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.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I had my first hair cut in about four months! There wasn’t much hair to cut since it all fell out during chemo, but my neck and around my ears was getting fuzzy.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

I had my first hair cut in about four months! There wasn’t much hair to cut since it all fell out during chemo, but my neck and around my ears was getting fuzzy. So, off to the barber shop I went.

Dad was a part-time barber, and we even had a barber chair in our rec room. I feel so calm and relaxed when I get my hair cut, and it’s nice to feel clean cut.

Since I was downtown, I stopped in at our Thrift Store to say hi to the staff there. Besides the regulars, one of our high school girls is also working there for the summer, gaining some pocket money, and just as importantly, experience working with people and handling responsibilities. She was using her creativity to design a new window display.

Later, I stopped by our museum to say hi to staff there, and again saw one of our high school girls working there. She said she likes getting to meet the visitors that come from all over, answer their questions and show them around.

Since there aren’t always a lot of jobs for youth back home on the Indian reservations, we have several high school students who stay for the summer and work.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I love to read and have lots of time on my hands, but until now, reading has put me right to sleep. This evening, I read for a couple of hours. It felt good to exercise my mind in that way.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

When you’re recovering from surgery, you have to enjoy the small progress you see each day.

I love to read and have lots of time on my hands, but until now, reading has put me right to sleep. This evening, I read for a couple of hours. It felt good to exercise my mind in that way. While I still sleep a lot, I hope more and more to be able to do a little work and the things I enjoy.

I have been going into the office for two hours or so each day, just to look at mail and messages. With mail, I’ve mostly opened it and put it in an ever-growing pile. Today, I answered everything that came in and knocked a few older cards off my to do list.

Again, a small thing, but if I can do that each day, slow and steady will win the race.

I had lunch in the dining hall with our eighth graders. They’ve been taking high school transition classes for three weeks and are finishing up their program. We have some good students going into our high school program and hope this extra time prepares them for going off campus for their studies at Chamberlain High School.

Fr. Steve’s updates

The nerves in my right leg and foot are very sore and sensitive, which makes it hard to walk or stand for very long.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

I’m starting to get out and about a bit, even if only for a couple of hours. The nerves in my right leg and foot are very sore and sensitive, which makes it hard to walk or stand for very long. But, that’s what the doctors expected after the surgery. With time, they also expect the pain to diminish.

In the morning, I dropped by the business office to see folks. I’ve been back on campus for some 10 days now, yet there are so many folks I haven’t seen, so I did a lot of catching up.

Our summer day camps are in full swing, and I stopped by the dining hall for lunch. For these next two weeks, the camp is for children from Lower Brule.

They ride our bus in each day for arts and crafts, cultural activities, recreation and a couple of good square meals. Several of the children are St. Joseph’s students, so I got lots of hugs as I worked my way through the tables.

In between activities, I took a few naps and didn’t do a whole lot else.

I’m still very tired and pay attention to my body when it needs rest. I’m learning to cope with the limitations. A simple task like getting dressed takes lots of extra time and effort, especially putting on my socks.

The first time I was back in chapel I genuflected out of habit but found it very difficult to get back up without the pew to lean on. My foot doesn’t work so well on the brake or gas pedal of the car, so I’m grounded for now.

Yet, I count my blessings every day, grateful they found the cancer in time to successfully remove it. This healing time just takes patience and time.

Staff update on Fr. Steve

Fr. Steve’s recovery continues slowly but surely; right now, the need for sleep and rest is great.

Monday, June 14, 2010

No news is good news!

Fr. Steve’s recovery continues slowly but surely; right now, the need for sleep and rest is great. All the prayers and concern friends continue to shower upon Fr. Steve are deeply appreciated; we all look forward to his full recovery!

After a doctor visit this morning, blood tests show Fr. Steve is stabilizing. Of course, this is wonderful news.

While Fr. Steve heals and looks forward to a busy fall, St. Joseph’s campus is bustling with lots of fun summer activities. From our day camp projects to our student work opportunities, there’s rarely a dull moment …

Of course, lately, our weather has also ensured there’s rarely a dry moment!

Here’s to a wonderful week and continued progress on many levels.

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.

