Helpers and healers

Nothing can make our life, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness. ~ Leo Tolstoy

Helping

There’s no greater feeling than being wanted by someone in need. Not someone needy, but someone who benefits from our presence and gifts. Not selfishly, but humanely. The invalid who’s lost her mind in the care facility does not possess faculties to be needy by choice – she just requires help. Cream on her cracking heels, a textured bunny to pet when the only thing she can move is her thumb, or the scent of essential oils, reminding her of a cabin she used to go to…when she had legs.

Providing sensory experiences to the sick and dying was something I tried only a handful of times when my own issues of migraines — and a demanding day job — prevented me from visiting more often. How funny the world we live in where we must prioritize working to make money to survive, over providing human care.

Healing

On a lighter note — back in the day, there was the help I offered differently abled folks in wheelchairs living in my co-op in downtown Ottawa. And the help I offered local arts festivals through my performance style and hosting abilities, which gave me more than I ever gave. A feeling of connection to the amazing cultural community and the roster of other volunteers was so inspiring to me as was the praise and appreciation of the event organizers.

Going forward, I can’t wait for more time to contribute to the world in the ways of — helping. Serving meals, helping someone walk, holding a hand. All these gestures that we, on our vulnerable days, wonder may be provided to us when we can’t feed ourselves, walk without falling, need comfort.

I chose a couple of years ago to manage my fears of imminently struggling in age and ailment alone — as I am with no family and new to Montreal — from a worry and a woe to action toward the many others feeling that right now. We must believe that when we need help, someone can be there for us. What better way to fulfill that wish another may have presently, than to show up, saying “I am here for you.” ♥