At the Wallowa County Caregivers support meeting, the struggles and difficulties of taking care of a loved are often discussed. Recently, however, the question was raised, Why do we do it? There were many different responses:

We get to know more about the family, for the elderly are storehouses of family lore. It creates an opportunity to heal relationships. It was the last thing I wanted to do, but it makes me feel good that I can rise to the occasion.

The challenge of it brought out good things. Keeping the patient at home makes him happy. Financial concerns- a nursing home can cost from $7,000-9,000 per month. Our marriage vows said, In sickness and in health.

Many members smiled when someone said, After a caregivers patient dies, Ive never heard one say, Im sorry I did that. The consensus of the group was that we do it out of love.

Young people may be put off by the idea of caring for an older member of the family. But we find the challenge of learning new skills empowering. These skills are useful and qualify us for jobs wherever we should live.

Caregiving enriches our lives to bravely meet this basic part of life, the natural process of letting go. It builds character to fulfill this sort of commitment. It is gratifying to know each one of us is making a difference in someone elses life.

The WCC meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 3 p.m. at Wallowa Memorial Hospital.