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.
you are such an inspiration…Keep going – one day at a time is right on. I am sure by the time fall sports start you will be right there with the kids!
Your in our thoughts and prayers!
God bless, Joe
Welcome back home!! It was very helpful having a report every day, knowing how you were coming alone in your recovery from that very invasive surgery. Onward and upward. I know the journey isn’t over yet but how blessed you are to have so many people praying and rooting for your healing and recovery. Keep on keepin’ on
God Bless
Ann Short
Welcome home, Father Steve! So glad that you are back where you are loved and needed.
Thank Father Bill for the updates when you were in the hospital.
You and St. Joe’s will continue in my prayers. Take it slow, and continue to get better.
Patty Sykes
We are so happy that you are at last home! You are meeting every challenge with courage. “One day at a time” is difficult, but it works with everything in life. We will keep praying that with each day you are stronger.
Lots of love and prayers from Quebeck, Tennessee!!!! 🙂
WELL..! That didn’t take long..!They say that Rome as not built in a day…BUT..I betcha YOU could do it!
Just shows to go you..prayer helps..and they can’t keep a GOOD man down..!
Our prayers for you are now all of Thanksgiving and rejoicing..!
Are you ready to dance with all of us at the pow-wow this year..?
Hugs and Blessings.
Mia and Bob..
Welcome back to your children, Father Steve! Seems our prayers have been answered.
I said a prayer for you yesterday at Mass at St. Paul’s, Jesup. If you have access to a heated pool, might I suggest hydro-therapy to strengthen your legs?
Dear Fr. Steve,
I can understand your pain in the legs. I am still having trouble gtetting around and managing my pain too. I also did what you did when I woke up in pain. Reached for my call button just to realize I was home. It’s kinda a funny feeling.
Ken and I are very happy to hear that you are doing so much better and are home now. Our continued prayers are still with you and the school. God luck in your recovery.
You aren’t only in our prayers you’re in our hearts as well as a part of our family. We love you and want only the best for you.
Sincerely,
Nancy & Kenny Raymond
Dear Fr. Steve –
It must be so good to be home! I think you will make big improvements there as you are surrounded by so much love, human & Divine.
I continue to keep you in my prayers.
Blessings to you – Susan
Fr. Steve, We’re so glad that you got home! Don’t try to go too quickly, healing takes time as it does in our emotional lives. Joe had a lot of neuropathy after chemo and it stuck around for several months but one day he just woke up without the pain. He didn’t tell me for 24 hours because he was afraid it wasn’t permanent. All will be well. God has only good things waiting for you and much joy ahead for you. Enjoy the kids and sit in a chair….frequently….for long periods of time. Take care and God bless, Sandy Holmes
Welcome home!!!
Peace,
Robin
It’s so wonderful to see you writing your blog. WELCOME HOME…you have put smiles on many faces with your blog today. There will be moments that you feel overwhelmed, but before you know it those kids will be watching you kicking field goals!
God bless,
Jim & Marianne
Fr. Steve it is so wonderful that you are home!! I send prayers to you for a continued, less painful recovery.
Good luck and many prayers,
Pat
Dear Father Steve:
It’s good to know that you are back home.
This will especially help with the “healing process”. THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME.
Remember “One day at a time” and was once told if that is too difficult, “One moment at a time”.
We will continue to keep you in our prayers and thank God for the healing you are receiving daily.
Welcome home!
Dearest Father Steve, Thank GOD you came thru and are home. Please just do not overdo anything. Healing will take time. My prayers are with you always. GOD BLESS YOU . Truly, NITA Marie
Glad to hear you are home, Fr. Steve. I’ll bet being around the children is the best medicine. God Bless!
Fr. Steve, It is so great to know that you are home and feeling so much better. All our prayers have helped thank God. Angie & Kenny
Hello, Father Steve!
You have a bucketful of welcomes and good wishes but none yet from Columbia, South Carolina. I am very happy to have met you at the fundraiser. I hope your little helpers/presenters enjoy their Summer vacation.
In your healing process you arrived at the hardest part: patience. Step by step, hour by hour. This cannot be rushed and is worth every ounce of self discipline.
With many prayers and good wishes, Paula
Fr. Steve,
Thinking of you daily and praying for your strength and recovery.
Sending love.
Doug and Gina Edwards
Palm Desert, CA
Dear Father Steve:
Thank God you’re surgery is over and you’re back home and beginning to make progress in your recovery. Everytime I see your picture on your Website I see a caring man full of love and dedication, not only to our God, but to all you have served. Your smile inspires is contagious!!!! You are a chosen one, Father Steve, and you are in my prayers each and every night. The world is certainly a better place because of men like you. May God Bless You and may you have a speedy recovery. Bill
Glad to see you are back home. The signs and welcome from the kids should be enough to lift your spirits, which should help the healing process.
Keep up the good progress, those kids are depending upon you. God love you for loving them.
Dear Fr. Steve, Soon after our home burned in January this year ,we lost our daughter to a pulmonary arterial embolism. She had been misdiagnosed with “bronchitis”. Then your news of cancer came. Our family has been praying for you every night ever since. I know our daughter, Carol, is “in the joy of perpetual adoration with Our Lord” That is how our deacon put it at her prayer service before her funeral Mass. I’ve asked her to pray for you too! I am praying a novena of daily Masses and holy communions for your complete healing asking Bl Kateri Tekakwitha’s intercesion as well. Since I have inherited Carol’s two Sunday Eucharistic Holy Hours you will also be lifted up in five Holy Hours during my novena for you. It is so good to hear you are on the mend.Keeping staff and children in prayer
Will send a donation later this month.
God bless you,
Paulette
DeSoto, MO