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Helpers Needed
I’m a helper. I believe I was born that way. I also teach people how to be helpers. Most are naturals at it. Those that need help outnumber us and it’s a great challenge.
My business today is to first check through my calendar, texts and emails. There’s usually several hundred in each group most needing someone as soon as possible. Hospitals, churches, social services and schools usually make the most requests.
I have become a regular at my church serving free lunches to the seniors in my community. It’s a wonderful feeling to be of assistance to those who may otherwise be
home and either unable to cook or just not interested in eating alone. Loneliness will do that to you. I have visited many of these seniors at home and call a few of them regularly. Margaret is 87, God bless her! Her husband of 47 years died 5 years ago. She talks about their life together as tears form in her eyes. Their two children live in different states and are quite busy raising their own families. They call regularly but haven’t visited in almost a year. Margaret doesn’t drive anymore because her poor eyesight has made it too difficult. She has become isolated over time.
After checking through the appointments and new requests, I’m on the phone passing along the needs to my team. It’s going to be another full day and I can hardly wait to start. That’s when I feel dizzy and fall.
I wake up in a hospital emergency room while the doctor is standing over me. I’m trying to tell him something, but he can’t understand me. My words aren’t coming out right. My body also isn’t cooperating with me. I can’t move my left arm or leg. I don’t know what to do. How am I going to help all those people on my schedule?
I look up at the door to my room and see one of my helpers. “I know what you need.” she says, “You taught me.”
The one thing I’ve learned from being a helper is that everyone will eventually need us.

© Jodi A