I think that must be true of nearly everyone. My son confided to me at one point during his treatment and just after leaving his therapist's office, that he felt so guilty for having to rely so much on my taking care of him and his therapist, to help him understand, asked him if he wouldn't do the same for his 5-year old daughter if she needed him in the same way. I think it helped him to understand that his guilt feelings were misplaced. As his caregiver, I tried to impress on my son (newly divorced) that being able to care for him and know how he was doing each day - keeping busy with the schedules, medications, trips to the doctor, laundry, kitty litter, phone calls, etc. - all that - is what helped me, and kept me from completely falling apart. If he had had a wife or significant other in his life, I don't know if I could have been able to sit back while someone else took care of him. The whole experience has afforded us many bonding moments to help us realize how important life and love are to those who care for each other. And that's a good thing.