Yes ass wiping is definitely a spiritual act. How is it different from feeding a starving person? Wiping a runny nose. Doing something so incredibly intimate and personal for someone who never thought they would need to have someone do it is a holy task, an honor to serve someone in such a basic way. Having worked with children with disabilities and helped friends take care of a parent with end stage cancer —- in those tasks we can either make others feel we are doing an onerous chore or serving them with love, knowing they don’t really want to be in that situation with us either.
This is so tender to me as a caregiver on the other side of the age spectrum. I have resisted a boundaried life for many years of this journey, but giving into the sad of it all has helped me be more comfortable here. Also developing a darker sense of humor makes it a bit more bearable.
And if you’re looking for opinions, god, I don’t believe there are many more truly holy and sanctifying acts than ass-wiping.
Amen, friend. The more I think about the hidden, ordinary, and sometimes unsavory parts of this, the clearer I see how they're the least I can do. Felt good to say it out loud here.
A most tender piece to read after midnight, at the end of a long weekend with little ones, on a cold, sleety night during Advent. Thank you for being vulnerable and thoughtful with us, Sara, as always.
Yes ass wiping is definitely a spiritual act. How is it different from feeding a starving person? Wiping a runny nose. Doing something so incredibly intimate and personal for someone who never thought they would need to have someone do it is a holy task, an honor to serve someone in such a basic way. Having worked with children with disabilities and helped friends take care of a parent with end stage cancer —- in those tasks we can either make others feel we are doing an onerous chore or serving them with love, knowing they don’t really want to be in that situation with us either.
This is so tender to me as a caregiver on the other side of the age spectrum. I have resisted a boundaried life for many years of this journey, but giving into the sad of it all has helped me be more comfortable here. Also developing a darker sense of humor makes it a bit more bearable.
And if you’re looking for opinions, god, I don’t believe there are many more truly holy and sanctifying acts than ass-wiping.
Amen, friend. The more I think about the hidden, ordinary, and sometimes unsavory parts of this, the clearer I see how they're the least I can do. Felt good to say it out loud here.
Sara, I’m grateful for this update, you are navigating your life boundaried, thank you how you are managing. Sending so much loving energy.
Thank you friend, I feel that love and solidarity.
❤️❤️❤️
Love you so.
Thanks Sara - I read and absorbed every word.
A most tender piece to read after midnight, at the end of a long weekend with little ones, on a cold, sleety night during Advent. Thank you for being vulnerable and thoughtful with us, Sara, as always.
Julia, thank you.
Embracing limitation and the invitation to care for one another seems like the most radical possible decision. Loved this.
Thank you friend.