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Dear Friends

dandelion

A Caregiver's Summer

Week of May 30, 2016
Prayer Requests

Dear Friends:

It's easy, but often discouraging, to compare what you were able to accomplish in your pre-caregiving days with what you seem to get done now.

Maybe last summer, or two summers ago, you did this and this and this, and now as June rolls around . . .

The lawn needs mowing. The garden is already overgrown with weeds.  Saturday doesn't mean a day to relax but a race, trying to catch up on household chores, errands, and more. And the thought of actually going somewhere on even a weekend vacation sounds so complicated . . . and tiring.

As a kid summer meant no school and no school meant time to do what you wanted to do. Later, as an adult, it was still a period of travel and parks, picnics and barbecues, being outside and enjoying the longer days and great weather.

As a caregiver, you aren't unique if you think you aren't getting as much done as you used to. And, coupled with that, if you feel bad about it. If you, in some way, blame yourself.

But . . .

It seems safe to say every caregiver feels that way at times. (I know I did.)

And . . .

Looked at from a different angle, you should be congratulated! The gift you're giving your care-receiver -- that concern you show in so many ways -- means all those other tasks and leisure-time activities are taking a back seat.

They aren't your priority right now. Your loved one's care is.

The overgrown lawn, the weeds, the household to-do list with so little done are witnesses to the fact that you're doing what God has called you, has invited you, to do: be a caregiver for his beloved son or daughter.

And, rest assured, your Heavenly Father ignores the yard and the list, and is with you now and always.

- - -

This week we're so pleased to welcome Becky S. and Catherine G. from Pennsylvania, Julie H. from South Carolina, Emmy R. from California, and Dolores H. from 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.

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

Past "Dear Friends" Letters