Yes I suffer massive pain, take countless medications, am a prisoner in my own home but I still count myself lucky. I look around at everything that is happening around the world and I could be in many situations that are worse than the situation I am in.
I could live in Syria and be surrounded by civil war; never knowing what is happening day to day.
I could be one of our many soldiers or civilian workers in Afghanistan.
I could be living in Iraq, amidst countless car bombings and suicide bombers.
I could be a homeless person anywhere around the world, never knowing when or if I would eat that day or get lucky and get a place overnight in a shelter.
But I am none of those things, I am a person who needs twenty-four hour care and am lucky that my husband gave up his job to become my full time carer and am lucky that all my children at one point have been young carers for me, at this moment our youngest daughter is filling this post.
I never ever wanted to be this ill and requiring care but I am, and I am extremely lucky.
As Carer’s Week draws to a close, I would like to thank my husband and children but also every unpaid carer whether they are young carers or a full time carer. We are all lucky and extremely grateful to have you and the outstanding care you give.