Help.

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

-Ronald Reagan

Have you ever helped someone in your life that felt meaningful and if so, how? If not, how do you hope to be able to help someone in the future?

When Pops had his heart attack, I shifted into overdrive. I took care of his house – cleaned it up and my brother helped lay new carpet. His previous one was a remnant that had been peed and pooped on, causing a disgusting smell. There was no way I was going to let him come home after a quadruple bypass surgery to let him sit in a bacteria infested breeding grounds that was his living room.

I installed a new shower wall to finally close up the giant gaping whole that had been collecting water for well over a decade. The water damage spread all across that side of the wall and the mold grew with it.

My siblings and I set up a new chair that assists in standing up, so he wouldn’t have to strain to get up out of his chair. We set up a new adjusting bed frame so he could raise his feet for better circulation.

I took care of his finances and brought his dog home to live with us for a few weeks until he was home from the hospital.

I would get up early to visit him, go to work, then go back to the hospital again to have dinner with him when I could.

When it first all happened, I driving home from the hospital 4am, feeling hurt and kind of angry that I was alone in all this. Where were the rest of the family? He’s done so much for them, for all of us, and now he needed our help. After getting some much needed sleep, I realized I’m the most capable. I know him better than anyone and can anticipate what he needs. He’s helped me countless of times and I’m glad I was able to do the same. He has always been there for me, no matter what the situation was, and it was my turn to return the favor.