This month means many things to many people. For some it is the celebration of a favorite holiday, birthday or wedding anniversary. For some it is bittersweet as is symbolizes a loss of what was. November is not just the month we celebrate my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving; it is also National Caregiver Month. This month is also the month I officially stepped into the role of a caregiver. Thirty-one years ago, a 12 year-old little girl assumed total responsibility of taking care of her disabled mother. That little girl is now the Editor-In-Chief of SitiGirl Cincinnati Magazine.
I dedicate this issue to all the caregivers across the land. As a caregiver, I often felt unseen. Everyone called to check on my mom, but never seemed to check on me. So caregivers, I want you to know that I see you and I value you. Your good deeds are not going unnoticed. Caregiving is a thankless job, a selfless act of service. It is walking out your love through action rather than words. Often times caregivers are not acknowledged for their efforts although the reason we do what we do is not for recognition.
Our lives as we know it are altered right along with the person for whom we are providing care. We grieve, we get angry, we feel hopeless because we truly want what is best for our loved one as well as ourselves. Our lives are a constant balancing act of choosing ourselves but also choosing what is best for our loved ones. If you see a caregiver this month, give them a hug. Tell them they are doing a good job. Sometimes a smile of acknowledgement or a word of encouragement is all that is needed to put some more gas in the tank to keep going. Caregivers, we see you and want you to know that you are loved.
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