Caregiver. This is the perfect word to describe Freedom's own Charlotte Barnes. Charlotte realized early in her life that caring for people filled a place in her heart, and she feels honored to care for others. Her mom modeled this by working at a nursing care facility, and Charlotte was able to help and able to grow to know patients on a personal level.
Years later, while working as a teacher, Charlotte was introduced through a bereavement support program to a nurse who saw a strong faith in her and asked Charlotte to share her faith with others. This was one of the first steps in her walk in the role of a spiritual caregiver. She remembers her first patient well. He was angry at God and resentful at events in his life, but she leaned into him consistently and spoke truth to him. She was able to see him renew his relationship with God before going to his heavenly home. Since then, Charlotte has continued to walk hand-in-hand with people who are stuck in grief.
Charlotte believes that we are to bloom where we are planted. and she stands strong in her faith that God will always meet us where we are. She is so thankful for her son, Tedrick, and grandson, Gabe. They bring so much joy to her life. She fondly remembers Ceola Williams, a very important person in Charlotte's life. They would visit for hours at a time, and Charlotte says, "Ceola was full of wisdom" and made a lasting impact in so many ways. Amazingly, Ceola lived to be 108!
Thank you, Charlotte, for your engaging smile and your "Amen"-ing from the front row! We are so glad you are a part of our Freedom family!