This book was written as a companion for caregivers. I am the friend who understands the emotional rollercoaster of being involved with caring for a loved one tragically left with a minimal quality of life due to an unfortunate life saving measure. I am the friend who shares the deepest pain, the torturous amount of guilt, and the inner thoughts of wishing for death. I am also the friend who finds happiness in the smallest moments, shares the strength of a family who sticks together, and finds forgiveness and hope when life takes unexpected turns. Through my story, medical professionals should see the necessity of communicating and including the family on decisions for the incapacitated. "Being There" takes you along as it happened and shares how hospice was able to provide peace in the end - for everyone. Back Cover: "As I sat at his bedside, I watched his chest rise and fall - hoping it was his last breath. How cruel is that to say? It's not, if you truly love someone and know it's time for God to take over." A daughter takes you with her on a nineteen month journey after her father suffered a massive stroke. She shares the unbelievable tragedy of a life saving measure, a feeding tube, which prolonged the inevitable with pain, misery and heartache for all. She was the baby of the family and now her role had changed. She fought hard to find the inner strength to be strong when her father was weak. She brought life and beauty to him when he couldn't see it for himself. She shares stories along the way, life lessons, and the heroes she would never have met. All the while, she spoke for her father's silence, held his hand when there was nothing more she could give, and together watched the beauty of the crape myrtle trees come to life each summer.