Every now and then a routine task such as grocery shopping, dropping off kids for school or picking up lunch graces us with much more than we expected. This was my experience as I recently went for a jog and ended up meeting a special mom and daughter, Cluadia and Sayra. They were getting some exercise at the Bowl, and Sayra was all smiles as her mom pushed her around the track.
Sayra, a beautiful 25 year old girl, has had cerebral palsy since she was 3 months old. While this has affected her motor skills, she is able to communicate through nodding. A 2016 graduate from Artesia High School, Sayra has undoubtedly touched many lives in this community.
As for Cluadia, she displays an unassuming strength both physically and in her spirit. She is Sayra’s primary caregiver and the two of them do everything together. From going to Walmart to swimming at the Artesia Aquatic Center to going outside for fresh spring air, these two are inseparable.
Cluadia also has a son, Eddie, who lives in Albuquerque. He talks to his mom daily and visits as often as he can. Eddie’s love and respect for his mom was evident as he described her as strong, positive, and one who never complains. He also beamed as he spoke of his sister, saying she is the greatest blessing and the light in their lives.
It’s amazing what an example someone can set by simply loving someone else. We are all in different situations, traveling diverse roads with various terrains. But we can encourage each other by being open-minded, refusing to pass judgment, and looking for ways to help. Sometimes, the encouragement can be something as simple as a smile. Other times it may be stepping into an unfamiliar situation. And more often, it may be doing hard things, the unnoticed and unsung acts of heroism in order to love one special person.
Love is patient and kind. It is not proud or self-seeking. Love never fails. This is the kind of love that caught me at the Bowl that morning, a love that brought an encouragement I’ve carried with me since meeting Cluadia and Sayra that day.
Today, you too can show that kind of love to someone else as you go about the normal rhythm of life. Be the encouragement that someone carries for days to come.
By Allyson Joy
