Over the past 20 years, we have cared for some of the spunkiest women and kindest men that we’ve had the pleasure to meet.  While we spent 40+ hours a week with these men and women, learning about the past that was forgotten due to Alzheimer’s or has become too weak due to Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis or other life altering diagnosis, we also had the honor of seeing the bravery and determination of the caregivers in their lives.  Each day these men and women would leave their loved one in our care and go out to continue to care for the family that they had built together.  Sometimes a quick stop by the receptionist desk would bring a much needed release of tears or a few choice words spoken in frustration.  No matter what it was, it was heard and validated in kindness.

This month we invited these wonderful caregivers back for a reunion dinner.  No frills, bells or whistles, just time spent with extended family and we loved every minute of it.  The evening was filled with laughter, smiles, art and even a few tears as we remembered their loved ones.  These caregivers will always be our family and as the night wrapped up, many left saying “Thank you” and “We still need this”.

We’ve celebrated these caregivers throughout the month – with this much needed reunion dinner, hand written notes and creation of a virtual support group – but the celebration needs to continue.  We challenge you to reach out to a caregiver that you know and say thank you.  Say thank you and simply let them know that their efforts are seen.  As we continue our year of celebration, we will celebrate caregivers near and far.