Mothers and caregivers don't get vacations or holidays. They are on duty twenty four hours a day, eight days a week.

On the plus side, for mothers, is the knowledge that their offspring will -- eventually -- if the Universe is willin' and the creek don't rise, grow up to become autonomous, functional adults.

Except, of course, for those parents of a differently abled child. They may always be the primary caregivers, cradle to grave (theirs or their child's). I know one mother who is now in her eighties worried mostly, not about her own death, but about how her emotionally disabled daughter will survive without her. She has been mother and caregiver for over 40 years.

For those who are caregivers of failing adults, there is no hope of recovery or eventual freedom. There is only the knowledge that things will get worse and end only in death, of one party or the other. It can be very depressing.

During the caregiving era, your gift to that person of some time to herself (most are women) by taking the handicapped person for a ride, or on a shopping trip, or even just bringing them a casserole for dinner so for one night she doesn't have to cook, could be the best gift ever.

The chances are good that, if you know a woman over 65 who does not live alone, you know a woman who is a caregiver for someone. Some time to herself, where she doesn't have to worry/think/plan/do for the other person, would be a wonderful thing.

I know.