Have you ever seen this in your church parking lot?

I have.

Two elderly parishioners arrive. One needs a wheelchair. The other struggles to assist his wife/husband - perhaps lifting a heavy wheelchair from a trunk, then lifting the person into the wheelchair.

What can we do to help?

Usually I will roll over and offer assistance. If nothing else I can place my wheelchair behind theirs to be sure the brakes don't let the wheelchair roll as the person is getting in. Sometimes people will have a rental wheelchair and have no idea how to put the footrests on - for some older couples this foray out to Mass is their first attempt to use the wheelchair! You know how we Catholics are - going to Mass is so important to us that it may be the one location an elderly couple will struggle to go to.

Sometimes my offer of help is turned down. Usually it's not. The best part is that it can break the ice so that other parishioners may stop by and see if there is anything they can do.

Remember , although it is important to offer practical help, your gesture of kindness is also comforting to people. It isn't easy to care for a loved one, especially if you're a senior citizen.

I feel too many people worry that offering help or acknowledging this might make people feel more self conscious or embarrassed. The reality is many people literally have their hands full trying to manage in such a situation. Everyone is tired and their resources are strained.

Please don't ignore these opportunities to reach out!