Gina Dipierro (caregiver)

Caring for both parents at the same time was a very difficult time for me and my family. I worked full time and had a child with special needs. There were days I’d sit in the bathroom and just cry. To keep some sanity through it all, we kept a humor about it all; we tried to retain our family activities (go to son’s football game, daughter’s dance recitals, etc) and I tried to give my children some special time with me. My aunt would come to help out for a couple of weeks at a time but it was very overwhelming for her. When she was at the house, she would insist my husband and I take a couple of hours for ourselves. That was very important. It was the humor though that got us through. I also learned that reaching out to ask the community for assistance was ok. They were able to give us companions here and there to assist and that made all the difference. I found that quiet time in church helped me heal. The peace made me cry but I would pray and ask for strength. Always felt better. I speak at events now and help others going through similar difficulties. I love being able to assist others.

– Gina Dipierro