In Kingston, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, lies a home that offers more than shelter — it provides a sense of belonging for the abandoned, disabled children who have no one else. Bethlehem Home, a haven run by the Missionaries of the Poor, stands as a quiet testament to the dedication and sacrifice of the selfless individuals who care for these vulnerable souls.
Two such individuals, Gail Williams and Sharline Herron, exemplify the core of what it means to be a true caregiver. With backgrounds that led them on unanticipated journeys, they have become more than caretakers; they are the hearts and hands that make Bethlehem a home rather than just a place to stay.
The Paths That Led to Bethlehem
Gail Williams never expected to be where she is today. Originally from the rural parish of St. Elizabeth, she worked in agriculture before a brief stint at the airport, which was far removed from the world of caregiving. It wasn’t until a friend invited her to volunteer at Bethlehem that she was first introduced to the children, and the moment she walked into the home, everything changed.
“I came here just to visit, but something in me just knew this was where I belonged,” Gail explains. From that initial visit, her life took a turn she could never have predicted. She started as a volunteer, but her bond with the children, especially a 10-year-old girl named Asia, grew so deep that she knew she couldn’t leave. “Asia is my heart. She motivates me every day to keep going,” she adds with a smile.
Sharline Herron’s journey to Bethlehem was a story of finding purpose in the face of hardship. Having lost her mother at a young age, Sharline faced many challenges that led her to drop out of school and search for meaning. She found it in unexpected places, one of which was volunteering at Bethlehem Home.
“When I came here, I was in shock,” Sharline admits. “I had never seen children in such difficult circumstances.” But, instead of turning away, she stayed. It was clear to her that this was where she could make a difference, even if it wasn’t easy.
The Unseen Effort of Daily Care
For Gail and Sharline, every day is a combination of routine and profound moments of connection. From the early hours when they help children with physical disabilities get ready for the day, to late nights ensuring everyone is fed and comfortable, the task never stops. The children’s needs are diverse, some requiring complex medical care, others simply the comfort of a loving touch.
“The work never ends. Every day feels like a marathon, but it’s one we have to run,” says Sharline. The constant physical demands, such as lifting and bathing children with special needs, are often draining, but both women remain focused on one goal: the children’s safety and well-being.
Despite the physical exhaustion, what keeps both women going is the deep connection they form with the children. “It’s tough, but seeing the kids happy, knowing they are cared for, is the greatest reward,” says Gail.
The Emotional Weight of Caregiving
The hardest part of their work is often the emotional toll. The bond that forms between caregiver and child goes beyond the professional; they become a second family. As such, the loss of a child is heartbreaking. The grief of seeing one of the children pass away never gets easier.
“There are days when the emotional weight is just too much. We lose one of our own, and it feels like a part of us is lost too,” says Sharline, her voice tinged with sadness. Gail nods in agreement, acknowledging that the bonds they create with these children make the moments of loss incredibly hard to bear.
But they push forward because they know their presence matters. “Even though it’s painful, we continue because the children need us,” Gail shares.
Living with the Challenges
The challenges they face at Bethlehem are not limited to emotional strain. The physical demands of caregiving, the constant vigilance required for medically complex children, and the repeated tasks of cleaning, feeding, and comforting make every day a test of endurance. Yet, despite these hardships, Gail and Sharline press on, driven by an unwavering sense of duty and love for the children they care for.
“There are days when I feel like I can’t go on, but when I see their faces, I know I have to keep going,” says Sharline. “We are soldiers in a fight for their futures,” adds Gail, her commitment palpable.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Although the future of Bethlehem remains uncertain, both women have found fulfillment in their roles. For Sharline, she dreams of one day opening her own facility to help even more children, while Gail hopes to stay at Bethlehem for as long as she is needed. But both women remain open to new possibilities.
“I love what I do, but I also have goals. If things change, I hope to start a business, but I will never forget these children. They are family to me,” says Gail.
Their stories are a reminder of the quiet strength and resilience that exists in the world, often hidden behind the walls of places like Bethlehem. Through their tireless dedication, Gail Williams and Sharline Herron show what it means to be truly devoted to something greater than oneself — and how, in caring for these children, they are also caring for their own hearts.
