A Tribute to My Sister

Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis

Sister Dee is on the right

Families are important. How obvious is that? We automatically think of parents raising children in a safe, secure, and loving environment. Our offspring could not survive without years of adult provision for all their basic needs, including a great deal of love. Another increasingly prevalent scenario is children caring for aging parents. Maybe that is not so obvious. In my career, I’ve met thousands of children who are researching retirement living to provide a safe, secure, and loving environment for their parents. Often, it is one sibling who is taking on the primary role of investigator and decision-maker. A recent conversation with a daughter who lived locally told me her siblings were all 2000 miles away, and the responsibility fell to her. That is all too familiar. It is neither bad nor good. It does not mean that the other children are irresponsible or uncaring. It is just a fact.

In my family, my sister, Dee, became the primary planner and provider for Mom. I am eternally grateful for her daily active role in Mother’s life. Being 200 miles away posed logistical problems for me, but in the end, it was more than my sister’s proximity; it was her commitment and tender loving care that will always be remembered. Not only did they develop an incredibly special relationship in the last few years, but my other sister, Karleen, and I know she will have many jewels in her crown for all she has done. I would remind all of you who are the chosen sibling to know that your efforts do not go unnoticed by many observers. I would use this opportunity to pay tribute to Dee and encourage all siblings out there to say, “Thank you!” to your family member who is the care planner.

“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” Tia Walker