Storms bring tumult, unexpected blessings to those caring for seniors

Published: 2006-07-26

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- For Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, the recent storms that blew though the St. Louis area brought tumult as well as blessings. "It's been a life-giving but exhausting experience," said Sister Suzanne Wesley, a Sister of St. Joseph. She is chief executive officer of the Catholic Charities agency serving senior adults in the St. Louis Archdiocese. A July 19 storm knocked out power to 10 Cardinal Ritter facilities housing seniors. By July 21, electricity was restored to three of those residences, but then the power went out at four more buildings in another storm. Following the first storm, Cardinal Ritter staff moved residents to large community areas of the remaining buildings that had power. The staff repeated that step after the second storm. A call to the community was made seeking donations of cots and bedding. Sister Suzanne cited the kindness and compassion of strangers as well as the dedication of the staff to care for the hundreds of displaced residents.

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