By: Sheila Kun RN, BA, BSN, MS

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Last week we discussed the fifth Divine Secret: Locate New, Old Friends. Friends help to reintegrate our seniors who are going through loss and re-connect with them familiar faces, friendship and fond memories.

Our last Divine Secret this week is: Some Things Never Change.

For our last “divine secret” let us restate an obvious truth: despite the reality of death and suffering and deterioration and changes – one thing never changes. God’s love for us and the presence of His family on earth to support and encourage us remain the same. We can count on God to be as He always was. “I the Lord do not change,” God announces to Malachi 3:6.

The presence of His church on this earth is unchanged, as well. The analogies of the body of Christ and the family of God are as relevant today as ever. The connection in this eternal family transcends the losses our parents – or we – will experience.

I would sound like I am preaching to the choir if I stress the importance of our Church Family, or in our case, our Salesian Family. I am sure many of you had found comfort in your Salesian families when you were coping with loss or grief. As loving kindness is one of the charism of our spirituality, I know you had experienced robust support from your church community and Salesian Family.  Our spiritual family builds value into our lives and in turn, we minister to others. We are not isolated; we are closely connected with the family of God.

After reading this last Divine Secret, I did find comfort in knowing that something never changes. In sadness, we can turn to our Lord. He is always there for us. Mother Mary is another trusted person that we can pray to. She will intercede on our behalf. It is so good to know that something never changes – God’s love for us!

We just have completed reviewing the chapter written by Julie-Allyson Ieron from her book “The Overwhelmed Woman’s Guide to Caring for Aging Parents” – the chapter on Divine Secrets of the Dwindling Sisterhood.

Your homework from the Care Ministry this week: Identify your support system in your church community.

Love to hear from you: kunlouis@gmail.com