To Serve Verses To Be Served

I am the oldest daughter of twelve children, I have seven brothers and four sisters.  My parents have been married over 50 years and I choose to live with them.  My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's about six and a half years ago so I know my dad will need help with my mom in the future.  My sister Mary Magdalene was the seventh sibling in the line of 12 children and she is the only one who is now waiting for us in heaven.  Mother Theresa is one of my biggest influences of my life; I remember once reading a book about her life where she mentioned serving the poor. She talks about not going to the  the gutters or streets of Calcutta to find the poorest of the poor but they can be right in your home and you may not even know it. I do agree with Mother Theresa about  anyone who does not feel the love of God is the poorest of the poor and it is our call to serve them.  I remember Mother Theresa talking about  going to the world to serve the poor, we need to make sure we take care of matters in own home.  Since I have taken care of my sister Mary Magdalene and my mom, I often  hear or read about today's society looking at  the elderly, sick or disabled, as society's increasingly considered  them 'A burden', when they are the most vulnerable among us  in the world today. With the danger of  today's seniors loosing Medi-Care with the current Republican Budget proposal.  As the state of California slowly cutting SSI benefits from the disabled.  Our first responsibility is to our own is what my father taught us, family  always comes first. And now when I reflect back on what my dad taught us, incapacitates or suffering do not diminish the inherent dignity of any person regardless if the person is related to you or not. Watching my sister's suffering was a source of tremendous blessings,not only for Mary Magdalene but for those close to  her, like my mom, dad, brothers, sisters and myself.  Mary Magdalene was able to witness the true meaning of forgiveness for those who hurt her in the past. It was with humility, honor and love that I took care of my sister Mary Magdalene. I will continue to serve and tend to my parents needs because I feel that it is more humbling to be a servant than to be served.