Caregivers are the Greatest

Donna Nichols • May 11, 2023
A red heart with the words `` caregivers rock '' written on it.

My 95-year-old mother recently had a five-day hospital stay. It’s so hard to see someone you love just lying there unable to do anything for themselves and having to rely on someone else for everything. I learned real quickly what caregivers go through daily and how hard it is for them. I am one of the lucky ones as I had help, which most caregivers don’t; they are generally all by themselves caring for their loved one and I don’t know how they do it.


 My mother is the type of person who never gets sick, so when she ended up in the hospital it really scared a lot of people. She takes two pills a day and at 95-years-old, that’s amazing! Of course, she has the normal age-related declination, losing her eyesight, not so steady on her feet, etc., but overall, she is very healthy.


The nurses at the hospital were so caring and helpful, I couldn’t have done it without them. I basically slept in the bed with her for the first two nights and was there for at least twelve hours the other three days and nights. We didn’t call the nurses for everything because I was there, so I got a glimpse into the world of caregiving and let me tell you, it is HARD WORK!


You don’t sleep, you don’t eat well, you stress all the time, it takes a toll on your body physically and mentally and when you finally get a break, your loved one is all you think about. I did things I never knew I could do, I just did them. My sister was just sitting there watching me do everything and my mom says, “Well, she doesn’t know what to do.” All I could think of was, neither do I, mom, neither do I, but I’m doing it.


I have never been so exhausted and felt so fulfilled in my life at the same time. Yet I want to scream at the top of my lungs and cry hysterically. I also want to laugh and yell about all the joy I feel from bonding so much with her. What a roller coaster of emotions that goes through you at a time like this. I only had five days of caregiving and had help; I can’t imagine doing this on a full-time basis with no one to assist me. If you know someone who is a caregiver, PLEASE reach out to them and offer them a break, they REALLY need it!


I must really applaud the caregivers, whether they be in the form of nurses, personal assistants, or family members, in this world! Where would we be without you? All I have to say about the caregivers in this world is that you all ROCK!! You are the best; you work tirelessly and give 100% of yourselves every day!


THANK YOU!



A close up of a person holding another person 's hand.

February and the Heart

By Donna Nichols • February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.

Connection Is the Resolution That Lasts

By Donna Nichols • January 12, 2026
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A Fresh Start Doesn’t Mean Starting Over

By Donna Nichols • January 9, 2026
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