The True Unsung Heroes
Being a caregiver is no small task. This year’s Caregiver of the Year recipients show us everyday how to balance work and caregiving for their loved ones. The three below all work full time. They give then give some more and now we get a chance to give back to them by celebrating the heroes next door.
Shaneka Lopez
This lady is amazing – when you first look at Mrs. Lopez, you have no idea all the many hats she holds. She is a full time second grade teacher, wife, mother, Sunday School teacher, and family caregiver. Someone described her as dedicated, loving, caring, and compassionate – and quite frankly you have to be to hold all of those titles. Shaneka is pictured here with her loving husband – together they care for his mother. Pictured below, you can see that her fellow colleagues support her in her endeavours as she cares for her loved one.
Tim Flesner
Before the nomination, I had never heard of this young man. but he is a very well known entrepreneur in the mid south. When you talk to him, you are literally mesmerized at how well he presents his products and entrepreneurial endeavours. You would never think he is the main caregiver for his mother. He takes care of all her needs. He wrote in a recent Facebook post that he was being recognized for what he perceived as a responsibility. We are recognizing Tim for so many reasons and I can say one reason is definitely for his above statement – that he cares for his mom effortlessly. Tim is actually raising the bar for men caregivers everywhere.
Kendra Curry
This phenomenal lady caries the work title of a first responder. In looking at her, you could never tell that she carries that with her in her professional and personal life. She is a full time employee, subject to long hours, as many first responders are. But when she gets home, she is a full time caregiver to her mother. Kendra demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of the caregiving duties that one must balance in their everyday, night-to-day life. Here is another person that when looking at her, you would never know how many hats she has to wear and balance. In presenting this to Kendra, we can tell that her coworkers are very supportive of her.
The best is yet to come for all of this years Caregiver of the Year winners and nominees!
