Caregiver Stories

Elizabeth Charts a Caregiving Path Paved in Love

Growing up, I never imagined myself becoming a caregiver, not in the way it unfolded. But as life’s twists would have it, I found myself deeply intertwined in a beautiful but demanding role that became a central part of who I am today.

Caring for my aging parents while raising my own children and balancing a full-time job wasn’t something I had prepared for, and yet, there I was—pressed between generations in what they called the “sandwich generation.”

I was stretched thin, holding so many pieces of family life together, but I found a rare beauty through it all.

After my father passed away, I took on a more intensive role in caring for my mother. Though she was largely bedridden, we found small ways to stay connected—moments that were both ordinary and unforgettable.

Every morning, I’d bring coffee to my mom’s bedside. We’d sit together, sipping, laughing, sharing stories, and reminiscing about life’s funny and tender memories. I saw my mother’s eyes light up as I shared snippets from my busy outside world, stories that would carry us away together.

When we played board games, the room filled with laughter, and for a little while, all the weight of caregiving slipped away. These were simple moments, but in them, I felt the quiet reward of having a precious, lingering closeness with my mom.

Today, I am a support caregiver to my brother Tom, who was born with an intellectual and developmental disability. It’s a role I embrace with love, guided by my experiences with my parents. And, through it all, I have come to value the caregiving community around me—a network of people who share similar journeys, their own stories filled with sacrifice, resilience, and love.

Through my Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast and speaking events, I’ve had the privilege to meet fellow caregivers and lift their voices, shining a light on their strengths. I find immense joy in the connection, and in my heart, I carry each story I hear, each lesson learned.

Yet caregiving has also taught me to care of myself. I’ve become mindful of my own well-being, knowing my health and happiness are as important as those I care for. It’s something I hope my children see and carry forward—that caring for others is a gift but one that flourishes when you also nurture yourself.

My journey has taught me that caregiving is rarely on anyone’s “bucket list,” yet for all its challenges, it’s also an experience filled with love, resilience, and a treasure trove of memories.

I hope others, too, can find the gifts in their caregiving journey—the joy in shared moments, the bond of a caregiver community, and the simple power of being present.

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