Dear Friends
February 2014
Week of February 17, 2014
Prayer Requests
Eight Things Caregivers Are Teaching
the Youngest Generation
Dear Friends,
I was out on a walk yesterday, about a mile from home, when I spotted what I assume were three generations of one family in front of a house.
There were several vehicles in the driveway. A family gathering of one kind or another. Three little boys -- maybe ages 4, 5, and 6 -- were bopping around the front yard. Members of the middle generation were helping a family matron -- maybe in her 70s -- get to one of the cars. She was using a walker. Going slowly. Carefully.
The kids moved constantly but never so near their . . . grandma? . . . that there was any danger of them running into her. Never so near that it would have been a concern for her or for members of the middle generation.
It was a beautiful sight. Comforting. Encouraging.
Holy.
I suspect those assisting this older woman had no idea that, at the same time, they were helping those youngsters learn lessons that can serve them a lifetime.
1. Love is patient.
2. Love is kind.
3. It's not pompous.
4. It's not rude.
5. It doesn't seek it own interests.
6. It's not quick-tempered.
7. It bears . . . believes . . . hopes . . . endures.
8. Faith, hope and love will remain. But the greatest of these is love.
I don't believe for a minute that members of that middle generation are perfect caregivers. I wasn't. No one is. As humans, we all fall short. And, as humans, sometimes we do very, very well under very, very difficult circumstances.
It can be tempting to focus on where you've missed the mark. To see only that, or to exaggerate it. But that isn't the true picture. The true picture is that, as a caregiver, you're doing many things really well as you continue to live the very challenging vocation of caregiver.
I understand that you might be too tired to even raise your arm and give yourself a little pat on the back. Allow me to do that. Good job.
Yes, the above list is from 1 Corinthians 13; and, yes, those verses are often used at weddings. Of course they are. They're about love. And that's what caregiving is all about.
By your actions, day in and day out, night in and night out, you're loving. And you're teaching others -- from the oldest generation to the youngest -- not "love in action," but that "love means action."
You remain in my prayers.
- - -
Again 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
Week of February 10, 2014
Prayer Requests
Happy Valentine's Day,
Dear Caregiver!
- - -
Again 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
Week of February 3, 2014
Prayer Requests
World Day of the Sick 2014
(and Their Caregivers!)
Dear Friends,
Pope Francis has something to say to you, dear caregivers. It's part of his message for the 22nd World Day of the Sick. (That's next Tuesday, February 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.) This year's theme is "Faith and Charity: 'We Ought to Lay Down Our Lives for One Another' (1 Jn 3:16)." In so many ways, that's just what you do. You make what can seem to be countless and endless sacrifices for your dear loved one. Yes, you want to help him or her. But, no, that doesn't mean it's easy. (Boy, is that an understatement, huh?)
I especially like this part of the pope's message:
By virtue of Baptism and Confirmation we are called to conform ourselves to Christ, who is the Good Samaritan for all who suffer. "We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us – and we ought to lay down our lives for one another" (1 Jn 3:16). When we draw near with tender love to those in need of care, we bring hope and God’s smile to the contradictions of the world. When generous devotion to others becomes the hallmark of our actions, we give way to the Heart of Christ and bask in its warmth, and thus contribute to the coming of God’s Kingdom.
You are bringing hope and God's smile.
You are giving generous devotion to another.
You are helping God's kingdom come!
Good job!
No, no, no. Don't answer "Not me!" or even "Aw, shucks." Say, "Thank you, Pope Francis!"
You remain in my prayers.
- - -
This week we're so pleased to welcome Julie K. of Oregon as the newest member of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver. Please keep her and her intentions in your prayers. She has promised to pray for you and yours.
Again 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