I had the opportunity to participate in an event called Caregiver Christmas for the second year in a row. This is a drive through program presented by a local non-profit honoring and thanking family and paid caregivers for the work we do. It is the only event I know of that recognizes me, not because of my husband’s disability, but because of my work as his CarePartner. It is a very heartwarming and emotional experience.

My tendency is to underplay the work I do whether it is helping him with his shoes and socks, coaching him while he exercises or accompanying him to his appointments. I have assumed all of the housework and am the primary connection with all of our community supports. When I actually stop to look at the things I am doing it may not seem like much because it has evolved slowly, but there is always something more to be done. I keep our lives running smoothly and that is essential.

On top of the care I provide for my husband, I also try to sustain others in my Parkinson’s community through my blog and my engagement in local support groups. I work within our greater community volunteering in a local museum, another role I tend to undervalue. I was named their “Volunteer of the Year” and didn’t attend the meeting to receive the award because I couldn’t believe I had earned it. Much of this work is done under the auspices of self-care yet I need to acknowledge that it carries value nonetheless.

I am very grateful to the people who coordinate the Caregiver Christmas event because it makes me stop and reflect on what they are saying. I was about halfway through the event when their words finally sunk in and I started to cry. I am important and what I do matters, not because of my husband’s diagnosis but because of my response to it. Maybe someday I’ll fully understand that it is okay for me to accept the gratitude of others because what I do has value and I deserve it.