Thankful - Care Recipients

Hey Hey Sweet Friend,

Thank you for the lessons you’ve taught me and the way you bring joy and excitement to moments that I would not have seen the joy in before. I have said many times and I truly believe that you have taught me more than any class, any professor, or any book ever have or ever will. I know you’ve experienced dozens if not hundreds of caregivers by this point, and the grace you have for each of us to learn and understand how the world works for you and how we can best support you in your day to day is such an honor to receive from you. I also know that all those other caregivers would say the same thing, that our time with you has grown us and shaped us in significant ways. Thank you for the invaluable gift of knowledge and understanding that you have given to each of us. 

Thank you for your persistence to be unapologetically yourself. Before I started caregiving for you, I thought I was a really patient person, I also thought that I was steadfast in what I believed and persistent in what I desired. Then I met you, and I learned I have a long way to go. The way that year after year, new caregiver after new caregiver, you continue to hold fast to your desires (whatever it is that makes you tick) is remarkable and inspiring to me. My patience has grown tremendously because of you, and every future care recipient, client, child, and family member will have you to thank for the ways that I’ve grown and became more patient. They will also have you to thank for my persistence in what I desire and in being myself – how every teenager could benefit from sitting at your feet, learning from you. If you could, I know you would tell them to just be themselves and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. You live this out so well each and every day of your life and I desire to grow and to be sanctified and to have this image of Christ that you display so well also as part of my character.

Thank you for showing me what it looks like to be strong. During the really hard days, weeks, and seasons, your resilience, and your strength are remarkable. When I think about the extra pain, the extra struggle, and the extra miles uphill that you’ve had to go through to get where you are, I am full of awe. Full of awe for your resilience, your battle level, and the strength you display each day. You are the strongest person I know. Thank you for showing me what it looks like to be strong in whatever life throws at us.

There are so many times when you may not fully understand what is going on, yet you persist and remain strong and unwavering. I am amazed and thankful for the example you set for us. Thank you for showing us that we don’t need understanding to be strong. But we also know that often you understand way more than those around you may think you do. For those times, if they’ve caused pain, we are so sorry and we are so thankful for your resilience when actually it’s everyone around you who doesn’t understand.

Thank you for showing us what it looks like to experience emotions as they happen. Thank you for showing us how to not shove feelings aside and ignore them, but to feel whatever it is that needs to be felt in any given moment. Thank you for showing us that you can feel a trillion different things, and yet still have joy regardless of circumstances. Your life is such a beautiful reflection of how to have joy as Jesus did, and we’re so grateful we’ve gotten to learn and behold your example of this.

Thank you for being you. Thank you for the ways you shape and strengthen those around you. Thank you for the life lessons you teach so well – how to be patient, how to have joy regardless of circumstances, how to enjoy the little things. Thank you for the ways your life will continue to shape and grow those around you. Thank you for the joy and light you bring to the world.

You are so so loved.

<3 Rebecca