Tribute to a Caregiver. . .

 A Perfect Caregiver

It is a job that you won't often find advertised. That doesn't  mean it isn't a job that is in high demand, but it just seems to usually be filled at the right time. It's a job no one ever goes looking for, but she is the first one to "apply" when it comes open. It is the spousal caregiver.

As a Parkinson's patient, I find myself on the floor more than I'd care to count. Lorraine isn't able to set me upright, but together we have, so far,  found ways to get me back on my feet. She is always there to help with the medication and the reminders when I too often forget to take it. She watches me like a hawk, and is right behind me when I try to go somewhere I shouldn't.

Lorraine is the true definition of a caregiver. I have never been waited-on so well. I try hard not to add work to her already heavy schedule. She does grocery shopping that I enjoyed doing with her. She keep the car fueled and serviced because she made sure I quit driving a couple of years ago. There were  things I did around the house that she has to handle now. She supervised movers to nearly empty the lower level of our condo and combined space on the main leve since I don't do stairs anymore.  I have my office on the main level and that's about my travel destination each day. I fight other medical problems that add to my mobility issues and I can see the day when I won't be sitting at this computer, either. Typing is sometimes a real struggle. (I say that in case you find a typo or three.)  I use a system 10 operating system and they recently told me it no longer supports my auto-correct spelling.

Lorraine has never complained about her caregiver job, but I think about how much work I have added to her retired, golden years and it just isn't fair. She worked hard at banking for 20+ years, on top of  following me around the state in my newspaper jobs. 

If you are a caregiver or have one, my heart is with you. I can say I would pay Lorraine a million dollars a month (if I had it) for the comfort and care she gives to me. Along with all of her other duties. she always has time to watch over me. 

I am one lucky son-of-a-gun!