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Thank you Assan

Bad news. One of my favorite caregivers is leaving Bailey Boushay House, and by extension, me. Assan Jagne, originally from Gambia, is a very tall, very black, imposing man at first glance. But, if you stop there you'd miss out on an extraordinary human being.

I must admit that I was  more than a little apprehensive about being cared for by him. For one thing, I dreaded having my more intimate needs attended to by any man. I was terrified at the prospect of him.

How utterly fear-based, sexist, and racist of me! As he did his job, I witnessed his gentle, self-effacing humor, his intuitive ability to really help, and the love that emanates from him.  I learned that he helped a friend of mine who also had ALS. As a result, he seemed to understand my particular needs as a spirited woman with ALS.

I struggle to find the appropriate words to express my gratitude to God for sending me this lovely person to teach me valuable lessons.  I will feel his absence. I will strive to appreciate the time I got to spend with him, hearing about his wife, baby, life and country of origin. What a wonderful experience! I wish him the very best and know he has a bright future ahead of him.

Thank you.

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Location: 2720 East Madison Street, Seattle, WA 98112, USA

Comments

  1. chaplaindebbeJune 1, 2015 at 3:00 PM

    What a lovely post! He must really have been an extraordinary fellow for you to have devoted so much of your precious energy/effort to write this tribute to him. I hope he knows about this...

    ReplyDelete

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