Month of June to honor caregivers

The month of June has been designated as the month dedicated to honoring caregivers. This dedication is an acknowledgment of the good these people do in the world.

Many years ago, Florence Nightingale spoke the following words, which are appropriate to all caregivers through the years:

“The nurse's inward journey is charted by compassion and motivated by the desire to diminish suffering.”

All great religions call for kindness and mercy to one another along with worship of our Creator.

Caregiving is a “calling.”

When we are caring for others in a compassionate way we are not alone - we have human and spiritual aid to empower us.

Every day is a day to reach out to each other; our lives are an opportunity to be of help.

This help can come not only in caregiving but in any need to bring healing and social justice. This is our duty.

The kingdom of God is possible here on earth. We can make it happen by following our hearts and being brave enough to reach out with love and generosity in all of our neighbors needs.

We also need to be willing to accept the help available and offered.

Marlys Floyd

Cedar Rapids