Broken Teapot
How do I put into words what I have experienced this month? Every week was different and every week taught me something new. It was a humbling and challenging experience. But my favorite week by far was the second week of camp at Pennington Beach. This was the week we worked with people who had acquired brain injuries.
People who had had strokes and now were paralyzed on one side
People who had been in car accidents or motorcycle accidents
People who lived completely normal lives
People who had spouses – husbands or wives
People who climbed the business ladder and were successful
People who never thought their lives would change…..
But whose lives were turned upside down because of an acquired brain injury.
*Photo taken by Tyler Hamilton
Imagine this perfect blue and white Japanese teapot sitting on shelf… Beautiful and delicate. Aged and ancient. Then one day it gets knocked off the shelf. Broken into pieces. Destroyed. Wanting to be thrown away and forgotten. But instead transformed and glued back together. Not the same. A pot missing its handle and spout. Planted with a flower. Blossoming into something new and different.
I took care of three ladies this week and each one of them were like a broken teapot. Each transformed into something different, new, and beautiful because of their strokes. None expecting to be knocked off the shelf, but because of their strokes they have become who they are today.
This week was my absolute favorite week. I was a caregiver. I was responsible for helping these ladies in whatever way necessary. And surprisingly, I really enjoyed and loved being a caregiver. I loved hearing their stories and helping them with everything. I didn't mind having to get up in the middle of the night to help one of them go to the bathroom or having to help them get dressed in the morning. In fact, I loved it, but it was because I had three wonderful ladies to take care of.
Each had varying degrees of mobility depending on the degree of the stroke and what side of the brain the stroke was on. If the stroke was on the right side, then the left side was affected. And vise versa. But all three of my ladies were paralyzed on one side or the other. One was stricken to a wheelchair. One had to use us or a cane to get around because her leg and arm was paralyzed. And one was able to walk, but paralyzed in her arm. Each had to relearn basic skills after the stroke. But memories were made through this week…
Going to beach and pushing the wheelchairs through the sand.
Getting almost taken away by a wave because we got to close.
(me and my lady in the wheelchair).
Having her stand up on the beach and walk a few steps. This was her goal and
challenge for the week. And she did it!
Playing putt putt golf and having my lady get three hole in ones!
Doing manicures and pedicures with the ladies.
Going a scavenger hunt to find different items.
Having a worship every morning – one of my favorite parts. Seeing how strong their faith is even though they have been through so much.
A talent show with all the campers. And sooooo much more.
A week of creating a can-do attitude and serving these ladies in whatever way possible.
This was one of my favorite weeks. And I think I could be a caregiver one day if I need too.
*Ohhhh Granny I was reminded of you sooooo much this week. Because of the stories my ladies told. And having lunch with my ladies and tea time. I loved it. And I love you! Granny you have made such an impact in my life. The faith that you have had through the trials of life. And continuing to live out your faith even through the passing of Pop. Always being there for me, hearing my stories and supporting me. I love you, Granny! We will definitely need to set up a lunch date when I get home. 🙂
