Dear Friends
Lord, Teach Us to Play
Week of September 11, 2017
Prayer Requests
Dear Friends,
My neighborhood has gotten awfully quiet during weekdays now that school is back in session.
I don't hear the basketballs bouncing or the trampoline springs squeaking or the little voices that can be so incredibly loud. (I suspect, once out the door, the kids are quick to take advantage of—finally—being allowed to use their "outdoor voices.")
Having fun. Playing. As natural to those young people as breathing. And, in some ways, as necessary.
On the long, long list that is caregiving, "having fun" can easily be overlooked, skipped, or crossed off. But it's something worth considering.
This is how one of our Topics—"The Need to Have Fun"— begins:
When you're caught up in the worries and demands of taking care of a loved one, it's easy to overlook how important it is for your care-receiver to do something enjoyable. No matter how old we are, our emotional health depends a great deal on fun. Pleasurable activities are especially important when illness, depression, and grief dampen our spirits.
Unfortunately, sometimes when we need
those good times the most, they're the first things we eliminate.
Finding and suggesting something that
will be enjoyable for your care-receiver isn't always easy. It can
take imagination, work—and diplomacy.
These are some suggestions:
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This week we're so pleased to welcome Alice B. and Yolanda R. of New Jersey, Christopher L. of Wisconsin, Bernadette J. of Florida, Jeff C. and Jennifer M. of Arizona, and Emily B. of Minnesota 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