Column by Dr. Ann Hollingsworth
As the population around us ages more, we are accustomed to children and spouses serving as care givers for older persons who lose some capacity to care fully for themselves. But how often do we think of caregiving for all of us? We all need help in making it okay throughout life. As the saying goes, “No man is an island.”
Have you ever thought about who or what cares for you? If you have family, either living with you daily or at a distance – you probably have some people who care for you and look after you in some way. Then we have friends, neighbors, church family, etc. who also do that. Some folks even rely on Big-Brother Government to be their caregiver.
There are certain groups of people who seem to have a stronger connection because of common experience that prompts them to be caregivers for each other. As a military veteran, I have found that with veterans around the world. I could go into a strange place and need some help – a fellow veteran often will be the source, even if we don’t know each other.
In my case, I have also found some helpful caregiving in two special ways that God gave us from the beginning of time – animals and nature. Think about the benefit that nature gives us in provision of many things that we need such as wood and food. It also gives us therapy in many ways and is much cheaper than a visit to a clinic. We can truly de-stress in the beauty of nature.
If you are blessed to have livestock or pets, they care for you even though you may not always remember this. Any dog is going to guard its territory – if you take care of it, you are part of that territory. All of the animals that we care for provide companionship and give that unconditional acceptance that doesn’t care what you look like, smell like, etc. The next time you feel blue, try talking to your dog, horse, or even cow. You will feel better and they will listen.
