My sister and I helped our mom care for our dying father for several months before he died of cancer in 1994. Mother was working full time and cared for him after working and on weekends.

I took a Family Leave of Absence from my job so that I could better assist them. My dad progressed to using a morphine pump and was completely helpless. My mom refused to get help, even from Hospice. She believed it was a sign of giving up on any hope that he would be miraculously healed. As we reflect, we realize that Hospice care would have been a tremendous relief to all of us.

My mom now has cancer and is fighting hard to continue a "normal" life. She lives alone, but has lots of friends who assist her. My sister doesn't live locally, and I am a single working mother of two young boys. There are times that I feel completely overwhelmed. I try to go to doctor visits and chemo therapy with her. I sometimes shop for her.

It is very tough at times, but, so far, we have managed to get everything done. It has changed my priorities. I focus more on what really matters. My boys aged 10 and 13 understand that for a time, I must first and foremost take care of my sick mother.

The wonderful team I work with at Care For Life are supportive and compassionate. I have the best resources in the world to guide me through these difficult times. For this, I am grateful.