"A golden thread of loving care connects us all." -Erie Chapman

August 26 was Mother Teresa's birthday and what better way to honor her memory then to celebrate Radical Loving Care and the contributions of caregiver's from around the world.

My mind is flooded with images so many caregivers who inspire me with their generous and luminous hearts. Family and friends come to mind who have faced their own illnesses with great courage or have lived their loved ones illness as they journey alongside of them. The day to day struggles of caregiving is often harrowing and caregivers efforts go unnoticed or may seem unappreciated by others. Yet, the rewards of living love do not come from an external source.

Today, my gratitude is extended to Erie Chapman for his visionary leadership in continually inspiring caregivers to see the Beauty that lies beneath the superficial. His encouragement to offer the greatest gift possible; our presence and to listen with the heart of compassion. A caregiver who enters an encounter in this way creates a mutuality of healing for the person being cared for as well as for the caregiver. For in truth, there is no distinction between giving and receiving as both persons are changed by alchemy of love. 

I would like to honor one of the quiet hero’s within our midst. Her name is Lillie Porter and she is a kindhearted home health aide. Her supervisor shared the following story;

"Lillie once cared for a woman who was terminally ill with a brain tumor.  This was Lillie’s first experience caring for a patient who was bedridden.  The women often spoke of the Huntington Library in Pasadena and how beautiful it was.  Lillie mentioned that she had never been there so the patient said she would take her there, and that she would drive, as she knew the way. 

This woman had always been in charge of her life so Lillie went along with her request.  She brought several items from her closet for her to wear and the patient selected an outfit, adding "Don't forget the shoes!” Lillie laid her pants on her legs and placed all her other clothes over her as she lay in bed.  Next, she put on her sunglasses and then they simulated the drive as the women explained to Lillie the different exhibits and the beautiful flowers in the gardens. 

While this was going on one of her daughters came in and asked "What is going on in here?" Lillie looked at her and whispered, “Please come along with us.”  At this point the woman was reliving her fond memories and taking Lillie and her daughter on a virtual tour. 

There were many times that Lillie went on these virtual journeys with this woman, such as the Sushi Restaurant for dinner and martinis (Lillie has never had a martini, so the woman advised that she should only have one, but she, however, was going to have two!)  They would wear wigs and sunglasses, etc. 

It just went on and on, she felt her life was still worth living, if only in an imaginary way!  Lillie helped her to continue to live and love life through the gift of reminiscing for as long as she was able to do so."

Thank you, Lillie for offering your heart as well as your hands in loving service. 

Contributed by Liz Sorensen Wessel

Artwork by ~liz