Honoring loved ones

I concelebrated mass in Reliance this evening. I continue my “Recuperation Tour” of liturgies at the area parishes I was assigned to.

Saturday, July 31, 2010 Fr. Steve of St. Joseph's Indian School

I concelebrated mass in Reliance this evening.  I continued my “recuperation tour” of liturgies at the parishes I was assigned. I got another warm reception with lots of hugs.

People are glad to see me getting out and about and are very supportive. I also hear of difficulties and illnesses they are dealing with; and even as I feel so much comfort and prayer, my own prayer list for others grows.

A family I hadn’t met before stopped in to visit. They were friends of a friend who had arranged for a memorial brick for their adult daughter who had died. It took us a while in the very hot sun to find exactly where the brick was, but they effort was definitely worth it for them. Their entire trip together was something of a pilgrimage, and they placed flowers on the spot. They shed some tears, and told some stories. I felt privileged to share in that time with them.

Piles and projects … recovery and recuperation

But I have gradually been chipping away at piles and projects, and have been making long term progress … even if I don’t see it day-to-day. Sometimes recovery and recuperation is like that too.

Friday, July 30, 2010Fr. Steve of St. Joseph's Indian School

Today we had to get everything off the floor before leaving the office for the weekend because the carpet cleaners will scrub the building on Saturday. It’s a sign that summer is ending and the 2010-2011 school year is close at hand.

My office has been disorganized since the surgery; with even more piled on the table and desk, it really looks unmanageable. But I have gradually been chipping away at piles and projects, and have been making long term progress … even if I don’t see it day-to-day. Sometimes recovery and recuperation is like that too.

Fr. Steve’s updates

As I walked the sidewalks and stayed at the church for Saturday evening mass, the best part was seeing folks that I spent ten years of my life with. Some of those I remember as children are now parents.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Today the town of Dupree (population 434) celebrated their centennial with a parade. Small town parades are an experience all in themselves. I wanted to get to main street early so I could get a good seat, but there was plenty of room because almost everyone in town was in the parade.

The town was founded on land donated by Fred Dupris, a French and Lakota trader whom the town was named after. He and Scotty Phillips are credited with saving the buffalo when they were almost hunted to extinction. One of the floats included many of his descendants who live in the area.

Another float had all the grandchildren of the Norwegian homesteaders who came to the area in 1910. There were antique tractors, powwow royalty riding in the back of pickups, and politicians positioning themselves for the November elections. All threw candy into the streets as children scrambled for the goodies.

I actually got to see the parade twice. Main street is only 5 blocks long, and the parade went south along the length of the town, then did a U-turn and came back north again.

Just a month ago a tornado went through the heart of town. The elderly manor was hit hard and residents had to be relocated to other area towns. Pioneer Hall – the community center – was damaged beyond repair and had to be bulldozed. In its place stands a large circus tent; the show and the centennial must go on.

It’s very indicative of life on these isolated prairie towns. People face great hardship with weather and life circumstances, but they find it within themselves to rebuild and keep going.

As I walked the sidewalks and stayed at the church for Saturday evening mass, the best part was seeing folks that I spent ten years of my life with. Some of those I remember as children are now parents. We recalled weddings and baptisms, sad funerals and times that made us laugh. So many of these folks have kept me in their prayers these past months and it was wonderful to be able to thank them in person and renew the ties of friendship.

Fr. Steve’s updates

While the foot pain from my nerves is ongoing and bothersome, the hardest part of this stage of recovery is the lethargy, tiredness and lack of drive.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

While the foot pain from my nerves is ongoing and bothersome, the hardest part of this stage of recovery is the lethargy, tiredness and lack of drive. The weekend does bring more time for rest, but I feel worn out from sleeping large chunks of the day away.

Projects I would like to get to are started and left hanging as I lose energy, focus and staying power. What I think will only take a few minutes turns into a much longer production. I did at least catch up with some reading and long overdue letters.

Except for the museum – where we do have a good number of visitors – campus is eerily quiet for the long holiday weekend.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I’ve been consistently able to put in three or four hours a day in the office. Even if I don’t accomplish so much, it at least helps me from going stir crazy.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

I’ve been consistently able to put in three or four hours a day in the office. Even if I don’t accomplish so much, it at least helps me from going stir crazy.

Today our business office supervisors all met to check in. We don’t receive as much mail or as many phone calls during the summer months, but that gives everyone more time to take inventory – not just physically, which we do this time of year – but to look at what’s working and what needs improvement.

Sometimes it’s in the quieter times that good ideas crop up and beg to be explored.

I stopped to check in on the progress in the Rooney/Speyer homes. The inside demolition was accomplished quickly after school was out, and our crew is already hard at work building new walls and replacing all the windows with ones that will insulate much better.

I obviously haven’t stopped in as much as when I’m running at full speed, but I know folks appreciate it when I take interest in the work they’re doing. And our staff does a lot of good work, even if much of it is behind the scenes.

Fr. Steve checks in on home renovations

Fr. Steve’s updates

I went to the clinic for a blood draw and my levels have stabilized, so I don’t have to change the medications. I won’t need a further check for a month.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Our summer day camp is finished, and campus is much quieter … for a few weeks. We still have four homes open for our students who need to be here over the rest of the summer months. However, quieter in one way makes for busier and noisier in other ways.

