We're Everywhere
Because we're everywhere, it's good to be kind.
I took my car in for service on Thursday. While I waited at the car dealership, I sat with my laptop to work in the “no cell phone waiting room” that’s designated for silence.
A few minutes after I arrived, the only other person in the room stood up, spun around in a circle and then looked at me. “I have to leave for a moment to make a phone call,” he said.
“It’s just the two of us,” I said. “You’re welcome to make your call here.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Of course. Your call won’t bother me. Besides, I’m not sure there’s really a good place here to make a phone call.”
“You’re right,” he said. “Thank you.”
He then proceeded to call one of our VA hospitals in the area, leaving a message to request a wheelchair ramp be added to his father’s home.
This young man in his early 40s is a family caregiver. I was so grateful I made the decision to simply be kind.
I’m reminded that family caregivers are everywhere. Because they bring their caregiving responsibilities everywhere, they need to feel support everywhere. It’s easy to offer our support simply by being compassionate and accommodating. It’s one way to lessen the heavy lift of those caregiving responsibilities, including the priority of making a phone call even when we can’t have privacy.
(Image by Jan Vašek from Pixabay.)
Resources
Our Professional Listening Artist training is now available! Read about the training program, our vision for our Professional Listening Artists and your opportunities. Enroll on or before March 21 for our best price.
Want to learn more about all our training programs that transform your caregiving experience into a career? Join me an overview of our training programs, including the Professional Listening Artist, on Friday, March 15, at 1 p.m. ET (Noon CT, 10 a.m. PT). I'll also answer any questions you may have. Register to join me on March 15.
We answer your questions during Caregiver Support Live talk show. Watch to our latest episode.