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Dear Friends

heartbroken

Lifting Up Your 'Caregiver's Heart'
to the Lord

Week of April 20, 2015
Prayer Requests

Dear Friends,

An image popped into my head this morning at Mass. It was at the end of the Offertory when the priest said, "Lift up your hearts," and the response was "We have lifted them up to the Lord."

I thought: I need two hands to do that. A piece in each one. Or maybe several pieces in each.

In so many ways, in early 2013, my heart was broken when my wife, Monica, died of uterine cancer.

Yes, yes, faith in God who can do all things but . . .

But some events are life-changing. Person-changing. The death of a dear one can do that. I'm not who I was before she passed away.

Sometimes it can be that way with caregiving, too. The life you used to have isn't the one you have now. Maybe those changes have been gradual and subtle. They've accumulated over time. Or maybe they were catastrophic and sudden. It seems they "fell" on you from nowhere.

And so now, when you "lift up your heart to the Lord," it's a heart near bursting with worry or fear or uncertainty or sadness.

A pummeled heart.

A bruised heart.

A sprained heart.

An exhausted heart.

A loving heart.

A caregiver's heart.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, [and] saves those whose spirit is crushed" (Psalm 34:19).

"The Basics of Catholic Caregiving" points out:

"But amid the hectic day-in and day-out tasks of caring for a loved one, sometimes it takes effort, it takes a conscious and deliberate decision, to stop –- if only for a moment -– and become more aware of the presence of God.

"To better see how he never abandons you. How -– no matter what time it is, no matter where you are, no matter the circumstances -– he is there.

"The love you offer to your aging parent, spouse, family member or friend is always accompanied by God’s infinite love for that person . . . and for you."

The Lord is so very, very close to you.

- - -

A belated "Happy Easter!" to you. So . . . a timely "Happy Easter Season!"

- - -

This week we're so pleased to welcome Michel R. of Ohio, Joella L. of Louisiana, and Richard and Margaret C. of Illinois as the newest members of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver. Please keep them and their intentions in your prayers. They have promised to pray for you and yours.

Again this week we cordially invite you to join the Friends of St. John the Caregiver! (FSJC's programs include YourAgingParent.com and CatholicCaregivers.com.) You can find out more about becoming a member here.

No meetings, no dues. All we ask is that you pray for caregivers and those receiving care. Our members include caregivers, care-receivers, and those who support both (including quite a few former caregivers).

You can:

sign up on-line here

or call us toll-free at 1-800-392-JOHN (5646)

or print and mail an application form.

God bless you!

Bill

Past 'Dear Friends" Letters

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