Care for the caregiver

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In July 2013, my Daddy went into the hospital to have his 5th spinal surgery. He had been battling severe spinal stenosis, and this surgery was to slow down the narrowing of his spinal column.  Following his surgery and subsequent rehabilitation, my care giving journey began.  I am an only child, therefore my family is small.  It was the three of us; me, my Mom and my Dad.  Small, but mighty. Tough.

On September 9th, 2021, my Daddy died in his sleep, 3 months shy of his 84th birthday.  I was devastated and heartbroken.  Up until that time, my Dad and I talked daily.  We were each other's confidantes.  He was assisting me with getting this foundation started.  "Keep it simple baby" he would tell me.  My care giving journey has had its ups and downs.  It is hard work.  It is difficult.  It is love.  The most important thing that I have learned is that the caregiver needs care too.  And that is why the Built Ford Tough Charitable Trust was formed.