QUINQUENNIAL CONGRESS XVII, PITTSBURGH, PA * U.S. SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

Caring for a loved one or the elderly is not easy, so it is important to take care of yourself first – so that you can continue to be the care-giver, Patti Normile, SFO, pointed out in her July 6th workshop, “Caregiving and the Elderly.”

It’s similar to the reason why airlines instruct you to put on your oxygen mask first in an emergency, before helping your child with his/her oxygen mask.

As part of taking care of yourself, recognize that you cannot do everything, but do “treasure the moment,” she said.

“Treasure that you’ve been able to do this much for this person now.”

Another tip: If you are experiencing a bad moment – you’re angry, frustrated or tired – take a few minutes to sit down and pray.

“It works!”

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