I became a caregiver because of the joy that I get from helping those who have come to that point in life where they have acknowledged that they are no longer able to be as independent as they have been for many years. It is no easy task to let go of independance. Being a caregiver gives me a feeling of accomplishment and I can smile knowing that I have done my absolute best to help one be as independent as one is able. My favorite part is, when I get to smile & laugh with the individual through experiences that are not always easy for either one of us. Through personal experience I have found out that being able to smile & laugh together only strengthens our relationship and trust. I have had a heart for caring from a very young age. I had a very large part in helping raise my 2 younger siblings and as I got older through the years I helped care for many cousins and had many babysitting jobs. After high school I nannied for a few families. I even nannied for a short while after being married, until I got pregnant with our first child. Almost 3 years ago now I had the privilege of helping care for my grandmother-in-law after she was diagnosed with ALS. Through that experience is when I realized that being a caregiver was for me. I told "grandma" that and she was so pleased because she said that there is a great need for good caregivers. I hope to continue to help fill that need for many years. ... more