I Am His Helpmeet

Helpmeet - from the Hebrew word “ezer”. Meaning "to surround, to protect or aide, give support, to give encouragement" or "to hearten his soul."

Sharon Cohen is a woman fulfilling her God-given role as helpmeet. 

This is her story:

Bruce and I had been seeing each other nearly every night for weeks and it was obvious to both of us that we were on a fast moving train to a lifetime commitment. One evening, after our nightly ritual of tending to his tender toes, I was still seated on the floor at his feet. We had been discussing life, limitations and survival. (Bruce is a stroke survivor) He became overwhelmed with emotion and began to pour his heart out. 

"I didn't think," he said. "I didn't think anyone would want me." 

The tears welled up in his eyes as he continued. 

"Every day. I looked at myself. Every day I asked who would want this?" 

He reached across his body and touched his paralyzed arm and crumbled hand. He stood and stooped over in an exagerated imitation of his stroke-effected stature. He further emphasized his point by pulling his right hand up to his chest in a seized and clenched position. "Who would want to touch this?" he had made his point and he sat again. 

This man was not looking for love, not really. He was looking for respect.

Respect was something I was learning to give and this man deserved all that I had.  

I dared to respect and to love. I receive both in return.