Caregiving Story

My friends define me as a cheerful, playful, kind, loving, compassionate person. My family has always known me for my adequate care and concern over others. These are just a few characteristics that others see in me .

A month after I got to New York, my grandma was sick and couldn't live alone. I had just gotten a job in a restaurant and I was starting to settle down when I got the news. I found myself deciding between quitting and keeping my job, which I really needed because I had so many bills. I thought quitting was unreasonable, but then I thought about my ill grandma. In my heart I knew that I could always find another job, but If I lost my grandma, no one could fill her place.

I knew quitting was not a good idea, but had to do it. I wrote a letter to my boss explaining my need to travel to Baltimore. To my surprise, they understood, although it was hard to let me go for I was a diligent worker. Thus I left New York for Baltimore. When I got home, my grandma smiled between her tears. I promised her I was to stay with her until she was well again.

I cooked her favorite foods, took vital signs now and then, made sure she was always clean, and encouraged her to do some activities as instructed by the doctors. Listening to her worries was good therapy for her mind and offering the best of myself to her gave me so much joy.

In a few months time my grandma was better and she was back on her feet. I had to look for a job. This time around I looked for a job as a care manager in a residence in Baltimore. It gave me so much joy to do something I love. I truly appreciated the opportunity with my grandma, for it brought out the zeal to pursue doing what I love doing most--helping others.