The "Super Coopers" -In Celebration of National Caregivers Month

November is National Caregiver Month! The whole caregiver topic is an ongoing conversation that I could talk about for days. Like most things, caregiving can include the good, bad and the ugly. Frankly, some people are just not cut out to care for others, and that’s ok. I believe you should only take care of someone if you have the heart to do so.

I feel very blessed that the good caregivers in my lifetime have far outweighed the not-so-good ones. Although I’m thankful for each one, my favorites will always be Samuel (Dean), Marcus (Mark), Jonathan (Jay), Glenda (Peggy) and Dewayne, who I will forever carry in my heart. The five people I speak so highly of are my siblings, better known as, “The Super Coopers”! I often mention my siblings because they are truly great people!

At an early age, my awesome parents instilled the importance of taking care of one another with all of us. When I was born and they found out that I had a disability, their mission as my sibs was to take care of me and make my life as good as possible. From teaching me how to talk and walk as a child, to teaching me how to drive as a young adult, they all had a hand in my accomplishments.

To this day, I know if my caregiver doesn’t show and I need help, I can call any of my siblings and one of them (if not all of them) will show up. Do you know how comforting that is? As busy as they are with their own lives, I know they will take time to see about little ‘ole me.

Thinking back to my younger days, I remember wanting to try out things that people my age back then were doing, like going to mall or a football game with friends. When I had no one to hang out with, my brothers or sister would step in and take me so I wouldn’t miss out. As adults, there continues to be an unspoken, unbreakable bond between us. Although we are blood, my siblings are also my best friends.

We were taught the saying; "I am my brother’s/sister’s keeper". Meaning, no matter what happens, we’ve all got each other’s back. If one has a problem, we all have a problem. In the month of gratitude, I’m so thankful to have my siblings and know they will always be there for me. My hope for whoever needs care is that they have people in their lives like “The Super Coopers”!

Are you a caregiver in Ohio, seeking support services or respite? Click here for links to helpful resources as you continue to care for someone you love!