Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Falling Down (Mid-week Message)

 
Father Tony’s midweek message
July 17, 2013
Falling Down
 
Elena and I came back to Ashland from a short vacation at the Sisters Oregon Outdoor Quilt Show to the news that one of our dear parishioners had fallen, broken an arm, and was hospitalized.  News about people falling is all too frequent in a parish rich in elderly people, who may be experiencing balance and mobility issues.  Recovering from a fall is hard. Please review the following common-sense pointers for people who have fallen down: 
  • Do not panic. Assess the situation and determine if you are hurt. Try gently to move your limbs to see whether there is any pain that may mean broken bones.
  • Slide or crawl along the floor to the nearest couch or chair and try to get up.
  • If you cannot get up, call for help.  Allow others to help you get up.
  • If you are alone, use your cell phone or slowly crawl to a telephone and call 911, relatives, or friends who can help. 
  • If you have a serious fall, go and see a physician.  If necessary, allow yourself to be taken to an emergency room.  Do not be ashamed at having fallen or minimize the medical issues that can cause or result from a fall. 
(Suggestions from http://www.ehow.com/how_2156969_recover-from-fall.html and http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00135, which also gives great suggestions on fall prevention.)

Let us pray:
 
Lord Jesus, as you carried your cross, you fell and were crushed by its weight three times, until finally it had to be carried by a stranger.  Protect us with your love, and shield us from falling down and hurting ourselves.  Keep us from falling from your grace as well, and help us be a shield and protection for others.  This we pray for your tender mercy’s sake, Amen.
 
Grace and Peace,   Fr. Tony+
 
 

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