vid-19 is a major concern for the elderly especially 70-80 year olds. There are many caregivers who are also in the “at risk group” but they are continuing to provide home care. Hats off to these remarkable people!
Where would we be without caregivers like Chelsie???
Please remember to be sensitive to those (caregivers, nurses, physicians, aux staff) who are providing care for the patients especially the elderly population. They are putting themselves at risk each day while trying to keep their at risk clients unexposed.
Thanks for coming by today.
Have you ever been a caregiver to a family member?
For moments you peak
penned in moon dust 