Two Love Stories and A Song That Says It All for Chronic Illness Caregivers
- Kim Moy
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Editor's note: I received so many comments on this piece from my weekly newsletter that I thought it would be good to share it as a blog post. I hope you find it meaningful too.
Today I want to share two love stories — and a song that says it all.
1️⃣ Love as Caregiving
During our “Navigating Change” group course for chronic illness caregivers last week, one participant spoke about how hard it’s been to support her husband, who’s been living with severe fatigue and brain fog from Long COVID over the past two years.
Then she paused, her voice cracking with emotion, and shared a personal insight that stopped us all:
“This is love.”
Tears sprang to my eyes. The whole group choked up. The air was still. Because we know this truth.
As family caregivers for loved ones with chronic, debilitating illnesses, we live with deep stress, exhaustion, and often grief and ambiguous loss — all because of love.
And yet, what is life really about? Not our jobs, or money, or recognition. It’s about love.
A life well-lived is a life filled with love.
💜 Caregiving is one of love’s purest expressions.
2️⃣ Love as Community
At our last Caregiver Wisdom support group meeting, I noticed the name of someone who had participated several years ago, but hadn’t come for a while. I emailed her afterward to check in.
A few days ago, Joy D. (who granted permission to use her name) wrote back:
“Thank you for reaching out. It means a lot to feel seen, particularly during a difficult time when the caregiving responsibilities continue, regardless of the caregiver’s capacity, as you well know….. It’s tough not having family or close friends nearby. Feeling like my support system is insufficient lately.”
“So caregiving groups like yours are a respite to feel understood and supported emotionally. My big gaps in attendance have usually meant I’m busy and stable, so I’m really grateful you have kept this going all along to come back to as needed.”
To me, this love story is about the power of community love, of community care. Where you can be seen and held in a circle of people who understand. We can show up for ourselves (to care for ourselves) and for other fellow caregivers (to care for each other) in our support group.
Our Caregiver Wisdom Monthly Support Group is a refuge — a place to rest, connect, and refill your well.
If you haven’t joined before, here’s what to expect:
✅ I open with a short caregiver wellbeing talk, sharing lessons based on my 20 years as a caregiver and now as a coach.
✅ Sometimes we have guest speakers (often Caregiver Wisdom community members) or reflective discussions.
✅ Previous topics include ambiguous loss, self-compassion, somatic practices to calm your nervous system, and more.
✅ You’ll have space to share what resonates and ask questions.
✅ Then we move into small breakout groups (2–3 people) for deeper personal connection.
✅ We close together, sharing reflections. It always feels like a big group hug.
Some members come every month.
Others drop in whenever they need extra support.
Each time, new faces are welcomed with open arms.
And between meetings, our Caregiver Wisdom online community keeps the connection going — a space to share resources, stories, and support.
If you'd like to join our monthly support group meetings, we meet the first Sunday of the month, from 12-1 p.m. PT / 3-4 p.m. ET.
Sign up for the Caregiver Wisdom weekly email newsletter to get updates on each month's support group topic, more resources, and caregiver musings.
3️⃣ A Song That Says It All
Yesterday, I stumbled on the classic song “Stand by Me.”
It’s a powerful reminder of how we show up — to stand by our loved ones every single day.
And it’s also a reminder of how we can stand by each other as caregivers, through community and connection.
Because love isn’t only romantic. It’s resilient. It endures. It stands.
💜 Love for our loved ones.
💜 Love for each other.
💜 Love for ourselves.
We stand by them — and by one another — in our Caregiver Wisdom community.
The lyrics start with:
"When the night has come,
And the land is dark,
And the moon is the only light we’ll see.
No, I won't be afraid.
No, I won't be afraid.
Just as long as you stand, stand by me….."
With Love,
Kim
