In 2013, I became the guardian and conservator of my sister, Donna. This wasn’t something I had planned in detail, but it was something I knew in my heart I would do. Around that time, I also began noticing the early signs of dementia in my mom, which made it clear that the people I loved most needed me in a new and vital way.
Donna is the oldest of four, and I am the youngest. She was 15 years old when I was born, and when she was born, my parents were told she might not survive past her teenage years. Defying all expectations, Donna has thrived—and today, in 2025, she is 71 years old.
Growing up, Donna and I shared a special bond. When my older siblings left home, it was just the two of us, spending our days playing “house” and “school.” I taught her to write her name, write numbers and ABCs and even say my nickname, “Nina.”
Donna had her own charming way of naming us. She called my brother “Boy,” and my sister and me “Girl.” One day, when I was about 8 or 9, I told Donna I wouldn’t speak to her unless she said my name. On her first two attempts, she called, “Girl?” I ignored her. On the third try, she proudly said, “N-I-N-A?”—and just like that, she had learned my name. From then on, she always called me Nina. She also created affectionate nicknames for my other siblings, adding her own sweetness to our family life.
It was always understood in our family that when our parents passed, I would take care of Donna. I hadn’t fully imagined what that would look like, but I knew one thing: Donna meant the world to me, and I would do everything in my power to care for her.
As my mom’s dementia became more noticeable, I realized it was time to take formal action. I established guardianship and conservatorship to protect Donna’s well-being and ensure her safety. Soon after, my mom’s condition worsened, making the responsibility I had prepared for even more important.
Being Donna’s guardian hasn’t always been easy. There are challenges, emotional days, and unexpected moments—but every laugh, memory, and milestone reminds me why family is worth every effort. The bond we share, from childhood games to life’s big challenges, continues to inspire me every day.
This journey has taught me that caregiving isn’t just about responsibility—it’s about heart. Sometimes, the people we love depend on us in ways we never imagined, shaping us into stronger, more compassionate versions of ourselves.
Guardianship #FamilyCaregiving #DementiaCare #Siblings #FamilyBond #CaregiverLife #ElderCare #LifeWithLove #FamilyStories #SeniorCare
