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Art’s Heart
A message to pastors
and the community
I have always enjoyed helping others. Although this started early
in my life, it became more apparent to me after my brother was
diagnosed with terminal cancer. My name is Art (nickname) Garland
and God has put a desire upon my heart after my family experience with
this disease.
My brother and his little, Mini-Pin dog named "Peanut" moved into mom's
house after his diagnosis so she could help him through this
disease. I would visit almost every night after work. I
felt it gave mom a break. It wasn't easy being 80 years old
watching and caring for your dying son. Mom rarely got any relief
from her daily ritual. The three of us would watch soaps and try
to be as normal as possible between Hospice visits and his many trips
for chemo and radiation. Peanut was always laying on the
left arm of my brother's chair, or on his feet to keep them warm.
I saw first hand the suffering process, the depth of pain physically
for him and the emotional pain for us until ultimately his death came
eighteen months later. After my brother went to Heaven, it
weighed heavily upon my heart how many people are in the same situation
mom was. My medical profession provides me with the opportunity
to work with a large population of elderly. Their caregivers
bring them to their appointment and try not to complain about being
tired; caring for them day in and day out, yet they feel guilty for
being "human" and needing help. All you have to do is look into
their eyes and witness their weariness.
I became a State Certified Nursing Assistant September 25, 2014.
The purpose for this was to become qualified to assist those caregivers
within my community who may need help or time away from time to
time. "Art's Heart" is nothing more than a loving act offered to
those in need. Matthew 25:40 ~ "The King will reply, "Truly I
tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and
sisters of mine, you did it to Me."
It's been thirteen months today my brother went home.
Peanut lays on the right arm of my moms chair; or at her feet to
help keep them warm. I believe this gives them both comfort; her
knowing Peanut is connected to my brother, and Peanut knowing mom is
connected to his owner, my brother.
I am asking if your church would be interested in becoming active in
this ministry? I have decided to focus this outreach through our
church families in Darke County. Unfortunately this cannot be a
free services as Ohio Department of Health will not retain my state
certification otherwise. This is the hardest part for me.
However, I can charge on an individual care basis.
I would love the opportunity to speak with you further. For more
information please visit Art's Heart on Face Book, call
937-459-0355 or email artshearts@yahoo.com. I hope to meet with
you soon.
In Christ,
Art (Arlene) Garland
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