Bridgette and Wendell
Bridgette and Wendell met and married within 45 days. They have now been married for 35 years. Their story began with a love willing to move boldly—and it has grown through decades of commitment, family, change, and perseverance.
For more than two decades, Bridgette has learned caregiving from the inside—not as a theory, but as part of everyday life with Wendell. Their story holds love, laughter, adjustments, exhaustion, hard decisions, and moments worth celebrating.
Meet Wendell
Wendell has always loved family. He and Bridgette have three daughters, and the life they built together remains at the center of their story.
He has a tremendous love for bowling, baseball, and movies. The St. Louis Cardinals are his favorite baseball team, and Top Gun is his favorite movie.
When a basement man cave was not possible, Bridgette had an outdoor retreat built especially for him. It gives Wendell a comfortable place to enjoy his movies and the fresh air.
Although Wendell no longer speaks, his sense of humor speaks loudly. He is hilarious and keeps his family laughing all the time. His voice may have changed, but his personality, presence, and ability to bring joy have not.
Over the years, I learned a very important lesson that I could no longer ignore: caregivers need care, too. Support may not make every hard day disappear, but it can make those days feel less lonely and remind caregivers that they matter, too.
Why the village exists
This community extends the circle of support that surrounded one family to caregivers everywhere. It makes room for spouses, partners, adult children, relatives, friends, and anyone carrying the responsibility of care.
The goal is not to have all the answers. It is to share practical tips that may help during difficult moments, listen without judgment, protect one another’s feelings and dignity, and offer hope and understanding.