The Impossible Dream” is one of those sing-alongable tunes that most of us have heard dozens of times. Originally written for the musical Man of La Mancha, and popularized by the likes of Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra, it’s now a classic to the point where it has been used for everything from a presidential campaign speech to an episode on The Muppet Show.
When I heard the powerful lyrics again this week, I couldn’t help but think of caregiving and the road many of us travel with our loved ones and friends. Caregivers are often called upon to dream the impossible dream—we trust and hope, day after day, that things will somehow sort themselves out. We believe that we can make a difference and that with the right amount of energy, advice and tender loving care, we can indeed save the day.
We caregivers courageously help our loved ones fight foes like cancer, heart disease and lupus that are sometimes unbeatable. Somehow, we just don’t give up even when logic tells us to and our hearts are heavy. And as the song’s lyrics suggest, at times we “bear…with unbearable sorrow.” Thank heavens, our struggles are indeed mixed in with times of caregiving joy, as Rick Lauber suggests in his article, “Finding Joy in Caregiving,” on page 30 (Fall 2013).
Most of us have run “where the brave dare not go.” Dirty diapers, daily bathing, wound and skin care. Diabetic foot ulcers. Need I say more? Yet despite it all, we continue to try, even when our “arms are too weary, to reach the unreachable star.”
Yes, caregivers are remarkable people. So, as I look forward to being part of celebrating the Canada Cares Caregiver Award winners in each region of Canada, I am delighted to say we do indeed have plenty to feel “peaceful and calm” about, and plenty to celebrate.
It’s now up to our judges to decide who will win our $10,000 One Wish Award, and who will be our regional and national Caregivers of the Year. Stay tuned and follow our progress at canadacares.org, where you can also enter to win fabulous prizes and help us spread the word about our wonderful winners.
Caroline Tapp-McDougall, Editor in Chief
