Our most recent recipient of our Keeping Caregivers Close Grant is Lilia Walsh, who is caring currently for her father, who is battling Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (stage 3.5). Traveling from California for several weeks at a time is taxing, especially on Lilia’s part-time wages.
Caregiving for someone you love is full of contradictions. It can be deeply meaningful — and according to Lilia, “Honestly, a little boring.”
She shares that she spends time with her dad, who is fighting cancer and recovering from strokes and the hardship of trying to connect with someone who is so sick in the way that you wish you could. They need to rest, so there are naps, quiet porch sits, and long stretches of just being together. We love it when our caregivers speak the truth and show us the ups and downs of what it is like to selflessly care for a spouse, parent, child, or loved one.
But caregiving has changed Lilia, “I’ve become more aware of health, aging, and how fragile life is, and also how strong a community can be. When I’m with my dad, I make sure he eats, takes his medicine, and gets a little fresh air if he’s able. On good days, we walk the block or even go to a support event like a nature walk. On bad days, I sit with him and hold space for whatever he needs.”
If you’re a caregiver, know this: it’s okay if it’s not always picture-perfect or even “inspiring.” Connection doesn’t have to be constant talking or activity — sometimes, just sitting together is enough.
Supporting Our Caregivers
We cannot thank caregivers like Lilia enough for what they are doing for their loved ones, and for their heartfelt, honest perspective on the truth of caregiving.
Help us keep programs such as Keeping Caregivers close alive, so we can support others who “Live Loud. Love Deep”.
Join our generous sponsor Round Room Gives and our devoted Martini Club Members, who with their giving, help Cocktails & Caregivers fund grants to assist with selfless caregivers like Lilia Walsh. Learn more about how you can support the mission at cocktailsandcaregivers.org.
