In Honor of All Caregivers

 “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.” – By Henri Nouwen  

Nouwen offers us a beautiful understanding of what it means to accompany another in their time of need. Yet, too often we can't help but sprint forward "to fix" what is beyond our control. Inadvertently, the hurting person is left with their feelings discounted.

Caregivers offer one of the most precious gifts imaginable, their full listening, loving presence.

Liz Sorensen Wessel
Artwork by ~liz