Our neighbor came over yesterday and offered to do our grocery shopping for us. She has a young family of her own and yet was willing to take on one of my tasks. It was unexpected and extremely kind of her. I declined because we really needed to get out of the house, yet we did exchange phone numbers and I feel we connected on a personal level. These are the moments, when someone else offers to do something for us just because they can, that I really find my gratitude.

As my husband’s CarePartner, I often feel overburdened and I think it comes from some crazy idea that I have to do it all. I know that letting others help will lighten my load, but I don’t want to burden them or interfere with their busy lives. What I sometimes forget is that when I accept their help it expands our circle of support, not just mine. We both have a chance to start a new relationship, something that is so valuable as this illness progresses. Instead of “going it alone”, I need to open up and be ready to accept help. Then take a moment for gratitude as I open our world to a new friend.