Caregiver of the Month: March 2012

I have a condition that causes me to be fed via IVs. I also have several other medical conditions. Over the last 4+ years I have had 5 surgeries while my nutrition has been thru TPN thru my central IV line. I ended up with an internal staph infection which meant my total knee replacement had to be removed, which was done through three surgeries. My daughter Lisa had gone through a divorce and decided to move in with me and become my caretaker. She learned how to mix my IV bag with vitamins, do my antibiotics, change my dressing, take me to doctor appointments, etc.

All of that was great, wonderful. Changing my clothes, the bed side potty chair, yes anyone could have done those things. But Lisa also raised three kids and went back to college and got a degree as a paralegal while caring for me. But even more important than all that, more important than paying my bills, figuring out all my paper work for disability, etc. she gave me a type of love that you can't buy. A love and support that has kept me alive. Given me a reason to want to live. I am bed bound most of the time, but she keeps encouraging me, reminding me why I have value. I can never pay her back! I owe her so much! I can't pay her anything but my love and gratitude. She is young but she won't give up on me. She is the most amazing woman in the whole wide world! I am the most blessed mom to be cared for by her! Thank you for letting me share my story!

To read about our previous winners, go to www.HealthyWomen.org/caregivingcontest.