She could do anything with her professional life that she wanted to do. Not many can boast of Sandys talents; she is a highly educated, talented musician, a wonderful teacher and a dedicated mother and wife. So when she told me what she does in a typical work day, I sat back in wonder.
Several days a week Sandy takes care of Ruth, an elderly, infirm woman to whom she is both care-giver and devoted companion.
She does many of the things that a dutiful daughter would do, from driving her to doctors appointments and helping her shop, to writing holiday cards and paying bills.
But she also does many things a daughter would find difficult, because they require a certain physical and emotional intimacy that does not come easily for everyone, especially grown children of aging parents.
On the days when she doesnt work for Ruth, Sandy is a nanny for Jason and Becca, two adorable children under the age of four. Her time with them is delicious and exhilarating, but it is also filled with the endless changing of dirty diapers, bandaging of scraped knees and preparing meals that often end up on the floor.
She loves them as a doting grandmother would and tells me it feels as good as eating frozen yogurt. All of the pleasure, none of the guilt, she jokes and proudly displays the photos that she keeps in her wallet.
Why do you do it, I asked her one day, when you could do so many other things that would be less taxing and more lucrative?
Because, she answered thoughtfully, Im in awe.
Then Sandy proceeded to share two stories that have stayed with me ever since.
The rest of this article is available in the IJN’s print edition only. Contact Carol to order your copy at (303) 861-2234 or email [email protected].
