CAREGIVERS: UNSUNG BUT NOT UNSEEN by Gail K. Kachnycz 12 June 2025
The purpose of caregiving is to provide the one cared for the highest quality of life and independence
that can be achieved within the limits of their current chronic illness. By its very nature, caregiving is
an activity that takes place in the background. This affords the loved one dignity and recognition of their value as an individual. However, this means that the caregiver is often overlooked. People
see the challenges and effort of the one living with chronic illness. They ask, “How is your
[spouse/parent/loved one]?” but may fail to ask how the caregiver is dealing with circumstances.
Caregiving often means isolation, especially if the loved one cannot be left unattended. The caregiver
can feel alone and discouraged. They think no one appreciates what they do. If the loved one is mentally
impaired, he or she may not have the ability to express thanks. No one knows what patience it took to
wait while your loved one searched for words. No one knows how much self control it took to listen to
the same story over and over, or answer the same question again and again, because memory is fading.
But God is aware. He is The God Who Sees.
El Roi, The God Who Sees is identified in Genesis Chapter 16. God showed Himself this way not to
one of the Patriarchs, but to Hagar, a rebellious Egyptian servant. At the time she was newly pregnant,
and had run away from Abram’s wife Sarai. She was feeling alone and desperate. The Angel of the Lord
met her where she was, and gently redirected her to return to her place with Sarai. God knew all she was
going through. Hagar was overwhelmed that God was interested in her, and she received His blessing.
As caregivers, at times we may feel unappreciated, alone, and desperate. God sees our circumstances
and sacrifice. Let the story of Hagar allow us to recognize that God will meet us where we are, and in so
doing, receive His blessing. Caregivers may be unsung, but not unseen.
You number my wanderings; Put my tears in your bottle; Are they not in Your book?
When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.
Psalm 56:8-9 NKJV
Reference: The Names of God, by Dr. William Allan Dean, pages 8-15. Copyright 1963 by
Philadelphia College of Bible (now Cairn University)
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