Caregiving was never my role of choice. My husband Dick was the natural caregiver in our home, not me. I knew if I had a life-threatening illness, he would be at my bedside to the end. However, God had other plans for us. We've walked down the Alzheimer's Road together for eleven years. There's been grief and sadness as I've gradually lost the man I love and found myself being the primary caregiver for the man-child he has become. As his cognitive thinking slowly drained, I was sure his love of God and extensive scripture memorization would stick...but it hasn't. I now rest in the assurance that even though Dick no longer remembers God, God remembers him. Our lives are not as we planned, but we are still a part of God's perfect plan for us. And that plan includes me as caregiver.

Dick and Kaye Kessler

        None of us would choose a debilitating disease for those we love, but can there be blessings and thanksgiving in the stresses and challenges of being a caregiver? Sometimes I need to make myself sit back and look for those. When I do, I find I have much to be thankful for: being held up in prayer, supportive family involved in Dick's care, old friends who have stayed close, and the new friends I've made thru this disease, giving me many opportunities for sharing. God's provision as Dick is now in a nursing home is another blessing. I'm blessed that God has given me the physical and emotional strength to visit and feed Dick twice each day. Daily God renews me. I amaze myself, and wonder at the patience and loving attitude God has given me, while visiting this man who no longer knows me, who cannot walk, talk, or care for himself. This daily routine was not on our radar as we viewed our senior years. But when I look for the blessings, they are there, they are plentiful, and I have much to be thankful for. With a grateful heart I praise God that He has given me the stamina and love to be Dick's earthly caregiver, knowing that I also have one, a Heavenly Caregiver.