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Dear Caregivers,
This page in the book is where people ask me to sign or write an inscription. So, I'm writing
this note to you — my family of fellow caregivers. I dedicated our story to you, and the passage
reads, "This book is dedicated to All Family Caregivers — past, present, and future — People
who understand Love and Sacrifice on a higher plane."
My eleven-year caregiving period ended with mother's passing four years ago. At least one
stage ended then. Another ended with the publishing of my book. However, much of the
experience will be with me until I pass away. The good memories are those that I want to
keep until the end. I would imagine you feel the same.
Fortunately, for the soul of the family and the country — not to mention the immense
contribution to the U.S. Healthcare system — millions and millions of family caregivers are
willing to sacrifice their time, if not their lives, for the care of their loved ones.
Family caregivers in essence become a family of their own. There is no difference among
white, brown, black, red, and yellow-skinned caregivers; nor is there any difference among
caregivers of different religions or nationalities; nor is there a difference between caregivers of
different genders; nor is there really a difference between the middle class and poor caregiving
families except that the poor may have even fewer resources available (depending on their
Medicaid eligibility). All family caregivers are brothers and sisters, for these are people who are
saddled with the same serious reality — setting their lives aside to take care of disabled loved
ones for an often indeterminate period of time. I have never seen nor heard of a group of
people with a more common purpose and unifying bond.
Often in lonely isolation, few family caregivers ever meet each other or even hear of
one another personally. However, they share a common soul and often without knowing it.
If they happen to gather in the same area, or find themselves communicating with one another
through phone, letter or electronic media, they will find their souls touched and quickly realize
that they have arrived home — they are family.
In case no one has told you recently, you do most valuable work. It is not glamorous nor
highly regarded by general society. However, the spiritual reward puts you in a special group
that only another caregiver can fully appreciate. When your own days begin to wind down in
this life, you will remember that you made a true difference in the life of your loved one when
their disability put them in serious need. You demonstrated Love — often Unconditional
Love — and that is the essence of a good life.
My caregiving days are over for now, but my heart will stay with all of you — past, present, and
future caregivers — people who met the challenge of proving their humanity, people who rode
well above the herd.
Most Sincerely,
September 4, 2006
Author, "Taking Care of Mother, Taking Care of Me"
This page in the book is where people ask me to sign or write an inscription. So, I'm writing
this note to you — my family of fellow caregivers. I dedicated our story to you, and the passage
reads, "This book is dedicated to All Family Caregivers — past, present, and future — People
who understand Love and Sacrifice on a higher plane."
My eleven-year caregiving period ended with mother's passing four years ago. At least one
stage ended then. Another ended with the publishing of my book. However, much of the
experience will be with me until I pass away. The good memories are those that I want to
keep until the end. I would imagine you feel the same.
Fortunately, for the soul of the family and the country — not to mention the immense
contribution to the U.S. Healthcare system — millions and millions of family caregivers are
willing to sacrifice their time, if not their lives, for the care of their loved ones.
Family caregivers in essence become a family of their own. There is no difference among
white, brown, black, red, and yellow-skinned caregivers; nor is there any difference among
caregivers of different religions or nationalities; nor is there a difference between caregivers of
different genders; nor is there really a difference between the middle class and poor caregiving
families except that the poor may have even fewer resources available (depending on their
Medicaid eligibility). All family caregivers are brothers and sisters, for these are people who are
saddled with the same serious reality — setting their lives aside to take care of disabled loved
ones for an often indeterminate period of time. I have never seen nor heard of a group of
people with a more common purpose and unifying bond.
Often in lonely isolation, few family caregivers ever meet each other or even hear of
one another personally. However, they share a common soul and often without knowing it.
If they happen to gather in the same area, or find themselves communicating with one another
through phone, letter or electronic media, they will find their souls touched and quickly realize
that they have arrived home — they are family.
In case no one has told you recently, you do most valuable work. It is not glamorous nor
highly regarded by general society. However, the spiritual reward puts you in a special group
that only another caregiver can fully appreciate. When your own days begin to wind down in
this life, you will remember that you made a true difference in the life of your loved one when
their disability put them in serious need. You demonstrated Love — often Unconditional
Love — and that is the essence of a good life.
My caregiving days are over for now, but my heart will stay with all of you — past, present, and
future caregivers — people who met the challenge of proving their humanity, people who rode
well above the herd.
Most Sincerely,
September 4, 2006
Author, "Taking Care of Mother, Taking Care of Me"
Copyright ©2006 Heydon Buchanan. All Rights Reserved.
