Whenever someone has a career which spans multiple decades, they are bound to have things change and evolve over those years. Some of my clients have been with me for all of those three decades. Others come and go, and then there are new clients who hear about me from the others. It’s a good mix.
I currently have the honor of helping a woman I met through my massage therapy practice. I have worked on her a number of years and we have grown to like and trust each other. When she needed help with her Mother, who was has Parkinson’s and is now in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, she called upon me to help out. When she goes out of town, she already knows that her pets are familiar with me, so I take care of them while she is away.
This woman is amazing. She worked hard and built an impressive career. Recently we were discussing our careers, she was a physician for years after working as a nurse. I had mentioned my regret that I haven’t done more to advance my career. I was surprised and grateful as this accomplished woman went on to tell me how much she appreciates all the work I have done with her Mom and herself.
When she had her stroke, which put her in a wheel chair, this woman still had children to raise,a mother with Parkinson’s and a husband who left. When I met her and her family I was ready to help. I helped her mom with keeping her strength and balance. We enjoyed social outings and doing Tai chi together.
I have learned so much by working with them. it’s easy to get caught up and comparing yourself to others but most of the time there are people grateful to you that haven’t even really made it clear to you or maybe they just feel that you understand. I’m glad she appreciates me and the extent I will go through to help make her life better. I’m just as grateful for her and her family.
Here’s hoping that you have some people in your life who are grateful for you, just as you are.
Valentina Boonstra
Massage Therapist, Caregiver, healer
