After nearly three decades in the banking world, I thought I had my path laid out. My days were structured, numbers-driven, and focused on results. I knew the industry inside and out. But life, as it often does, had other plans. When my mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, everything shifted. The roles reversed, the routine changed, and suddenly, I found myself stepping into a new space, one where connection mattered more than balance sheets, and presence meant more than productivity.
At first, caregiving felt like something I was doing for her. A responsibility. A necessary part of being a loving daughter. But over time, it became clear that this wasn’t just an obligation; it was a calling. Something deeper was unfolding. I wasn’t just supporting her physically.
I was learning to listen more, to sit in silence when words fell short, to offer comfort with a gentle touch or a warm meal. And when my father needed care later on, I stepped in again not out of duty, but out of love. It was during those intimate, often difficult moments that I found something banking had never given me: a sense of divine purpose.
– Lisa aka Liesel Wardle
That truth lives in every part of me now. What started within my family soon grew into something bigger. I began spending time overseas, visiting elderly and disabled seniors who were isolated and homebound. We sang songs, shared meals, told stories. It wasn’t glamorous work, but it was sacred. I learned that just being there, truly showing up for someone in their vulnerability, can be life-changing. Sometimes, that meant holding a hand through tears. Other times, it meant bringing laughter to a quiet room.
Caregiving shaped my identity in ways I never expected. I went on to work with TLC Trusted Loving Care and later joined Home Instead Senior Care. Each client I supported left their mark on me. I held space for elderly women living with dementia. I navigated the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic while showing up day after day. I saw families in their most human moments, and I gave them all the compassion I had.
And now, as I step away from formal caregiving roles to care full time for my husband, I do so with peace. This journey has not been easy, but it has been beautiful. I carry no regrets. Only gratitude. Gratitude for what caregiving taught me, for how it softened and strengthened me, and for how it allowed me to serve with my whole heart.
Caregiving gave me something no paycheck ever could. It brought light into my life and into the lives of those I cared for. It taught me what truly matters: presence, love, and the courage to keep showing up. That’s a legacy I’ll never take for granted.
Lisa, also known as Liesel Wardle, transitioned from a 28-year career in banking into full-time caregiving, a decision sparked by family need and deepened by spiritual conviction. She cared for her parents and worked with reputable care providers such as TLC and Home Instead Senior Care. Lisa brings a wealth of hands-on experience, compassion, and a personal mission to uplift the elderly and disabled with dignity, joy, and heartfelt presence.
Discover further wisdom from industry experts by exploring our curated collection of knowledge.
