I'm 61 years old. I'm a friend, a sister, a wife, a pet parent, and always a daughter, even though both my parents are now deceased. I became a long-distance caregiver for my parents in 2007, after my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and my dad had a bad fall. He passed away a year later, and I helped care for my mom until her death in 2013. The most rewarding part of care giving for me is those moments of grace when the roles of caregiver and receiver disappear and you are simply two human beings sitting together sharing your story. About who you love, why you love them, what you're grateful for, what keeps you going during tough times, what you've learned over the years, and who or what brings you joy. It's like a gift you give each other.