The Blessing of Caregiving

The following post comes from Esther Jane Ward of Alexandria, Virginia, a devoted caregiver.

"Recently, I had the privilege of helping my friend Sue’s mother, who was in the final stages of ovarian cancer. I mentioned to Sue that I wanted to come and stay with her mother for an evening so that she and her husband could have a night out. Sue worked all day and kept around-the-clock vigils at night to comfort her mother, who was in near-constant pain.

As I went to Sue’s home that evening, I entered the room where her sick mother, Betty, lay. Cards lined the small table at the foot of her hospice bed, in memory of her 86th birthday the next day. A comfortable refuge with soft lighting had been lovingly provided.

As Sue and her husband left for the evening, I settled in to comfort Betty. The morphine and other medicine only dulled the intense pain and could be administered only every 2 hours. In between doses, cries of pain came from this dear, suffering woman.

As I tried to console her, I thought of our Savior, who walked among the people, comforting and healing them. My soul swelled with compassion for Betty and for my dear friend Sue, who had tried for weeks to keep going under these most trying circumstances.

I will always remember the privilege of staying with Betty that evening. She passed away just over a week later, in the loving arms of her family members.

This experience has blessed my life. It has strengthened my friendship with Sue. It has helped me realize that the Lord calls us to serve as His instrument to bless and comfort the lives of his children. How I thank the Lord for this sacred experience in my life. I was able to feel the Savior’s love firsthand, as He watched over His beloved daughter, soon to return to his presence."