Bob Kay's caregiving journey with his wife Pat was one marked by deep love, resilience, and profound personal growth. After meeting as teenagers and building a life and business together over 45 years of marriage, Bob faced the devastating challenge of caring for Pat as she battled stage 4 breast cancer.

Through the ups and downs of Pat's treatment and declining health, Bob demonstrated unwavering commitment and compassion as her primary caregiver. He navigated the complexities of the medical system, learned hands-on caregiving skills, and leaned on the support of his daughter to ensure Pat's comfort. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Bob refused to give up, drawing strength from his love for Pat and their shared vision for their company and family.

Bob's caregiving experience also had a profound impact on him personally. He candidly shared how the trauma of losing his wife led to PTSD-like symptoms, which he has worked to manage through self-reflection and mentoring others. Remarkably, Bob has channeled his challenges into growth, becoming a more empathetic leader and finding joy in activities like video gaming with his family. His story is a testament to the transformative power of caregiving and the importance of resilience, connection, and self-care in the face of life's most difficult trials.

About Bob:

Bob Kay's journey is marked by resilience and partnership. He met Pat through mutual acquaintances and bonded over music at church, where she supported him during a challenging time of homelessness. They married on May 11, 1974, after a sweet proposal in a church parking lot. Together, they navigated college, with Bob pursuing engineering and Pat earning a business degree, eventually having two children.

In 1988, following an aerospace career and amid industry scandal, Bob and Pat founded Elite Engineering. Their collaborative efforts combined business acumen and engineering expertise, leading to a successful consultancy. Sadly, Pat's life was cut short by stage 4 breast cancer, diagnosed on their 45th anniversary. Despite the challenges, including a severe injury from a chiropractor, Pat remained a source of strength until her passing on January 2, 2020. Bob cherishes the valuable lessons and memories they shared throughout their journey together.

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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