Caregiver Story Spotlight | Shield HealthCare “What Makes Caregiving Rewarding?” Story Contest
Story by Trisha M.
Jason came to us first, through the foster care system then through adoption, along with his three siblings. He’s an identical twin to Jared, both of whom have the challenge of maternal alcohol related issues. Jason took the brunt with many disabilities including cerebral palsy, frontal lobe disorder, hearing loss, mental retardation…and the list goes on. In Jason’s mind, however, there is no list 🙂 He is a vibrant and affectionate child with more joy in his little finger than most folks have in their whole being.
I began the privilege of caring for Jason in 2001, when he was 3-years-old. At that time, he could crawl and grunt and had been through much abuse. He did not like to be touched and could not communicate. Even then, I could see such an amazing spark in his eyes. At the time, I thought: “I can help this child.” After time, I realized he is the one who has helped me.
Jason sees life in a very uncomplicated way. Simple things bring him so much laughter and joy. I was an overachiever by nature, always multi-tasking and frantically running from one thing to the other. Taking care of my son has created in me the passion for simplicity. Especially in the moments of helping Jason with things he will never be able to do himself, or watching him accomplish the smallest of tasks that we take for granted, I stand in awe of God’s individual plan for each of us, for this was not my plan.
Although neurological tantrums sometimes plague him, he emerges from them with concern over the damage that may have occured and hugs and kisses for all involved. Jason has taught me what unconditional love really is. And lastly, his smile is a piece of heaven.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story.
