I’ve often heard it said that much of what we communicate is non-verbal. Our facial expressions, eye contact, posture, and the tone of our voice can say so much more than mere words. Well, I had an opportunity to test out this premise.

Over the holidays, my daughter in law’s parents came for a visit. Since, they are non-English speaking and I do not know Korean, a colleague asked, “how will you communicate?”  I responded, “My daughter in law can translate and love will find a way.”

Two months earlier, my son John and Eunyoung purchased their first home and thus began a remodel. Every day after work, they were at the house accomplishing a myriad of chores from painting rooms, dealing with contractors, to John putting down wood floors.  Late on a Sunday night John finished the floors and was up early the next morning off to his first day at a new job! Eunyoung’s parents arrived on Dec 18, just 2 days after the move. Although the house still needs finishing touches it a charming, cozy abode.   

 Needless to say, it was a tremendous effort that was fueled by the energy of love. Love between a couple creating a new life together. Love for our adult children and a desire to be of support in the endeavor. A daughter’s love of her parents and a couple’s desire to offer a warm and comfortable welcome. Love passed on from our parents and grandparents and from one generation to the next. A Love that made the seemingly impossible, a reality.  

As we drove up to the house, Eunyoung’s parents came out to greet us, which was a touching gesture. That first night was so special, my son ordered take out, which was by no means fancy but the air was filled with the excitement and anticipation of seeing them again.

So memorable, was this unique opportunity to spend the Christmas season together. We hosted several family gatherings to share meals and break bread together. Although we do not speak the same language, there were no perceivable barriers. Friends commented that Eunyoung’s mom has smiling eyes and that her parents are such kind people, for what shone through abundantly was a genuine warmth, a lot of laughter and love.

In Home Health, caregivers cross the threshold and enter into the lives of patients and families at times of crisis and vulnerability. Our ministry reminds me of the early Sisters of St. Joseph who had the courage to leave a cloistered life and venture out into the neighborhoods to serve the dear neighbor. Our community is diverse, and in home care we experience a richness, impoverishment and intimacy that is unlike any other health care setting.

Caregivers who are new to home health may feel a bit uneasy at first, due to working in an uncontrolled environment with many unknown variables. Patients can be nervous about opening their home to someone they don’t know, as well. We overcome these potential barriers when we offer warmth, caring and a genuine desire to be of help, which shines through to touch the heart of the other. We enter in as stranger to become a trusted friend. Through these sacred encounters we learn that love has no bounds.

Liz Sorensen Wessel