Twenty-seven years ago, my late husband (who passed away in 2008) was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. That was the moment I stepped into the role of full-time caregiver.
As the days, months, and years went by, the losses accumulated. With them came growing fatigue, frustration, and loneliness. I longed for support. I needed answers. Most of all, I needed hope.
The Beginning of a Community
In 2006, I founded the Caregiver Support Group at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (WPC). From the very beginning, it was a space where caregivers could gather and share their stories—stories of love, need, and the daily realities of caring for someone with a serious chronic illness.
We prayed together. We learned from one another. Sometimes, we even found moments to laugh. And through it all, we discovered that we were not alone. We found strength. We found hope.
The Strength of Caregivers
Caregivers share a unique and sacred bond. Each day is met with patience, honor, love, humor, and an abiding faith. These qualities sustain us when the road gets tough.
If you are on this journey, I warmly invite you to join our Caregiver Support Group. We meet every Monday at 1:00 p.m. in Room 222 at WPC.
Expanding the Circle
Currently, most members of our group are caring for a spouse. But caregiving takes many forms. If you are a child caring for a parent, or a friend providing support for someone you love, and are interested in forming a group of your own, please let me know. We want to walk alongside you, too.
We Are Family
Caregiving can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. We are a family. And in this family, there is always hope.