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

Staff update on Fr. Steve

I arrived back at the hospital last evening to find Fr. Steve doing quite well and looking forward to heading home today! There will be a few final things to put in order before we leave.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Good day from Fr. Bill!

I arrived back at the hospital last evening to find Fr. Steve doing quite well and looking forward to heading home today! There will be a few final things to put in order before we leave.

Gratefully, Fr. Steve is now “tube free” after a week. We reflected on these past days and the many feelings and thoughts we have all been feeling during Fr. Steve’s experience. I am sure this has been one of the longest weeks for Fr. Steve, but he mentioned he will write more on all of this when he settles back at home … what great, normal news!

Fr. Steve has been meeting with his doctors and therapist to plan his therapy and exercise routine. One routine will focus on working his right leg in an effort to regain strength in it since some of the nerves were effected during surgery. I know he is committed to doing all he must in order to heal completely.

We are not sure when we will leave today, but we’re anxious to head home. Normally, the trip takes about six hours; however, it may take longer today since we need more stops than usual. In the end, it will be good to get home … no matter how long it takes.

Thanks continue from Fr. Steve for your prayers and thoughts. Your support has been a real source of strength for him. I know he will continue to count on your prayers as he returns home to continue his recovery.

I believe Fr. Steve will be writing you all in the near future!

Staff update on Fr. Steve

Many of us know when one has major surgery there can be up and down days. Thursday night and Friday were some of those down days for Fr. Steve.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Many of us know when one has major surgery there can be up and down days. Thursday night and Friday were some of those down days for Fr. Steve.

After some adjustments with his medications, etc., Fr. Steve was feeling much better. He told me he felt he had passed some difficult hurdles. I am certain having his family by his side and all the prayers being sent up for him have been a real help during his recovery.

As of today, Fr. Steve has been able to walk more; he began to eat soft foods and, quite simply, feels so much better. Having some of “the tubes” removed has certainly been a most welcome relief!

Fr. Steve has been told he may be ready to come home by Thursday if his healing continues well. I will return to the hospital on Tuesday and stay with him until we’re given the green light to head home. What a joyous day that will be for so many!

Today, Fr. Steve celebrated his birthday with two Twinkies and two candles. It seems a good enough celebration when you are in the hospital and just beginning a soft diet! We can celebrate more after he returns home.

Once again, on behalf of Fr. Steve and his family, I thank you for your Masses, prayers and thoughts for him, especially during this past week. You are all sincerely appreciated. I know he remains so grateful to you … Your prayers not only help, they work!

Staff update on Fr. Steve

Fr. Steve continues to recover from his surgery with the usual and expected side effects. He was up a few times yesterday. Today, he is taking things easier.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Greetings once again from Fr. Bill!

While I am planning to return to Chamberlain later today or tomorrow morning, Fr. Steve’s parents will remain with him until Tuesday or so. He has more family arriving tomorrow to spend the weekend with him. One of us from his SCJ family will return on Tuesday.

Fr. Steve continues to recover from his surgery with the usual and expected side effects. He was up a few times yesterday. Today, he is taking things easier. His doctors want him to have more rest before doing too much walking.

Pre-op, Fr. Steve hoped to be in the hospital 5-7 days, but the doctor told him yesterday it would be more like 7-10 days. We know how our plans change when we are in the hospital, etc!

At times, it is easy to forget Fr. Steve has had very major surgery and requires more recovery time. He is very willing to do whatever the doctors, nurses and others ask him to do.

All of us deeply appreciate your prayers and thoughts for his recovery. Please continue to pray for him, his parents and his care team during this special time of recovery.

Fr. Steve and I were with you – students and staff – in prayer during this morning’s graduation ceremonies!

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, please remember all those who have, or currently are, serving our country.

Staff update on Fr. Steve

Fr. Steve and his family are so grateful for the many prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. I’m sure he will be happy to see his brother and his family when they visit from Chicago this weekend.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Fr. Bill here again …

Fr. Steve’s recovery continues to go well … praise be to the Lord. This morning he was up for the first time, took a few steps and was able to sit in a chair for a short while. He still cannot eat anything but ice chips and drink a little water. Needless to say he is not talking much because of his dry mouth.

Prayers and blessings to you for your interest in Fr. Steve’s recovery.