A walking miracle

Friday, November 12, 2010

Two priests from my religious order visited us today. Fr. Zenon is from Congo and Fr. Vincent from Indonesia. When they stepped into the classrooms they found a map of the world and showed the students where their homes were. One of the classes was interested in the terrain of their homeland, and learned about jungles and rain forests. Another class asked about animals and learned about elephants and monkeys. Fr. Zenon is an educator in the Congo, and ran a school with 1,200 students. He told one of his biggest struggles had to do with tuition. In his country, students dropped out as the year went on because they couldn’t afford the fees to continue school. Since  St. Joseph’s doesn’t charge tuition, our students don’t face that pressure; but it is a very real issue in most private schools.

Tonight, our local hospital held their annual fundraiser and holiday extravaganza. With all the decorations it reminded me of how soon Christmas will be here. The Nurse Practitioner who sees me at our health care center on campus, and is my local contact with the doctors at Mayo, was at table with her mom. When she introduced me she said, “This man is a walking miracle”. Hearing her describe it that way made me realize how far I’ve come since diagnosis. I’m glad I’m able to get out and around and do so much now.

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.

4 thoughts on “A walking miracle”

  1. It’s good to hear that a miracle is walkin’..!
    Father Steve..Do you have “pull” with the Father..?
    Kinda sounds like it to us..!
    Just keep on keepin’ on..
    Blessings and Love..To All.
    Mia and Bob

  2. Yes, my friend you are a “walking miracle!’ Not just because of surviving cancer, but because of who you have become. I am very impressed and proud of the fact that I know you. It is a miracle how far we have come over the years. God has been so good to us. It is important in life to remember that, and be thankful. God bless you today Father Steve!

  3. I am so PROUD that I too was referred to in that manner, after a tragic accident in 1968, where the doctors said,..”Someone far above our medical practice, saved her…ONLY A MIRACLE saved her….” I do not wish bad on anyone, but I am PROUD that I can relate to Fr. Steve in some manner, as I have become so close to all of the happenings, and caring of all through the years, I have participated, or just kept up. GOD BLESS ALL, and KEEP YOU ALL SAFE FROM HARM’-;
    Cynthia

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