American author says caring for your mom is like praying to the only God you know — and people felt that

Jason Reynolds (@jasonreynolds83), a famous American author, appeared in an episode of "Wild Card with Rachel Martin," a popular podcast for National Public Radio, where his response to what feels like "praying" ever since he turned into a caregiver for his ailing mother has had everyone in tears! The heartfelt segment from his whole interview, shared on June 12, has gained 1.6 million views on Instagram. 

"Is there anything in your life that feels like praying?" Martin asked. Jason explained how he had been taking care of his mom, almost 80, who had been seriously ill for the past year. "I have to take care of every intimate thing as it pertains to my mother," he said, adding how his elderly mum was entirely dependent on him, even for the smallest things like putting on clothes. "In the midst of its burden," the 'Ghost' actor confessed, "I am praying to the only creator that I have ever actually physically known."

Jason compared taking care of his mother to a vessel that had made him the person he is today. He said that as that vessel continues to empty, hinting at his mom's final years, there isn't anything more surreal than becoming her shield. "Prayer can't just be asking," he added. At a time when we hear so many stories about adult children abandoning their old parents, Jason's response feels like a fresh breeze of air amidst the pollution. Unfortunately, unlike Jason's mom, many elderly people are abused almost every single day. In fact, a report published on June 15, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that nearly 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some kind of abuse in community settings.

Meanwhile, Jason's heartwarming response on the podcast received an outpouring of love on social media. @nicoleaimee commented, "As someone who cared for a sick parent, this is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. We don’t sign up to be the child of a parent. They chose to bring us into this world, and then one day we get to decide how we want to see them off. My father was the light of my life, and while taking care of him when he was very sick was incredibly hard on so many levels, my god, what an honor and privilege it was." @mwlaurel said, "It feels so important that he has just shown us how he holds two opposite things. 'It's burdensome sometimes,' and 'it also feels like prayer.' That honesty, oof. His emotional intelligence is so incredible."

@thekategaffney said, "Literally sobbing. Caring for my dying father was both the hardest and holiest experience of my life. 'Prayer can't be just asking.'" @courthousecouture wrote, "This made me feel seen from my experience in caregiving for my dying father. I met and experienced God from a new space. Serving may be a burden at times, but it has also gifted me with new levels of compassion." Echoing the sentiments, someone else, @shoeboxchronicles, said, "I can listen to Jason Reynolds speak for hours. And the way he articulated the care he takes to pour back into his mother was so beautiful. 'It’s me acknowledging a vessel that has given me everything I’ve become.' Whew!"

You can follow Jason Reynolds (@jasonreynolds83) on Instagram for more updates on his life.