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Compassion shared by
"Art's Heart"
By Art Garland
I have always enjoyed helping others. Although this started early in my
life, it has became more apparent to me after my brother was diagnosed
with terminal cancer. My name is Art Garland and God has put a desire
upon my heart after my family experience.
My brother and his little, Min-Pin dog named "Peanut" moved into mom's
house so she could help him through this disease. I would stop to visit
almost every night after work. I felt it gave mom a little break. It
wasn't easy being 80 years old watching and caring for your dying son.
Mom rarely got any relief from her daily ritual. The three of us would
watch soaps and try to be as normal as possible between Hospice visits
and his many trips for chemo and radiation. Peanut was always laying on
the left arm of my brother's chair, or on his feet to keep them warm.
I saw first hand the suffering process, the depth of pain physically
for him and the emotional pain for us until ultimately his death came
eighteen months later. After my brother moved to Heaven, it weighed
heavily upon my heart how many people are in the same situation mom
was. My medical profession provides me with the opportunity to work
with a large population of our elderly. Their caregivers bring them to
their appointment and try not to complain about being tired; caring for
them day in and day out, yet they feel guilty for being "human" and
needing help. All you have to do is look into their eyes and witness
their weariness.
I became a State Certified Nursing Assistant September 25, 2014. The
purpose for this was to become qualified to assist those caregivers
within my community who may need help or time away. "Art's Heart" is
nothing more than a loving act offered to those in need. Maybe it's to
run errands for the client, allow time for the caregiver to go be with
friends, a weekend get away for the caregiver, or simple be able to
attend their church they haven't been to for a while7. Matthew 25:40 ~
"The King will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of
the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to Me."
Peanut now lays on the right arm of my moms chair; or at her feet to
help keep them warm. I believe this gives them both comfort; her
knowing Peanut is connected to my brother, and Peanut knowing mom is
connected to his only love, my brother.
I am accepting appointments for respite care on a scheduled only basis.
My availability may be a couple hours some evenings, or time on the
weekends. This is a private pay service. For more information please
call 937-459-0355 or email artshearts@yahoo.com
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