To My Fellow Caregivers:
Today is November 1, and the start of National Family Caregivers Month. I considered writing a post each day this month about a family caregiver. But I know so many. How would I pick and choose? I couldn’t get everyone highlighted in just 30 days.
So let me start with, Thank You!
Yes, thank you for your dedication and the amazing care you share so lovingly with your family member. But that’s not why I am grateful for you today.
Rather, I want to say thank you for being part of my life. Thank you for trusting me enough to share your journey with me. You are my people. You are my tribe. And I couldn’t be happier about that.
My experience over the nearly 30 years as a family caregiver reflects what I’ve heard many of you say. No matter what is going on in each of our lives, when we hear of a fellow caregiver with an extenuating need, a comrade in caregiving is the first to respond!
At first glance, this seems counterintuitive. Family caregivers often have needs, sometimes great needs for respite, household help, financial burdens, extended family concerns, and more. Often our wildest dream is to have someone come alongside us to cook a meal, mop the floor or run an errand.
UNTIL we hear through our caregiving networks or on social media that a fellow caregiver needs help. Maybe it’s something small, like changing a lightbulb they can’t reach or sharing some excess medical supplies. Or it may be something as huge as covering the care needs when the caregiver becomes ill. Almost without fail, the first and most frequent responses come from fellow caregivers.
Did some miracle occur that suddenly opened the time and energy to help another? Not likely. Instead, we are kindred spirits and understand the need. We are eager to lighten the load of a fellow caregiver. We’re also convinced that if the situation was reversed, another caregiver would be there for us.
So today, I start this month with gratitude for YOU being in my tribe and having my back. It’s a privilege and honor to have yours as well!
Hugs,
