As I read Erie Chapman’s meaningful reflection this week it sparked and rekindled a cherished memory. I recall caring for a kind and gentle woman who I shall call Helen. She accompanies me on my life’s journey. The beauty of home care is that when you cross the threshold into someone’s home, into the personal surrounding of their world, there is an intimacy that informs the encounter.

Over time through visiting Helen, we developed a good rapport and a trusting relationship that created a bond. In a therapeutic relationship with someone in the last phase of life there is an unspoken covenant that expresses, "I am here and I will not abandon you."

Helen was a person whose life was informed with a heart of gratitude and she enjoyed inquiring about my pregnancy. I’d share my joy in feeling the baby move and the miracle of carrying a new life within. Helen expressed a desire to buy a gift for my baby but she was too ill to go shopping so she wanted to give me money to pick out a gift. Graciously, I let her know how much I appreciated her thoughtfulness but that I could not accept her money.

Helen died at home not long after and I was saddened but I found comfort in knowing she was comfortable and at peace. A few months later my baby was born and I was captivated by the new little spirit that had entered our lives. Then I received a letter from Helen's daughter with an accompanying baby book from Helen. Apparently, before she died she had arranged for her daughter to buy this precious gift for me.

To receive Helen’s gift after her death and the birth of my son was an indescribable experience. I felt as though she had reached out to me from the unseen world and daughter was the conduit that enabled her message to reach me.

I think that is the opportunity before us on any given day, to bring forth the intangible unseen Love that is ever present in our lives, yearning to be seen, felt, heard and made known.

Liz Sorensen Wessel

Above picture is from a page in the baby book; a Beatrice Potter Illustration