I was living in DC when my dad Carl was diagnosed with ALS on 5.29.2021. Luckily my sister, an amazing force, and my mother, a former nurse, still lived in Cleveland for his support. I began flying home every other weekend to spend time and take care of what I could.

As he progressed, we realized he would need 24/7 care. It was quietly but profoundly apparent for me to resign from my job, my world in DC, and move home to be his primary caregiver. With the help of an army, a village, and family beyond blood, we made it happen.

Caregiving is intimate and vulnerable and humbling and an honor I am grateful but saddened to have experienced. My father and I had to redefine our roles in each others lives at not only dad/daughter but patient/caregiver. And for every moment that was hard for me, it was ten fold for him.