caregiving

January 1, 2002

Hi everyone,

I would like to share my experience as a caregiver for Dave with you. He

loved life and his family, he was a true family man. He took a lot of

pleasure having family and friends visit with him. In the last few years, we

grew to be as one. I love him with all my heart.

He was diagnosed almost two years ago with Shy-Drager and during that time I

watched him go from being an independent person to being totally dependent

on me for everything. There was many nights where neither of us got any

rest. From the time I got up in the mornings until, sometimes, late at

night, it took all my time to care for him. He was always so loving, hardly

ever complained, and enjoyed everyday. His exact words were " I might be

sick but I still enjoy life " . We went on trips to the mountains ever chance

we got and tried to make the most of his time left.

I know how tired the caregiver can get and at times so overwhelmed. But I

also know that what we do is out of love for the ones we are caring for. How

we wish there was more we could do even though we know in our hearts that we

are doing everything possible and also how we wouldn't have it any other way

than to be right by their side through it all.

I miss him so. He was my life. I am left alone and my heart is broken but I

would be a very selfish person to want him to come back and suffer. He is in

heaven, well and happy. I am grieving for myself and the kids, for our loss.

I also believe that if you could pick a day to go to Heaven, what more

glorious day that on Jesus's Birthday. Can you imagine what it must be like?

My advice to all of you is to enjoy everday, make the most of everyone, most

of all tell your love ones how much you love them and what they mean to you.

I have comfort knowing that I did everything possible to make his life

enjoyable, just wish I could have done more. I will be praying for all of

you and will stay with the group because I care what happens to you. I want

to know how all are doing. If I can ever help anyone please feel free to

emial me any time.

Love to all, Kathy , wife to Dave

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