December Response

December 1998

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"Women as Caregivers" by Patricia York

When a friend with a devastating exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis became depressed and frightened, Patricia York heard herself say, "Don't worry...I'll take care of you as long as you need me!" Twelve years later, Ms. York is still her primary caregiver, but has learned a lot about caregiving, time alone, the role women take naturally, and caring for ourselves during the process.

"A Rite of Passage: Aiding Our Elders" by Judy Dothard Simmons

A senior-level editor with Essence and Ms. magazines and an award-winning radio personality, this writer thought she was forever young. Her mother in Alabama was legally making her caretaker, but Ms. Simmons didn't imagine the life she would soon live. This insightful first-person article tells of the challenges, self-discovery, and perhaps even self-creation involved in caring for her mother.

"It Came To Pass: Caring for a Sister" by Theressa Hoover

In the mid-1990s, Theressa Hoover retired from the Women's Division, decided to move to Fayetteville, Ark., and cared for her sister who was only three years older than her. This first-person article shares the worries, the necessary communication, the challenges of moving back to their hometown, and a reminder about the greatest giver of care.

"Sandwiched" by Dennis Neenan

Caring for children and caring for parents sandwiches caregivers, often making them feel that there is little or no time left for themselves. Women in this position face intense challenges: fatigue; role reversals; tension from partners who feel crowded out; judgment from others; abandonment of personal goals; and lack of support from family, friends and the faith community. It's exhausting on many levels to be sandwiched between so many people. This article explores the role that the Church and family can take to help caregivers facing these tensions.

"Moms On Overload" by Sheryl Nance-Nash

Today's moms realize they can't do it all. But that hasn't stopped them from trying. This article looks at several mothers: single, married, employed full-time, employed part-time, and working at home. It delves into their philosophies, their struggles, and the support they receive from family, friends, and the Church.

"United Methodist Women: Caring through Community" by Cynthia B. Astle

There are more than100 United Methodist Women-supported community centers in the United States, and many of them play a crucial role in caring for women, youth, children and elderly. This article looks at several such institutions and their belief that communities can be sustained by starting with the smallest family unit.

"Reversing Roles" by Frances S. Smith

Betty Genné was president of the national board of the YWCA. Virginia Liggett was professor of Christian education at Union Theological Seminary in Argentina. Mary Ruth Coffman was on the staff of the Upper Room in Nashville, TN, for 40 years. Now, they need care, yet they have much to offer and teach. Their insight, experiences and advice can teach United Methodist Women how to care for women like themselves.

"Global Village: Senegal, Growing in Mission" by Beryl Goldberg

A United Methodist presence is emerging among women, youth and children in Dakar, Senegal, as three missionary families establish relationships and provide services in that city. This article explores the relationships and trust that helped the missionaries begin literacy programs, provide basic needs, and even work with a sports and cultural association.

"Global Village: Haitian Women Combating Violence" by Connie Walsh

International attention to violence against women in Haiti began last year with a symbolic tribunal and will continue next year when the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights visits the Caribbean nation to urge government action. Haitian women testifying before a panel of international and national judges shocked listeners with tales of sexual assault, rape, and politically motivated violence. This article tells some of the stories and what you can do to help Haitian women in their fight against violence and impunity.

"Race Still Matters" by Sandra Peters

If the United States and its churches were faithful to the mission of eliminating racism, race wouldn't matter in 100 years. But as we enter a new millennium, it does still matter. Though hate crime numbers are down, they have escalated in their level of violence. This article looks at the crimes, the lack of geographical boundaries, and the needed commitment so that race doesn't matter.

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