By Natalie Bryant Rizzieri | Executive Director & Founder
I have the honor of being asked, and quite often, “what can I do to help?” I meet people, day in and day out who want to contribute to our home, our residents’ lives, our efforts.
One of my favorite parts of this work is matching what people have to give with our needs. It is a great joy to be able to watch, and closely, how giving and receiving transform all of those involved.
Sometimes what we need is an empathetic ear. Sometimes we need an outside and professional opinion on a care plan for a resident or a reference for a neurologist for one of our residents. Sometimes our staff needs volunteers to visit and give them a reprieve in their day and work. Sometimes we need financial support or simply a few kind words.
Sometimes our residents need someone to pay special attention to their piece of art. Sometimes we need people to just acknowledge that we are tired, and offer to pick up the pieces, even just for a short time.
We need people. We need people who are willing to be present, “to touch those to whom [they] give.” (Mother Teresa) We need people to be gentle and fierce. We need people who will fight hard for the rights of our residents, for the provision of their needs. We need people to carry some of the suffering that our residents have carried for their whole lives.
It is hard to stare suffering in its face. And sometimes I feel compelled to protect our friends and supporters from the suffering that inevitably comes through and in this work. But then we are all more alone. And besides, if the suffering is not known, we will never find ways to overcome it, however slow it may be.
There is a quote by Euripides, the Ancient Greek playwright, which speaks to this willingness to be a part of life. Euripides says:
“You who sit there in utter misery, look up and show your friend your face. There is no darkness bears a cloak so black as could conceal your suffering. Why wave your hand to warn me of the taint of blood? For fear your words pollute me? I am not afraid to share your deep affliction with you…”
May we not be afraid. So much depends on this.
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