In the midst of economic difficulty here in the United States where finding a job that is in-line with your profession is nothing but a test of patience and endurance, my path brought me to a place that I’d never expected… even in my wildest dreams.
I am born squeamish. And nobody can alter that. But in the last four months that I had been working as a companion of an elderly, that part of my personality never occurred to me. Of course, my good friend who is a Certified Nursing Assistant have always been very kind and considerate in assigning me to a rather easy case. But there is no easy case when you are dealing of the elderly.
Of course, I worked mostly as their companion- in the real sense of the word. Take them to a stroll. Sit with them over breakfast or lunch. Or stay on their bedside when they are taking a nap. But this people are just so fragile. To me, they are as delicate as a new-born. They have already gone past the prime of their lives… and they just live by their schedules, living life as they come.
Four months back, and even until now I look forward to the days that I get to spend with my old “friends”. I cherish those times when I can hold their hands, and they are warm. I wouldn’t trade the satisfaction in my heart brought about by their smiles when they are pleased with what I did for them. I enjoyed the company of their stories- learning from the people who have witnessed the world that I can only imagine in black and white.
And then I have the sincerity of their friendship. One evening, when I was about to say goodbye to Clarence- my 100 year old friend, I leaned over to where he was sitting. I gave him a hug and he embraced me asking, “when will I get to see you again?” That just crushed me. And with a dried throat I reassured him that I will be back. Here is a man, clinging on with a score of his life. Walking down the hallway I knew that was the first and the last, as I was only filling-in for somebody.
Of course, I get paid with the work that I did. But work and money is just second. To me, what I am doing right now (although I know is going to be temporary until I will be accepted for an office job) is a calling. A vocation. More than just reporting for work and counting the hours earned, I know I am doing something for this people not even their own family members can do. Not because they can’t, but because they don’t want.
Right now, I live in a world away from my family. Whenever I see this people I always remind myself that apart from doing them a favor, I am doing myself a favor. In the gamut of distance that I cannot take care of my parents, I live watching over someone else’s. Is it wrong? It is not. I live and work with my whole heart. With a pat. A smile. This I would do as if they are my own.
Wow! You really touched me with this post Manang Ror. It inspires me to be involve in the same vocation while waiting for the job that I wanted. Who knows this might just be my path, right?
I am hesitant though because I’m afraid I might be attached to them. And we know where they are going and how sooner it might be.
remember my first patient- Elsie was taken away from me so soon. Just after one month of friendship. But I didn’t look at it that way. I said to myself…with her in heaven, another angel is watching over me. And I know she is. As long as I know that you have touched their lives Jacs, you will realize it’s not really difficult to let go in the end. Yes, the crying will be long….I did it, one whole night.
yes i remember Elsie. you in fact, blogged about her. that’s what i am trying to avoid. i just think my heart is too weak to carry a heavy burden such as death.
seeing it that way? maybe i can try…
you will find the most genuine friendship in them Jacs. take it from me.
brought tears to my eyes rory..like you i see them as newborns.the satisfaction you get from giving them the simplest of comfort and joy is something else.its true you do get paid but we do care.
thats one of the things id like to do ror.to work in a elderly house or a nursing home.i just feel so emotional when i see them in there and nobody visits them.enough uy kay basin mag drama ko diri..
samot na ka Lods kay you are very close to your Lolo and Lola. I bet when you see an elderly diri sa States maka-remember ka nila. How are your grandparents doing? Ipangumusta lang unya pud ko nila.
your blog is so touching. it reminds me of our Nanay and Tatay and the rest of our close relatives who’s on there primelife. atleast Roray yo spend time with elder people here even though you get paid but I know you are dedecated to them as like your own elder.
lagi mamadon. maluoy bya gyud ta ug tiguwang- ma-lalaki or babaye. bisan ug uban ana nila stricta. ako everytime I see elderly people, si tatay boring man dayon akong mahinumduman. mao man gyud to sya akong ideal nga tiguwang.