Thanksgiving thanks to every caregiver!

Wishing a strong Thanksgiving to every caregiver reading this! I know from years of experience as my wife's caregiver, holidays can sometimes be anything but 'happy'. She did not enjoy holidays as they were a harsh reminder of what used to be and now only seemed to be a day, which threatened to interrupt her daily routine. However I want to let every caregiver know that from one caregiver to another I am sending thanks to you for all you have done, are doing, and will continue to do!

Our patients may not say it often, but I always knew, deep in my heart, my wife was forever thankful for the caregiving I provided. Sure, there were times of higher stress than others and some unkind words uttered, especially when I was a bumbling fool over not getting something quite right. I could never get her ponytail quite right, put her lipstick on nearly as smoothly as desired, nor bathe her properly, along with several others.

On the other hand I always knew many of the things she chaffed at me over not doing well were those things she mourned losing personal control over. Hard to be thankful or express your thanks to someone having to do something you did for yourself for decades.

We, as caregivers, are not only our patient's caregiver, but also their chief cook, bottle washer, chauffer, maid, butler, advocate, and more. For each and every one of these seemingly thankless tasks, I say an all too often unheard thanks.

So while I know full well hearing it from me doesn't really take the place of hearing it from your loved one, please know I send you, on this -- my very favorite holiday -- a HUGE THANK YOU for all you do!

To my usual sending of strength, courage, and peace, today I add thanks -- and the hope you get to smile during some portion of this time of gratitude.