Have you ever been caught off guard by the challenge of care giving to a parent, a spouse or a child in the midst of your busy life? Most of us prefer to avoid this timely but unpleasant subject. Too many of us are caught up in the physical world with our work, families, attainment of goals, and our material possessions. However, no one knows when they might be presented with this challenge. Perhaps now is the time to think about it.

The numbers of graying "baby-boomers" and the increase in degenerative disease presage a large population of adult children who will face having to caregive to their parents or a loved one at one time or another in the very near future. Caregiving crosses all illnesses, conditions and health concerns. Having support through this is so important that I can't help but emphasize how we must wake up and become more aware of this challenge which will confront all of us.

Caregivers, whose numbers increase tenfold on a daily basis, are challenged to cope with catastrophic illnesses like cancer, stroke, Alzheimer's Disease, MS and many other debilitating maladies. This site provides assistance on practical matters and gives meaning to the spiritual and personal challenges that result from being a caregiver.

Dying is a part of the cycle of life. It is our birthright as human beings to make this passage with love, dignity, support and growth. Even under the most challenging circumstances, taking care of someone you love can transform your life forever.

The Empowering Caregivers site, www.care-givers.com is under the umbrella of National Organization For Empowering Caregivers,(www.nofec.org) a 501(c)(3) Charitable Non Profit Organization. The site provides an opportunity to look at many of the issues you, as a caregiver may experience or are already experiencing in your time of need. Links will take you to weekly chats, a free biweekly newsletter which you may read at the site on a regular basis, (or subscribe to) for delivery to your e-mail address. There are recommended books to assist you and comfort you, a myriad of links to resources both online and offline, member's web pages, a directory of alternative healing practices, a Healing Circle of prayer and love, and the opportunity to begin keeping a journal, with biweekly exercises posted to assist you in getting in touch with your emotions, your choices and much more.

Empowering Caregivers is a gift for you. The most important lessons we are all here to learn is the power of forgiveness and the power of Love.