Trading Places: Personal stories from viewers

I have adored the past two nights with the stories of Brian and Tim's fathers. How beautiful that you shared them with others. I cared for my parents for 12 years and when I lost them, there were no regrets because I had served them as they had served me many years before. Savour every moment because once they are gone, you will miss them dearly. Keep notes and a diary of these last precious years! Thanks for sharing. --Lydia Mason, Fitzgerald, GA (submitted on Feb. 14, 2007)

My sister and I care for our Grandmother who is going to be 98 years old next week. She has outlived 5 siblings, 3 husbands, 2 daughters and 2 sons-in-law. She is an amazing person. She was living in an assisted living facility in New Orleans when Katrina hit. I was the primary caregiver at that time. After the hurricane, she has moved to an assisted living facility in Orlando, where my sister lives. After being born and living her entire life in New Orleans, she has had to adjust to living in a new community. While my sister now handles the day to day care giving, I visit her every couple of months. Her favorite thing to do when I visit is to go shopping at the mall and out to dinner. She is a true blessing to me and my sister, especially since our mother died unexpectedly 4 years ago. It is our pleasure to care for her since out mother and her other daughter is no longer here to care for her. --Anonymous , New Orleans, LA (submitted on Feb. 14, 2007)

This is a story about my aunt. My aunt is 63 years old and suffers with leg, back, and hand problems, however, still manages to care for my grandparents who are both 91 years old. Although my aunt receives some help, she has been the one who has cared for my grandparents throughout their elderly lives. My grandmother suffers from dimensia and is unable to walk, eat, bathe, or go to the bathroom on her own. My grandmother has been homebound for a few years now and, recently, my grandfather is unable to leave the house without someone with him. My aunt spends 24 hours a day, seven days a week making sure my grandparents have clean clothes, food, their daily medication, and comfort. At 63 and unable to work due to her disabilities, my aunt pushes her problems aside to make sure my grandparents are where they are supposed to be; at home. My aunt receives help from my mother and uncle, however she has been the sole caregiver for two people from what is known as "the greatest generation." If it was not for my aunt, along with assistance from my mother and uncle, I would not be able to have as many memories as I do now. --Bethany Hallas, Johnston, RI (submitted on Feb. 14, 2007)

hi, i'm 40 years old and icare for my 73 year old father. he lives in my basement apartment. i make his 2 main meals for him daily. somedays i would like to pull my hair out. he has a very particular stomach, and certain things we eat i can't serve him. so i'm making 2 meals most days. i love him dearly, and i guess i would hate to see him go into a home. he is all i have left of family, all three of my siblings are passed away alone with my mother. so i'm hear for him as long as he needs me. --Anonymous , grand forks, ND (submitted on Feb. 14, 2007)

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