Ode to a caregiver

To you - beloved caregiver;

Who met me when we crossed the border,

Who has known me for a few weeks only,

Who somehow ended up sharing a refugee shelter with me;

I say thank you and I bow to you!

To you - beloved caregiver;

Who gave me love, acceptance and respect,

Who has cared for me endlessly and patiently,

Who has accepted my delusions, hallucinations, and aggressive behaviors;

I say thank you and I bow to you!

To you - beloved caregiver;

Who brought me for treatment at the MSF clinic,

Who struggled with me to take my medication,

Who brought me daily to MSF for my dose of antipsychotics;

I say thank you and I bow to you!

To you - beloved caregiver;

Who prepared meals and helped me take care of myself,

Who discussed my progress with the medical team,

Who never judges me;

I thank you and I bow to you!

For, without you, I would not be where I am today,

Stable and able to function,

Now knowing that some people in this world truly care,

And care without any expectations for return.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!