We have a new caregiver, Amy. She’s been a wonderful addition to our team of caregivers.
I cannot express how grateful I am for our whole team: Jean, Laverne, Clara, and now Amy. Dad and I simply couldn’t do it alone and each precious woman has lightened our load during this difficult, long season.
Since Jean has been with us the longest, she remembers Mom being much different in the beginning. Clara and Laverne have seen many changes, too.
For Amy, this stage is where she’s starting in the relationship with Mom.
Although Amy and I have known each other only a short while, we were building a new friendship before she came to be a caregiver for Mom. Because we have connections outside of the Bunn household, I’ve been aware of Amy’s many other gifts, including music and poetry.
Recently she wrote this poem about her time with Mom, and with her blessing, I’m allowed to share it here.
Something to Connect
Every day she says she likes my hair.
When I come over to give care,
Mostly she will be
In her chair,
Unaware,
Talking to the people who aren’t there,
That only she can see.
Sometimes she speaks to me
With words and thought that, like a dream, are free
From needing to make sense. It’s rare
When a completed thought she’d share;
But every day she says she likes my hair.
So every day I wear
It down, so she
Says something to connect with me.
She’ll talk about a memory
And laugh into the air.
When I can’t join, it seems unfair.
But every day she says she likes my hair,
And that’s enough for me.
I wish I could take Amy back in time to meet Mom when she was still really with us. Since I cannot, I am so grateful for Amy’s gentle spirit which allows her to connect with Mom as she is now.
I continue to be thankful for all those God has put in our lives who allow us to keep Mom at home. It is such a gift and I do not take it for granted.
