Caregivers are heroes

I want to acknowledge anyone who is a caregiver, for it is a thankless position that can’t be added to one’s curriculum vitae, nor does one receive job satisfaction or financial reward. The hours are long; constant challenges tiresome, no vacation or time-out, it is a 24/7 job. There is no course or studying to prepare the caregiver for what lies ahead, and no diploma awaits, despite the wealth of knowledge and life experience unwillingly gained along the way, that would suffice for a university degree. It’s the kind of appointment that one didn't ask for, never dreamt of taking on, and yet many around the world, tirelessly day in and day out perform their newly given task of caring for a person they love. Often family and friends are unaware and barely know what a caregiver goes through. The mental anguish alongside the daily logistics and physical work involved with taking care of someone who is chronically ill, takes great strength of character, devotion, much patience, a sense of humour and a lot of love to fulfil this unwelcome task. If you are a caregiver – you are not alone, for there are millions of people who stand in your shoes, and I applaud you all. Stay strong and take one day at a time. Remember that you are a hero!