Clean Hands

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. —Ecclesiastes 9:10, KJV

As the weather warmed up, the nursing-home facility granted brief scheduled outside visits for their residents to reunite with family and loved ones.

A pandemic was running rampant in the world and had taken its toll on the population, especially the elderly and vulnerable who were residents in health care facilities. Restrictions, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, were in place so that everyone would be safe. One staff member reported that due to staffing shortages, sometimes the residents tried to help one another. This practice could have contributed to the spread of the virus in such crowded and understaffed facilities. I had a scheduled visit with an elderly family friend. Nita seemed happy to see me as we engaged in lively conversation.

She had an earlier visit with her nephew, who left her with a bag of her favorite candies. She shared the miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with me.

I complimented her on her beautifully manicured nails.

One young male staff member approached me with an extended hand in a friendly gesture. I refused to extend my hand in return.

The spread of the pandemic had caused fear and panic to the point that many felt uncomfortable with even as simple a gesture as a handshake.

“My hands are probably the cleanest hands in this place,” he said and then gave me a big smile. I still refused to extend my hand. As my visit continued, I learned that the young man’s role at the facility was the “diaper man.” He was responsible for changing the diapers of residents who needed this type of service. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do”—this young man was the designated “diaper man” and had no qualms about it.

It was just a part of his job duties as a team member at the care facility. Nita and I concluded our visit and I went on my way. Several months after my visit with her, she passed away at the age of ninety-two. Nita was a hardworking woman who loved the Lord, nature, and her fur babies. She now sleeps, awaiting the Second Coming of Jesus.

Fartema Mae Fagin