With fewer children around, our construction and remodeling projects are moving into high gear. I went into the church basement to check on the stabilization project. They are driving pylons 60 feet down to bedrock to keep the church from shifting further – one of the disadvantages of living at the edge of a river.

We’re also shingling the church roof, which is no small project. But it’s all on track to be finished by the start of the school year.

The traffic of folks stopping by increases over summer months, and I spent some time at the museum with donors from Washington and Maryland. It is exciting when folks who’ve known about St. Joseph’s for a long time finally get to come visit. It’s sort of a pilgrimage for them. I enjoy talking and answering questions when I’m able. I’m still not walking too far, so I have to leave it to other staff to conduct the tours.

I went to the clinic for a blood draw and my levels have stabilized, so I don’t have to change the medications. I won’t need a further check for a month.

I took a 3 ½ hour nap in the afternoon, so a) my body must have needed it, and b) it makes it very hard to get anything done with the day. I’ve just had to accept the limits.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I arrived home from Mayo after two days of tests and consultations. On the cancer front, everything looks good. I don’t need any more treatments for now.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

I arrived home from the hospital after two days of tests and consultations.

On the cancer front, everything looks good. I don’t need any more treatments for now, and I’ll just go on their regular 3 month checkup interval for this first year.

They were very pleased with how the incision is healing up, and how things look inside after the surgery. They think they were able to get all the cancer.

The nerves in my foot are still in a lot of pain. The doctor said that will take a while to heal, several months or even as long as a year … you just never know with the nerves.

I’m on some pain meds to manage that, but the down side is the medication make me sleepy.

The doctor said I can start pushing myself – doing a little more exercise and activity every day – and try to get back to a normal routine. But, I still may need more rest for a while and have to pay attention to my body.

Fr. Steve’s updates

The Sunday before surgery the good parishioners had their mass said for the intention of my healing, and I got a whole bunch of get well cards that I’ve not yet answered.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Friday and Saturday the other priests and brothers were gone, and with no meetings I soaked up the quiet. I got in lots of much needed sleep, with reading and TV in between.

Today Juan Carlos – our seminarian helping this summer – drove me to church in Kennebec, 30 miles west of St. Joseph’s. I used to be pastor there.

The Sunday before surgery the good parishioners had their mass said for the intention of my healing, and I received a bunch of get well cards that I’ve not yet answered. I wanted to thank them and join them for this week’s mass.

The day was a nice reunion, with some catching up time. Folks have been genuinely worried about the seriousness of my cancer, and were relieved to see me up and about.

I still have trouble standing for a long time, but with Fr. Joe leading mass, I was able to make it through.

After lunch I took another nap, packed my bags for a few days, and now await Fr. Bill. We’ll journey back to the clinic where I have post surgery appointments Monday and Tuesday. I’ll have several tests and scans, and have appointments with the radiologist, oncologist and surgeon to check up on how the recovery is going.

Hopefully the good news and results will continue.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Fr. Steve arrived home Friday evening (June 4), and the folks at school had two placards – complete with balloons and ribbons – welcoming me back to campus.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Thanks to Fr. Bill for keeping everyone posted while I was in the hospital!

I arrived home Friday evening (June 4), and the folks at school had two placards – complete with balloons and ribbons – welcoming me back to campus. One sign was posted at the first stop sign on campus, and the other was at our house.

When we stopped to take a picture, 7th grader Erin was walking by the Rec Center and came up and gave me a big hug. It is so good to be back.

My main ailment right now is my right leg. The nerves are very sore and sensitive after the surgery. The doctors are hopeful the pain will diminish and I’ll get a little stronger each day. I just know I’m not going to be kicking soccer balls or field goals any time soon. I get around very slowly, but I am able to get around.

I woke up last night and had some discomfort. I went to find the nurse call button and realized I was home in my own bed and just had to manage myself. During my 11 days in the hospital I received wonderful care, but it is still a bit disorienting.

One of the hospital chaplains pointed out that we talk a lot about “One day at a time” but when you are seriously ill, you really have to live it.

Last night, I went to supper at the Sheehy Home and caught up on the activities of our eighth grade boys who are now spending three weeks in extra classes as they transition into the high school program. Nate grilled pork chops outside, and I at the biggest meal I’ve had in two weeks. It’s a good sign that my appetite is coming back.

Today was low key.

Fr. Anthony and I celebrated mass in the house chapel. It’s still hard to stand for long periods of time, and I have to build up to it.

This afternoon, I went to the office just to work on thank you cards. So many people have offered support and inspiration and helped see me through this rough period.

Welcome home, Fr. Steve!

Staff update on Fr. Steve

I just received a call from Fr. Steve telling me his doctors want him to stay in the hospital until Friday. They want to adjust his blood clotting medications.

Hi all – quick change of plans!

I just received a call from Fr. Steve telling me his doctors want him to stay in the hospital until Friday. They want to adjust his blood clotting medications.

So, we will be staying here a couple extra days to make sure things are well and steady for Fr. Steve to come home. He is very ok with staying to make sure things are ok before we leave.

There’s another Chamberlain man here receiving treatments, and since we’ll be staying, I plan to visit with Jim as well.

Please keep Fr. Steve and all who are battling or healing from cancer in your prayers and thoughts.

As ever,
Fr. Bill