Tomorrow marks the seventeenth anniversary of Today’s Caregiver magazine and caregiver.com. It was on a rainy Fourth of July in 1995 that I arrived at the printer’s loading dock with a friend and a rental truck to start delivering the first issue of the print publication. I have to say that we are really honored and humbled by your responses to our anniversary… but really – fireworks and bands on the National Mall tomorrow…? That is appreciated, but way overboard.

But seriously, folks, for our anniversary, I want to talk about the most important experts from whom I’ve learned throughout these years – you. We are honored by the wisdom shared by the over 50,000 family caregivers who have attended a Fearless Caregiver Conference, as well as the celebrities who have shared their personal stories of family caregiving with our attendees. Most recently, of course, was Mr. Henry Winkler. Or even the caregivers who share those funny moments that only a caregiver could appreciate and bring a little brightness to our lives. I always finish my speeches with these humorous stories that you share with me. And for that, I am grateful.

It is my extreme pleasure to introduce you to the 2012 Caregiver Friendly Award winners. Since 2001, we have been presenting these awards to the media, books, products and services designed with the family caregiver in mind. As usual, we have found some incredible professionals who spend their time and efforts thinking of how to better the lives of family caregivers. And for this, we honor and thank each and every nominee and award winner. Now back to your workshops!

This Fourth of July, between the hotdogs and the fireworks, sit with the adult members of your family and start the process of creating a family checklist for each of you. This is one way to ensure that any future fireworks stay limited to the skies above your holiday celebrations.

Happy Holiday!