Skip to main content

Prayer is an Action Word

Within days of Mathew’s admission to Moffitt, love, and support from so many people started pouring in. Throughout the year, it continues, and since our world is filled with diverse situations and people, this support reflects those differences.

My family is Catholic, so my Mom and Dad brought in prayer cards. A dear friend of my sister, his Mother, sent A Special Healing Gift. Mathew was enrolled in the League of Saint Anthony to be remembered in daily masses and prayers. Tibetan Nuns on the other side of the world were praying for him.

Soon a small table was set up with these gifts and cards, eventually, it would become a healing altar. Many faiths were represented on this alter and Mathew felt so blessed that so many people held him in their thoughts and prayers. 

I was reminded during this time, what I had learned many years ago, that prayer is an action word. 
James 2:14-26
“17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” ***

***You can read the entire passage at biblegateway.com 
%202:14-26&version=NRSVCE&interface=amp

This is a good place to add in a caregiver tip.
In the spirit of prayer is an action word, people will ask what can they do to help.
Have a list ready. I know with Mathew's constantly changing condition, I often had no idea what I was going to need.
My sister Kathleen, when asked, “How is Mathew doing?” Responded, “Which 15-minute increment are you interested in?”

So, if you are in this situation or know someone suddenly thrust into the position of full-time caregiver and you want to help, here is a list of ideas:
  • gas gift cards
  • food gift cards
  • lawn care
  • cooking (be sure to ask about any dietary restrictions or precautions)
  • grocery shopping
  • sit with the patient so the caregiver can run a few errands



















Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Replace the 3 Lumen Pic Line with a Port

Mathew's 3 Lumen Pic Line was replaced with a Power P.A.C. Both Mathew and I were given Medical I.D. cards to carry at all times. I have mentioned before that texting from the DRC is almost impossible. The staff told me it used to be the X-ray department so the walls are leaded. Again, the phone tree would have helped so much. I texted the following information to my niece, my sister and Mathew’s Dad and Stepmom. And probably Joseph and Carlos. I know that could have been reduced to two texts, three at the most. At the time  I didn’t know about group messaging as my phone was an old Android. Texts Between me and Diane Hi. We are at the hospital early because Mat is in a lot of pain.  We think the bill stent may have moved. Sent 3-31-14 Because he was NPO for other  procedure they should be able to fix today. Sent 3-31-14 In the DRC sending texts is almost impossible so if you don’t hear from me for a while don’t worry. If ...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Cancer Poem by Mathew Rodgers 2014

From Mathew’s Journal 4-5-14 “I lie awake in my pain bed metallic noises chirping from my strange computer  companion”
Post a Comment
Read more

Hair Loss After Chemo for Sarcoma, My Son's Point of View

I can't imagine or pretend to know how it feels to lose your hair because you have cancer and the chemo causes your hair to fall out.  I only know what I saw with Mathew and years ago, my sister Elizabeth's experience as they lost their hair to chemotherapy. But it was something that affected Mathew more than just the initial hair loss, it had nuances. Here is a journal entry. It's short but I think it speaks volumes. MATHEW’S JOURNAL     5-23-14 Lately, I’ve been envious of people’s hair. Well, I guess not envious of other people’s hair but missing mine. I told my Mom about it and expressed to her that I was afraid I was falling prey to vanity. She expressed the idea that I may be missing having hair because it’s part of being healthy. I do miss having a life and at the same time, I’m afraid that I may never have a full life again or that I may lose what’s left of the one I have. -  I’ve been thinking about dying a lot lately. I don’t know wh...
Post a Comment
Read more