Dear Friends
Her Prayers for You Continue
Week of May 5, 2020
Prayer Requests
Dear Friends,
I happened across this article I wrote in the spring 2013 FSJC newsletter: "Remembering FSJC Co-Founder Monica Dodds." Her words, and promise, hit home for me in the midst of the 2020 pandemic.
As you may have heard or read, Monica passed away on the evening of January 6. She died at home, in our bedroom, from uterine cancer. First diagnosed in late February 2010, she found out in late February 2012 that she had — at most — a year to live. She lasted ten months and packed an incredible amount of living, and loving, into each one of them.
We knew, the whole family knew, that your prayers and the prayers of so many others made such a difference over those ten months.
There was a gradual decline in her abilities but until the final eight days she was up and around, going out to lunch, attending Mass, visiting family, and making sure we were making as many happy memories as possible.
After she died I came across a number of notes and pieces of writing she had been working on throughout 2012. This is from one she titled "Things I Want to Tell You":
"Rule number one: Pray.
"Pray right here and right now.
"We all have a natural compass guiding us to God.
"He made us because He loves us and takes delight in watching us grow closer to Him.
"If in doubt, pray.
"I look forward to resting.
"Life is so much simpler when you make decisions with God. God speaks to each of us in a way we will understand.
"Life is like a maze. Sometimes we know which way to go, sometimes we hit a wall. God is the 'cheese' we’re trying to find. We wish we could jump up high enough to see where we’re going. Where do I go next? But we need to trust our instinct because we are made to return to God.
"What’s the point of all of this? He said, 'I AM.'"
In her work with family caregivers Monica stressed the idea of the presence of God. Of a caregiver’s, of anyone’s, ability to talk to God "right here, right now." She would explain that didn't take away hardships and heartaches, but it helped a person better realize he or she is never alone in those difficult times.
You aren’t alone in your difficult times.
I, and my family, aren’t alone in ours.
In heaven, or on earth, we remain in the presence of God. Now in his presence in a new and wondrous way, Monica is praying for you and me.
She promised she would.
She keeps her word.
Now, in spring 2020, her prayers for you and your loved ones continue. As do mine.
—Bill
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This week we're so pleased to welcome Father Kevin S. of Mississippi, Liza H. of North Carolina, and Kathy S. of South Carolina 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 online here
or call us toll-free at 1-800-392-JOHN (5646)
or
print and mail an application form.