Caregiving can be a thankless, grueling and heart-wrenching job. It can also be one of the most rewarding, loving and life-affirming things you’ll ever do. Often, it’s a big, messy mix of all these emotions. This Valentine’s Day, we wanted to recognize the incredible commitment it takes to care for a loved one. To celebrate, we asked our community to share love lessons they’ve learned through caregiving. Here’s just some of the advice we received:

“Don’t worry about failing, worry about everything you’d miss if you don’t try.”

– Marie

“A smile, a hug, or a small gesture made me realize that they knew we loved them. And they loved us.”

– Kathie

“Stay strong, stay warm-hearted and forgive yourself and your loved one for life’s imperfections.”

– Diana

“My heart feels cracked, tender and bruised, but able to love more than ever before.”

– Tim

“The days are long, but the years are short.”

– Heather

“You have to find the positive in the negative, no matter how small it may be.”

– Linea

“If I have to choose between being right or being kind, I will choose kind.”

– Astra

“The heart remembers, even if the mind forgets.”

– Brenda

“Your best is enough.”

– Pam

“Keep learning new things about your parents everyday! So they are enriched by your presence and you have no regrets.”

– Angela

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share what drives you to care. You are part chef, nurse, landscaper, personal shopper, hairstylist, dog sitter, accountant and part therapist—and you are amazing! Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at VHA Home HealthCare.