Words from Anne:

I like simple little things that can touch me with special meaning.  This is what drew me to "Prayers for Caregivers" by Patti Normile.  I trust my words about this book will be able to convey a similar message. 

Patti's introduction to this book contains a wonderful definition of the caregiver . . . .

Caregiver. 

I like that word, Lord.  It says so much about who we are called to be in your Kingdom.  Care indicates the deep regard we hold for others.  Giver echoes the scriptural assurance that you love a cheerful giver. 

As giver I will strive to bestow on my patients your special gifts of faith, hope and love.  I will attempt to empower them to use their own abilities and strengths.  I will share with them the belief that your Holy Spirit is alive and well within them no matter what their physical condition.

Caregiver is who you are to me, Lord.  May I give care to others in return.

So be it. 
So be it.

 

 This is Patti's description of her book. 

The prayers and thoughts of this book are inspired by the experiences of individuals who lovingly care for sick family members, friends and patients at home, in hospitals and nursing homes.  The hope is that this book will make your work a bit easier, graced with praise and peace, more healing to patient and caregiver alike.

I found "Prayers for Caregivers" conveniently laid out and easy to use.  The table of contents lists prayers according to times and situations of particular need (Prayers of the Emotions, Night Prayers, etc). 

Each section is introduced with Patti's sensitive accepting insights.  The five stages of grief (sadness, anger, denial, bargaining, and acceptance) are also nourished with insightful prayers for assisting the patient and the caregiver these difficult times.

The following is from Patti's collection.  I found it to be very meaningful in describing the relationship between the caregiver and the loved one.  

Anne W.

Sojourner

I am a fellow traveler with him
as he journeys the road of his illness.

I cannot know precisely how he feels-
his fears, his hopes, his pains, his triumphs.

Yet I am willing to explore with him
the experiences of this illness.  

The entrance to our home.

How can we bypass the roadblock 
of a new complication?

Where will a detour lead us 
as we try a new treatment?

Can we slow down and be at peace 
on a bumpy stretch of recovery?

How will we survive the potholes 
of anger, despair and frustration?

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If you would like to order PRAYERS FOR CAREGIVERS by Patti Normile, you can do so through our friends at Horizon Books and their secured site www.horizonbooks.com.  You will be supporting a local book store that employs people, not computers and provide you with personal service not available through most website book stores.  

Permission to review and to use exercpts of PRAYERS FOR CAREGIVERS has been granted by: 
St. Anthony Messenger Press
1615 Republic St.
Cincinnati, OH 45210
(512) 241-5615
Contact them to order this book or receive their catalog of other meaningful publications or go to:
www.americancatholic.org 
Please contact them for permission to copy or reproduce the excerpts used in this review.  

 Other SPIRIT WITHIN articles:

Gary's Review of AN IRISH BLESSING (photos included), A Photographic interpretation by Cyril A. Reilly and Renee Travis Reilly  03/21/01 (1 min.)

Rev. Wilkinson's GOD'S PORTRAIT (from his "Sound Bites" Email ministry) 10/26/00  (1 min.)

  GOD SAID, "NO!" 10/26/00  1(min)

 ON A COLLISION COURSE (Another "Sound Bites" E mail ministry from Rev. Dave Wilkinson) 1/01/28 (1 min.)

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