Everyday Angel

I'd like to introduce you to Clissie Jackson. She usually goes by Cliss, and if it were her father calling her it would always be Chris is what she told me. She is a caregiver, who has a small business called Loving Hearts Home Care. People like her don't come around often, so let me tell you about her.

Cliss provides so much for her clients. She goes above and beyond what the states require in taking care of individuals. It does take a big heart to take care of those who can't help themselves and those with disabilities. Not everyone is cut out for taking care of people with disabilities, and it's a struggle for those who do. The repetitive work, long hours, and very little rest take their toll. Even though she is tired, she has never wavered in doing her job and helping those in need.

Who is Clissie? She is an independent woman, who in my eyes is one of my heroes. She has an English Bulldog named Charlie, who is her everything. She is a woman who doesn't let her past hold her back whatsoever. She sets a goal for herself and goes for it. Despite any setbacks she’s had, I've only seen her come out the other side stronger. Clissie is not only a caregiver, business owner, or dog mom, she advocates for her culture. She is a beautiful black woman who is proud of her heritage. She loves to run marathons and she donates to other black-owned businesses and places like the support black colleges movement.

I met Clissie about five years ago when she was called in to see about a person who was left in bed for hours; with no way to move or get food. It was probably the first time I felt like I was saved. This wouldn't be the last time she would be saving me either. I was a new quadriplegic and just got my apartment when we met. My life changed for the better when she came into my life. I had never felt safer or loved by someone the way she cared for me and her clients. One of the biggest moments was when I was mugged, and she came searched all night for me until she found me where I'd been knocked out of my chair. There were countless other times I was sick and she wouldn't leave my side as well. There was just no way she was going to give up on me no matter how tired she was. We are very good friends now and she still is a big part of my life.

Clissie's journey as a black, independent woman and businesswoman hasn't been an easy one. She has to deal with today's societal racism. The awkward stares, hateful looks, and words are more than enough to break someone. I can't even understand what goes on through her mind when this happens, so it makes me think of who said “Sticks and stones will break you, but words will never hurt me,” and how much they just didn't know.

No matter the struggles, she is one woman who won't let anything hold her back. When Maureen Reagan said, “There is a special place in heaven for caregivers,” I knew she was speaking about people like Clissie Jackson. Being a caregiver cannot be all about money, it has to be a job that includes love and patience. It is a lifestyle choice, not everyone can do this, so this is why I applaud her and the many angels who realize these things and keep doing them.

Here is her Linked in account.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clissie-jackson-541b44108/recent-activity/