Heather Kriskovich – Ashland, Wis. Our eight-year-old daughter, Ruby, is my little caregiver. She helps me do everyday-things like opening doors, picking up dropped items, bringing laundryto the laundry room, bringing my food to the dining room table, and the list goes on and on. She does this all without being asked. Most eight-year-olds do what they want to do, but Ruby does not blink an eye when asked to help her mother. I thank God for this girl. Alice Mink – Middlesbord, Ky. Larry Brown is my neighbor and the one person that is always there for me, even if he isn’t feeling the best. Larry picks me up when I have lost my balance and landed on my caboose, and he picks me up when I feel like crying. Mr. Brown cooks my meals and encourages me to eat when I am not able to cook for myself. In fact, when I was very sick, one time he fed me. He washes my dishes, mops my floors, makes my bed, and makes me laugh. Larry even goes with me to the doctor. I feel very blessed to have him in my life and I hope other people with needs are as fortunate as me. Caregivers are special people, and they deserve praise twelve months a year, not just during National Family Caregivers Month. But, when November does roll around, be sure and give them a little extra appreciation for everything they do, and let others know how important a caregiver is to someone in need. 39 msfocusmagazine.org Congratulations to our other winning recipients: • Debbie Markowski nominated her brother, Steve. • Heather Silvers nominated her sister, Sascha. • Daniel Maiurro nominated his mother, Yolanda. • Ruth Schrock nominated her caregiver, Beverly. • Melissa Counts nominated her partner, Barbara. • Sandi Mahoney nominated her husband, Don, and her son, Sean. • Ian Sullivan nominated his father, John.