Caregiving Story

My years of being a caregiver, home health aide, and nursing assistant has been such a reward with each individual I come to get to know.

This gentleman was a real gentleman whom I miss so much after a 6 month battle with cancer. He loved to spend the day with us girls who came in to help him or just to spend the day. Bud, as all called him, greeted you no matter how he felt, with a smile a hug and told you how beautiful you were. The daily walks this time last year, or just going for a drive, were just a few of the wonderful times we had.

Bud shared his home with my children who often came by after school and just lounged around visiting or talking. He came down with this illness very quickly and to someone who lived 93 years without illness, it was a big heartbreak for him since he wanted to live on. This man was happy and joyful even with a huge hole in his head that was unable to close. I just broke my heart to do packings not seeing any good happening each time. It only grew bigger. He was still willing to fight and joke around. After two days and in real deep pain, he was still a real gentleman.

Well we kept him home as promised, and we do miss him. With very few relatives, we were his true family. He loved and cherished each caregiver that helped him. Thanks, Bud, for such a wonderful part of your life you shared.