Writing this column for Chris Pederson at CaregiversHome has been a joy, and a tremendous learning experience. I learned a lot about caregiving when I took care of my parents the last four and a half years of their lives, but everything I learned was in relation to their situation. Not everyone needs the answers I needed for my parents.

But in authoring this column each week, I have asked professionals for information in their specific field, and searched the Internet for information. All-in-all, I have broadened my expertise to include most caregiving situations. I want to thank all of you for reading and emailing me with questions and corrections. 

I am taking a break from writing this column, but it isn’t because I don’t enjoy it. Everyone has ocassions in their life when other things need to take a front seat, and this is one of those times in my life. My health is fine, so don’t worry about that. I don’t know when I will be back writing this column in the future, whether I will write an article occasionally, or whether I will get involved with something else, but my good wishes will always be with Chris and his endeavor.

AND, My heart will always be with you, the family caregiver. You are all special people with a special calling. You’re heart is in the right place and your actions are there, also. Just do your best to stay the course -- that's what's important, for you and your loved one. 

Being a family caregiver is one of the hardest things I've ever done, and I know it is the same for all of you. Just remember, after everything is said and done, you will always be glad you took care of your loved one. You were there for them when they needed you. If you have tried to take care of them yourself, you may have found it was too much for one person.

Don’t feel guilty about that. I was in a very unusual situation when I took care of Mom and Dad, and I always knew I might have to put Mom and Dad in a nursing home if I couldn’t do what they needed. A lot of you have done that. Remember, your loved one needs good care, but that does not mean you have to do it all yourself. You’re responsibility is to make sure they get good care -- not doing it all yourself. You are not shirking your duty by having someone else take care of them.