The Answer Is… THE CAREGIVERS

What I’ve discovered in all of this is how extremely difficult it is for caregivers, and for loved ones looking after those who are sick. Jean doesn’t complain, but I worry about the toll it is taking on her. I worry how it’s affecting Matthew and Emily too. They were so upset when I first told them the diagnosis. I know one thing that frustrates them is that I’m not as communicative as I probably should be about what I’m going through. But I’m their father. I want to shield them from any pain. I’m happy that they have lives of their own and I don’t want them to see me when I’m going through an especially bad day. But now because of the COVID-19 quarantine, I can’t shield them from it. And gradually they have adjusted in ways that have increased my pride in them. They’re around me much more than before, and I know why. And it makes me love them even more.