By Barb MacLean, Executive Director, Family Caregivers of BC
I watched my daughter’s hands close gently around Grandpa’s 101-year-old hands, steadying the coffee cup as he took a sip. The ever-important cookie came next, in pieces, shared slowly, a look of happiness on both faces. I won’t forget that moment, and maybe she won’t either. Will it be me she helps one day? I would be so lucky.
Most of us, at some point in our lives, will give comfort, reassurance, food, transportation, advice and so much more to the people we care about. Many of us will make sacrifices over the long term, not seeing what lies ahead but knowing, above all, that we are doing the right thing. That “thing” is what makes us human; it’s what propels us to the moon and back, persevering through the most turbulent times. Although duty and responsibility factor into the mix, that thing called love is the foundation of caregiving. We give care because of our relationship. It’s the special ingredient that distinguishes family and friend caregivers from those who choose a very important career in providing care.
We join our partners and countless supporters across Canada in standing up, standing tall, and speaking loudly during Family Caregiver Month in May. We advocate for increased support and new ways of partnering together as allies. We’re building a stronger network to share resources and ideas – with more voices, to be more vocal, and more visible. And from the heart, we celebrate caregivers everywhere – to the moon and back.