Being Doug’s Care Partner and walking this journey with him has been one of the most profound character-building experiences of my life.

In the beginning, before I truly understood the phrase, “It’s the disease, not Doug,” my patience often fell short. After answering the same question for the fourth time or explaining yet again the difference between garbage and recycling, I’d sometimes lose my cool. Venting might have felt good for a fleeting moment, but guilt quickly followed. I thought I was frustrated—but how much harder must it have been for him? The weight of my tone, my words, and even my body language left an impact I couldn’t ignore.

Over time, I realized that confronting or correcting Doug served no purpose other than soothing my own ego. It didn’t help him, and it certainly didn’t help us. Shifting my perspective was humbling but necessary.

This journey has gently pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated. Helping Doug be the best version of himself on this path has taught me to pause, take a breath, and respond with greater understanding, rather than reacting out of frustration. It’s helped me grow into a better version of myself. As I often say, “Doug gave me years of love, patience, and space to grow into the woman I am. Now, it’s my turn to offer him the same grace.”