Online Zoom Creative Prayer Classes

We will run two nights of prayer in August as preparation for the longer-term class that will meet the first and third Wednesdays from September to October. You do not have to be an artist. We will also have a poetry and prose workshop in September on two consecutive Saturdays. If you'd like to be a part of an ongoing prayer group that looks at prayer creatively, please join in. 

https://www.campioncenter.org/programs/online-evening-of-prayer-the-ignatian-artists-way/

Questions to ask Dara

Sometimes people feel awkward when they speak with Dara if they cannot quite comprehend everything that she is saying. I know some people feel uncomfortable because they don't know how to respond to what she says. 

Here are some questions to ask her.

1. Did you sleep well last night? How did you sleep?

2. What did you eat for lunch? for dinner? What food did you have for breakfast? Do you like a particular type of juice? What are your favorite foods? How do you like your vegetables cooked?

3. Did you get outside today? Did someone bring you out for a smoke? 

4. Did they help you stand up today? Or did you get any activities in?

5. Tell me about what you are doing for exercises. What are you doing for your arms? for your legs? for your voice? Are you doing voice exercises? Is your left arm getting as strong as your right arm? How is your left leg working? 

6. I know you had blurry vision. How is your eyesight these days? Have you noticed any improvement? What sort of glasses are you wearing?

7. Did you talk with Dale today? Was he able to come to the window? 

8. Did you receive a phone call from anyone this week? Did you talk with anyone on the phone?

9. When you get home, what type of food do you want to eat? What appeals to you? Are you exciting about settling into your apartment? Are you afraid of anything? 

10. You must be looking forward to sleeping in your own bed. The thought of that must feel good. 

11. What's it like in California with all the COVID numbers increasing? 

12. How is the weather in Los Angeles? Is it cool in the evening? 

13. She pays attention to all the daily news. Feel free to ask her about what is going on. She is on top of the big events. Ask her, "Did you see that 'such and such' happened?

14. What time do you go to bed? What time do you wake up? How is Janette, your roommate? 

Don't be afraid of saying, "Can you repeat that? I didn't quite catch it." By asking her these questions, she will give a response. You might be able to catch 30% of what she is saying, but there might be something that you understand. It is like learning a new language. You might not understand everything, but you get it. As you frame the question, it leads you know how she might respond. So, if you are asking her about food, she will say something about the food she is being served. Your questions guide you to understand her answers better. 

Don't feel bashful. She knows she is sometimes not clear or articulate. She just appreciates that you are in her life. You don't have to understand fully. 

O, and when it is time to leave, just say, "It has been good talking with you. Thanks for spending time with me. It is time for me to go, but thanks for the chat. I wish you many good things. Have a good night."

And remember if you are on the East Coast, the time difference is three hours. So, if it is 10:00 p.m. and you think it is too late to call, it is only 7 p.m. there. 

O, and ask her if this is a good time to talk.

She eats around 5:15 p.m. (8:15 EDT) and around noon, and she will unavailable for about half an hour until she finishes her meal. 

I hope this makes you feel more comfortable in your conversations with her. Thanks to all of you who have kept up with her. She appreciates being remembered. 

424-251-4724

Dara Predmore
2017 250th Street
Lomita, CA 90717

Dara Update: July 17, 2020

I have a bit of surprising news about Dara's situation. I caution about reading much into it, but it is a bit of good news. Dara will be leaving the facility she has been in since September during the first week of August. She is looking at August 3rd or 4th as a date to move back home to the apartment with her boyfriend.

While I take this news with caution, I support the move. Dara says she is emotionally more than ready to leave the facility though she is not sure she is physically ready. She knows the first few weeks will be a challenge, but she thinks she might get stronger while being at home because she will have to make so many adjustments. She will undoubtedly have to stretch and get up more often.

Her boyfriend wants her home because he loves her and he cannot visit her because of COVID. The nursing facility did not do much to help her throughout the day. She had to stay in bed almost all day long and did not receive adequate care. Since COVID struck, they seldom had activities and visitors were not allowed. Dara kept asking, "Why am I here when I could be at home doing just a few more activities on my own?" One positive thing about the nursing facility is that they kept her COVID-free.

With the L.A. virus cases spiking, few professionals are allowed to enter into people's home. Therefore, any homecare, physical therapy, and visiting nurses may be delayed. As Dara's left arm strength is improving, she can use some of her strength to lift her body up to the walker and wheelchair. She is looking forward to sleeping in her own bed where she may be able to sleep on her side or on her stomach every once in a while. She has only slept supine, not her natural position, for a whole year, which may have exacerbated her headaches.

Anyways, this is all positive news. Until she works out a rhythm, she knows life will be tough for a while, but she hopes to get stronger by forcing herself to do more in her natural setting. If it doesn't work out or is just too premature, she knows she can always return to a nursing facility, though she has no intent on returning to Baycrest.

I'm grateful for her boyfriend who is willing to do this. We pray, that in the long run, she will be okay and will continue to improve.

Zoom Scripture Class: Tuesday mornings from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. EDT

Zoom Scripture Class: Tuesday mornings from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. EDT

The Parables of Jesus: We will review a collection (34) of the significant parables of Jesus from commentary and essays by William Barclay, and Scottish theologian, who provides insights and backgrounds into the time of Jesus.

Purchase “The Parables of Jesus” William Barclay, @1999 Winchester John Knox Press.

It is helpful to also have a Catholic Study Bible as we use additional commentary to supplement our knowledge.

You are welcome to join us. I will send out a Zoom link to those who want to attend.

Is it okay to join if I can’t make each session? Yes.

Do I have to be a BC High parent or alumnus? No.

Do I have to be Catholic? No.

What if I have no Scriptural knowledge? Will I be left behind? The idea is to help round out your knowledge.

What if I live in Florida. May I still join? As long as you can log in for 8:00 a.m. EDT, you are all set.