Paul Lindsley

St. Thomas Hospital

Location(s) served: Tennessee

Address: Nashville, Tennessee

Email: plindsley@stthomas.org

Caregiving Experience:
I am a caregiver because 10 years ago I fell in love with a beautiful woman who has MS. Looking at her you would never know. She is pretty, smart, strong and full of sunshine. But as our relationship grew, I knew that I was in for a lifetime of MS. I started getting very involved in the local MS Chapters and would attend support group meetings, many of which, my wife spoke at. Listening and watching at these meetings, I realized no one was addressing the caregivers. Many just sat there and looked helpless, confused and scared. I contacted NFCA about their programs and got involved quickly, since then, I have had the pleasure to serve as the CCAN representative for Tennessee. Now I speak at support group meetings, talk with the media, look for caregiving legislation and do as much as I can for caregivers. I love what the NFCA does, giving caregivers a voice, letting them know they are not alone and there is help and answers for them.
I am also a Stephen Minister. This is a ministry for lay people, a ministry of Christian Caregiving and listening to patients in hospitals the night before a surgery or procedure. As far as what I do for my wife, mostly support. We are blessed that she still can work and live a normal life. Fatigue is her biggest symptom, so as much as possible, I try to do many things around the house, including cooking dinner each night, getting her things ready for the next day, helping her with her daily injection, and sometimes telling her to sit down and relax because I can tell when she needs a break. I believe caregiving is love and what I do everyday is minor, but why I do it is major. I believe I have a calling to take care of my wife, to be her best friend, her husband and life-long caregiver. MS affects everyone different and today may be great, while tomorrow holds many uncertainties. Because of our love and our faith in God, we are ready to face it all and do our best in life. Caregiving is a life long commitment of love, strength and honor. I am blessed to have the opportunities I have.