Fr. Steve’s updates

Not much more to report. Still very sleepy, and took advantage of the quiet for napping. Hopefully as the chemo wears off I’ll get some oomph back before I head home Friday.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

At church in the local parish today, a family presented their newborn son for baptism. The baptismal garment was beautiful, and they shared that it belonged to the grandmother.

All nine of her siblings and each of her children had been Christened wearing it. A beautiful example of passing on faith and family tradition that brought a little more joy to the Easter Season.

One of the patients here is very interested in Native American history, and we had an animated discussion about Custer and the Battle of the Little Big Horn. I just finished reading another book on that fascinating yet tragic part of our heritage. We took our 7th graders there last year on their cultural field trip and it left a strong impression on us all.

Mike also spoke of his years working as a safety inspector. We talked of the importance of setting the bar high, whether you’re trying to prevent injuries, or setting goals for children to learn.

Not much more to report. Still very sleepy, and took advantage of the quiet for napping. Hopefully as the chemo wears off I’ll get some oomph back before I head home Friday.

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

7 thoughts on “Fr. Steve’s updates”

  1. Hi Fr. Steve,

    Isn’t it amazing that when you feel like you are at your lowest, you meet someone else whose cross seems heavier than yours! God is so in control!!

    Jim and I have yet to make it to the Little Big Horn…though it’s on our list!

    Yesterday we decided to come up to see the kids graduate 8th grade this year. It’s such an emotional graduation!!! We know you will not be able to attend this year, but we know you will be there in spirit.

    Take good care of yourself, my friend. We need you back at St. Joe’s!

  2. Yeppers..sometimes a nap is pretty dang nice..!
    I know you are glad this part of the plan is over. Job well done ! You almost make the people out here try to get in there for a vacation…!
    Good thing you are headed for Heaven and not Hell in the distant future..! I can see you being happy and making others happy down there…and Satan would be beside himself looking for new punishments..! NOPE..never worry. He will NEVER take you…Actually, I think Satan mada a pact with God when God made you..NO MORE..ONLY ONE..!
    Father Steve..you are Joy itself..!
    You are always in our prayers..!
    Mia and Bob

  3. Father, Thank-you for the birthday card! Thank the children for me also. It is my second one, the first coming from my husband who is stationed with the Navy out to sea! I continue to pray for you and hope your recovery is a success. I just donated again to the children, I wish it could be more!! Take care of yourself and May God Bless you all!!!

  4. Many years ago I heard the saying: “Mens sana in copore sano” We probably do not subscribe to this anymore but maybe we could
    rephrase it: “If you want to keep your spiritual health, listen to the needs of your body” Meaning: allow yourself to rest when you get home. I know you have the heap on your desk in mind, all the clasrooms, the
    children, coworkers, etc. May we all, who respect and esteem you, ask that you take baby steps at first.
    Best wishes for your complete recovery, paula

  5. Fr. Steve, I’ve been praying daily for you since I received your letter indicating your upcoming sarcoma treatment. My mother, Elizabeth Keup, was a long-time supporter of St. Joseph’s, and when she died at age 91+ 8 years ago, I began to send what little I can whenever I can. I am awestruck by the good work you do for our Native Americans! I had two brothers-in-law with the Benedictines from Blue Cloud Abbey who worked among them in both North and South Dakota many years ago (both brothers-in-law are now helping God in heaven!), also, so have always been “connected” to y’all! In fact one of them, Fr. Martin Tegart, OSB, died in 1983 of pancreatic cancer.

    I continue to pray for robust health and happy outcome for you, and am keeping abreast of your progress with your updates!

    God’s choicest blessings,
    Elaine Tegart
    Johns Creek, GA

  6. I have been thinking of you and all you’re going through. I pray God continues to heal you and all those lives you’ve touched while in the hospital.It’s so nice to read your updates,even though you’ve had a rough day.You are an example to us all.May God continue to strenghten you and renew you physically and spiritually.

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