A Stranger's Story

As part of United Way's "Day of Caring" we spent the day cleaning a woman's house who is 85% blind. She is diabetic and is a cancer survivor. Chemotherapy and her diabetes caused her to lose most of her eyesight. Her son, and main caretaker, passed away a few years ago. The house was in shambles. It was like an episode of Hoarders except add a layer of dirt and animal hair over every floor and surface. It was very satisfying to decrease the clutter and improve the cleanliness and felt great to help but what was most interesting was going through a huge jam packed closet with her. She sat in the chair while we pulled things out, explained them to her, she touched them and told us what to do with each item. Most of these items came with a story and I had a unique and intimate glimpse into this stranger's life. I left a bit emotionally overwhelmed, very very dirty and sad. I took a shower and some deep breaths but this experience still seems to be lingering...