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When we think of November, Thanksgiving naturally comes to mind. But for millions of caregivers, this month holds another special significance they may not even know about: National Family Caregivers Month.*
At Caregiven, we know how much effort, patience, and care goes into being a caregiver. That’s why this month, we’re flipping the typical November script to honor YOU. We’re not here just to offer advice on practicing gratitude. We know it's sometimes challenging to find anything to be thankful for when you’re immersed in the day-to-day of caregiving. Instead, we’re recognizing caregivers everywhere by shining a light on some of the real things caregivers are thankful for.
This collection of unexpected experiences – from the humorous to the deeply heartfelt – comes directly from the caregiving community. We hope they inspire you to recognize (and embrace!) the surprising moments of gratitude that can bring relief to even the most challenging days.
8 Unexpected Things Real Caregivers Are Grateful For
- Time outs. “I’ve become so grateful for all the small things in life that are rare as a caregiver – like peace and quiet!” — Joe W.
- Connection. “I’m deeply grateful knowing I did everything I could to give my father the most comfortable life possible after he was diagnosed with liver cancer. I made sure he felt safe, loved, and cared for, even when his illness left him feeling afraid." — Emily W.
- Small favors. “Today I’m grateful that my sister’s colostomy bag didn’t explode on the airplane when she came for Thanksgiving…which happened on our last flight together.” — Meg B.
- Boundaries. “I’m grateful for myself each and every time I set a boundary with my difficult care recipient. It’s not always easy, and it often feels uncomfortable in the moment, but every time I stand firm in my boundaries, I’m reminded that I deserve respect too. It helps me show up as a better caregiver in the long run.” — Kay W.
- Relationships. “When my dad got sick, my older cousins swooped in. I didn’t know them very well before, but through this experience, we’ve grown close. They’ve shared so many stories about how my dad stepped up as a father figure for them when their own dad wasn’t available. It meant so much to me to discover a part of my family I had almost dismissed.” — Sarah B.
- Coincidences. “I surprised Mom with a pie from a fancy grocery store and I said ‘Guess which one I got?’ She said, ‘Oh please, cherry!’ And it was, that's what I'd gotten! Today I'm grateful for similar pie wavelengths with my superstar of a mom.” — Anonymous Reddit User
- Relief. “Honestly? Sometimes I'm just grateful for the end of the day and sleep. I love my father, and I'm glad I'm here to take care of him, but the days are long. It helps me to remember that there will be a time for rest before a new day begins.” — Carol K.
- Extra support. "Today, I’m grateful for my neighbor, who randomly showed up with dinner when I was at my wit's end after a particularly challenging day. I didn’t realize how much I needed someone to just say, 'Let me help.' It reminded me that I don’t have to do it all on my own and that asking for help doesn’t mean I’m failing. It’s okay to accept support." — Adeline L.
Looking Ahead
As you’ve seen from the stories shared here, it’s okay to find gratitude in life’s surprising moments — no matter how small. Whether it’s a moment of laughter, a rare calm in the chaos, or simply getting through a tough day, these experiences can remind you that your efforts matter, even when they don’t always feel recognized. And at Caregiven, we recognize those efforts every single day.
In the coming weeks, we’ll continue sharing more stories, tips, and advice directly from caregivers. If you’d like to share your own experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
*The Caregiver Action Network is a strong advocate for National Family Caregivers Month and offers many caregiver resources here. For more on National Family Caregivers Month, visit the National Council on Aging.