November is National Family Caregivers month. President Joe Biden signed a Proclamation on October 29, 2021, declaring November 2021 as such. President Biden wrote in the Proclamation as follows: “I encourage all Americans to reach out to those who provide care for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need, to honor and to thank them.”
What is a caregiver? It is a person who provides so much to the person being cared for, from companionship, love, attention, and friendship to providing healthcare for the person. Even a smile is a way of showing that you care.
I was a caregiver for my late husband for many years – he suffered from Parkinson’s Disease. Our two sons assisted me in caring for their father. It was a loving tribute to their father that they will always remember and cherish. And, of course, their father much appreciated their acts of love.
Is there a grandparent or other relative with whom your children can spend time? Is there a neighbor who needs some assistance, perhaps with some simple chores? Perhaps there is someone whom you know who is a caregiver. Think about honoring and thanking that person too. We should harken to the words of the Apostle Paul in Acts 20:35, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NIV)