Remembering Rosalynn Carter as the Ultimate Caregiver

“There are four kinds of people in this world. Those who have been caregivers; those who are currently caregivers; those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”

— Rosalynn Carter

The noble cause known as caregiving has been former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s life focus for several decades.

She became aware of just how important caregiving is — and the gradual toll it takes on the most benevolent among us — in her own family at a very young age. When she became able to do far more with her own influence, she founded the non-profit Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, which grew into one of the largest such organizations in the country.

Unless you’ve been impacted by someone who needs around-the-clock care, you may not quite be aware of how important such people are. The day may (and will) come when we will all know them as angels of kindness.

Marieta and I have learned firsthand that daily caregiving is hard. Even on the good days when normal tasks bring fulfillment, there are still always challenges. Over the weeks, months, and years, the toll and grind can rob any caregiver of their own sense of purpose, their energy, and sometimes even their hope. So, I can’t say enough about caregivers and Mrs. Carter’s organization which will continue to provide education and support to those who need it most.

One of the most honorable things someone can do is touch the life of a person you’ve never met, and the former First Lady certainly did that.

R.I.P., Mrs. Carter.