In our most troubled world, there is very good reason to remember Mr. Rogers’ wise words, “Look for the Helpers.” We humans can be very destructive, but there are also the helpers. Even though they often do not get the recognition they deserve, caretakers are everywhere, including caretaker animals like bees.
There is no doubt that the caretaker role can be extremely exhausting, and relentless as well as having potential for real and meaningful rewards. Still there can sometimes be toxic aspects and in those cases, limits must be set. It does no good for anyone if the caretaker is seriously undermined by the process.
Recently, I needed emergency surgery and went to Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. There I met an extraordinary caretaker named Rosie – hence the rose above. Her role as Patient Care Assistant, was not highest in the formal hospital hierarchy, but to me she was at the very top.
Rosie is one of those no nonsense, hard-working, get down to business people who move with great vigor as well as knowledgeable authority. Yet when it came to caring for me, she radiated such an air of deep respect. I found myself telling her, “I love you Rosie.” She answered right back, “I love you too.” I said, “I bet you love all of the patients you care for.” She said that was true. I told her I was a member of the Rosie fan club for sure.
I knew there would be others. A nurse told me that Rosie worked incredibly hard and had been at Mount Auburn for 20 years. He added that Rosie was the one who kept that hospital floor “revolving.” Shelly, a CAT scan technician, encouraged me when I told her I was thinking of giving Rosie a gift.
I asked my husband, Mark, to take out my collection of 7 jade bangles, and tie then with a ribbon. They flopped about too much so he put them on a cardboard towel tube, bent in a bit at the ends, and covered the whole with plastic wrap.
I asked Rosie to stop by when Mark came by to visit at one the next day as I had a small gift for her. The bangles were of many colors -black carved with flowers, lavender, dark green, and combinations like the one below.
I apologized for the informal packaging when I gave them to Rosie, but she said the package was beautiful. I told her that Jade is tough, durable, honest, beautiful, and protective. The circle shape can represent enlightenment, or wholeness and to me that has the flavor of love.
I hoped some of them might fit her, but she could hang them up or put them in a bowl. As I spoke, Rose ran one finger along the colorful bangles and indeed touch is an important part of the experience of jade. I told her that the collection was valuable and might provide a bit of financial security as these would keep their value unlike stocks or our crazy economy.
When I was preparting to leave, Rosie said, “Thank you for everything.” I told her that it was such a great pleasure meeting her. It was my great luck to be able to give Rosie a bit of the recognition that she (and so many others) truly deserve. She lives in my heart as I heal both mentally and physically and her inspiration will continue to help me channel and radiate that amazing powerful love that passes all understanding but is really there for us when we need it.
I still love you Rosie, and always will, oh so very much!
Radiant Refuge 