Dear Friends
Praise and Prayers
for 'Constant Responders'
Week of June 8, 2020
Prayer Requests
Dear Friends,
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, first responders are getting a lot of attention and thanks, and rightly so. But there's another group that needs recognition: "constant responders."
That's what caregivers are.
That's what you are.
Consider:
--Long before just going to the grocery store had a variety of obstacles, an errand like that involved planning -- and hurrying -- for you.
--Long before governmental orders to "stay home, stay safe," perhaps that's how you -- and your care-receiver -- have been living for quite a while.
--Long before setting up a medical appointment or getting in to see a healthcare provider was so complicated, more often than not it may have been that way for you assisting your loved one.
--Long before the general Catholic population couldn't attend Sunday Mass, it could have been something you've had to give up because you're needed at home.
Bottom line, as you well know, caring for someone one can mean countless challenges and sacrifices.
For some caregivers, it's all day every day. For others, it's several times a day. Or, if you don't live in the same household, it can be a weekly visit or multiple visits during the week to your loved one's home. And for still others, it's being a long-distance caregiver.
No matter which describes your role, you are a constant responder.
You are the one who's asked, who's called, who's notified, to deal with whatever issue -- or crisis -- has arisen. One way or another, you're number one on that "speed dial."
And harder still, given the current necessary isolation in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, it may be you can't be hands-on when that call comes. You have to be ... what? ... a "socially-distanced caregiver" when not being with your loved one breaks your heart. And deeply frightens you.
You are an unsung, and too often unseen and unremembered, hero. More than that: you are holy person.
Don't shake hear head!
You are demonstrating, you are living, a life that includes a large slice of caring for God's dear son or daughter. His beloved child.
No, you aren't all sweetness and light. There may be some mumbling, some grumbling, some swearing. Caregiving is hard, hard, hard!
But there you are, still doing it.
Still responding.
Members of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver around the world continue to pray for you and your care-receiver.
And I do, too.
—Bill
- - -
This week we're so pleased to welcome Debbie G. of California 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.
And 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 online here
or call us toll-free at 1-800-392-JOHN (5646)
or
print and mail an application form.