Being a provider is always going to be under-valued, even by those you love the most.
You cannot show those in your care all the hurt, the scars, the humiliation, or the open wounds.
For most providers, they come home and put up an act. An act of “I am here for you come what may.” The question to ask them is – “Who takes care of you?”
I understood this better when I started working in University, and cut my umbilical cord of dependence from my parents.
Starting paid work made me more grateful, interestingly, I was getting fewer gifts.
It also made me more understanding of the tradeoffs my parents made to ensure we had what was truly essential for the vagaries of life.
Most of all, it made me kinder with workers. Even though an employee is paid to do a task, that pay in itself removes the joy from the task. Making those who do their work with joy to be particularly special, and deserving of respect.
Being a provider is no mean feat, but it satisfies some deep human needs – the need to contribute, the need to nurture, the need for meaning.
Luckily, satisfying these needs is enough for providers to keep going.
– Osasu Oviawe
