When a stroke happens it is sudden and means a complete disruption for the life of the victim and also the family. When I as a family member volunteered for the job of caregiver I knew my life would never be the same again. This roller coaster ride will be for life. There was no training manual or coaching sessions. I would be my own cheer leader and the more I could practice appreciation, the less resistance I would have and the better my life turned out to be.