Gratitude for my life is the thing that gets me out of bed in the morning, the realization that I have been given another day. There will be challenges and I will overcome them. I can do this, I am doing this and will keep on doing it for as long as possible. Life isn’t meant to be easy, but I hope it can be interesting and rewarding. At the end of everyday I need to be able to look back and say I did my best.

To be able to say that I did my best I need to actually do something. However doing something can look different based on how I and my husband are feeling on a particular day. It may mean I am very busy with chores or I may choose self-care in the form of light duties. Whatever it is, it must always be done with positive intention. I am thankful that most of the time I have the opportunity to decide whether to face my day with a smile or a frown. It is always about the mindset I choose to have and I want it to be positive and productive.

Being a CarePartner is a difficult job as I watch my husband’s struggles and wish I could do more to help. I am thankful that he is willing to share his journey with me and will accept my help, I hope we have many more years together. I am thankful for our home even though it means more work for me as I try to keep up with the daily chores. I am thankful for the many friends I have who are facing similar struggles and for their understanding as we all keep on each and every day. I am thankful for family who love us and support us as they can. I am especially thankful for the fact that the last words I hear before I fall asleep at night are “I love you”. That is my true reward.