The men in my family are a breed of their own.

They are humble and difficult at the same time. They are protectors and Daddy’s. They work ridiculously hard and sometimes even when we say “stay in” they don’t because there are things to be done. 

We are on the other side of Hurricane Irma. We are in clean up and get on with it mode. 

I watched as my husband, my Dad and my Son in law prepare our home for Hurricane Irma.

I listened and watched photos of my sister and brother in law care for my father in law who live 2 hours south of us. 

My husband Steve, my Dad and my Father in law are very much alike.

They have always been hard workers. Manual laborers when necessary. Smart and get it done kind of men. Do it yourself because no one can do it as good as I can kind of guys.

Steve and my Dad were firefighters. Public servants. While my father in law was a construction supervisor. Hard core men.

While my husband is still agile with a few aches and pains here and there, my dad and my father in law are not able to do the  kind of work they have always been able to do. Whether it just be the aging of bodies or illness, we watch as they struggle to do the things they want to do. 

My sister in law Nancy posted this picture as she has helped to clean up Hurricane Irma debris from Dads yard. 

At 87 years old and not steady on his feet, he stills wants to be helpful. Cane in hand, he mustered the energy and stability to grab a branch and take it to the front of the house. 

He could sit and watch as others will do it for him. However that’s not Bill. He’s proud. He does not complain and I shed a tear or two when I saw this picture. He is the apitamy of strength even though his body fails him.

I have spent the last three days serving at a special needs shelter at our church.

I have watched elderly and special needs individuals live in conditions unlike what they are used to. I have heard very little complaining but much thankfulness. It cannot be easy for them and I say this to offer advise as we live with and by people that have needs. 

Sometimes they want your help and sometimes they don’t. They have that right. It’s a fine line to try and help someone who have always done it for themselves. Remember that they were once young and resilient. They do not want to be treated as an invalid. They deserve respect and kindness. 

Even though Bill probably shouldn’t have drug that branch to the front by himself, he wanted to. He wanted to feel as if he could contribute. He deserves that.

Serving at the shelter has changed me. I’ve always loved to help people but now, I will help differently. 

I’m grateful for the opportunities to live and learn through experiences. Even at 52. 

Happy Friday friends.

Love,

The girl who is a new aunt