Fearless Caregiver Profile: Ruthie Owen-Moreno

After transferring to a different state three years ago, my husband became severely ill. For about a week, he couldn't keep anything down; food or even water. Was dehydrated and took him to ER twice, the took x-rays and saw a blockage in his colon.

Has your relationship changed with the loved one that you are caring for? If so how?

We've been best friends for 29 years and are married. We are closer now more than ever because terminal cancer helps us appreciate each other and every day so much more. It's not taken for granted. He's my hero and I'm his other half, literally.

What is the hardest thing about being a caregiver and the most rewarding thing?

The hardest is seeing him suffer both physically and mentally. He's the type of person that doesn't like to complain or bring attention to himself, but I can see it. The most rewarding is seeing him happy when we go traveling together.

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

That it is a tough position. You will go on the same journey with your loved one. Have a great support group for yourself and take care of yourself. A lot of caregivers give so much to their loved one that they forget about their needs.

In ten words or less, what has caregiving taught you?

To love greatly, have empathy for others more so, faith.

Describe a situation where being a Fearless Caregiver helped you succeed?

My mom was a caregiver to my dad for 18 months before he passed with colon cancer and she taught me the true meaning of really loving someone and being there for him during, and at the end, of their 50 year marriage.

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Fearless Caregiver Profile: Join us as we celebrate Fearless Caregivers sharing personal stories as we care for our loved ones. Read this week’s Fearless Caregiver Profile and feel free to add your profile as well, so we can learn from and share with our fellow caregivers.