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Dear Friends

Welcome to Caregiving

The First Day of Caregiving

Week of September 12, 2016
Prayer Requests

Dear Friends:

I've been getting a kick out of recent photos on Facebook that show a little one heading out for that first day of preschool or kindergarten. Often wearing a backpack that goes from neck to knees. Often with an excited but unsure look in the eye.

That had me thinking about how there are no first-day photos for new caregivers. If there were, they'd  probably show someone with a worried expression because of two basic concerns:

1. What does this mean?
2. Can I do it?

While every caregiver's circumstances are unique, his or her "education" -- that learning curve -- tends to fall into two patterns.

The first is slow and extended. The second is sudden and sharp. The first indicates a gradual decline in health. The second reflects a catastrophic event or diagnosis.

Either way, a new caregiver can feel bewildered, overwhelmed, and frightened.

It would be nice if caregiving were more like going to school. Ordered and regular. Do this and learn these things in preschool. In kindergarten. In first grade. And so on. One step at a time, moving on when you're ready for the next grade. And the next and the next and the next.

Obviously, it isn't. There's no "teacher" to guide you -- day by day -- through what you need to learn.

But that doesn't mean you're completely on your own. That doesn't mean you have to figure it out all by yourself.

What it does mean is it makes a tremendous difference if you take advantage of resources and knowledge-bases that are there to help you.

Here's a place to start. (And a place to return to as needs change.) This is the list of Topics we've put in flier form (and a Word or PDF, printable format) on our sister site, CatholicCaregivers.com. You can also find them as webpages on YourAgingParent.com here.

You remain in my prayers.

- - -

This week we're so pleased to welcome Norma S. from California, Judy R. from Arizona, Kathleen B. from Maryland,
Mary M. and Susan K. from Pennsylvania, Diana M. from New York, and Maureen B. from Ohio 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.

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 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

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