Monday, February 22, 2010
I still need my naps but am generally feeling pretty good.
The doctors ordered rest, but also told me to keep exercising as I’m able, so after supper, when I felt myself slowing down again, I kicked it up a notch with some light exercise instead. The more I can stay in shape now, the better it will help me bounce back after the ordeal I know surgery will be.
Exercise is also helpful in overcoming the blues that illness can cause.
Here at St. Joseph’s, we celebrate those occasions when the paint and dust quit flying, and we finish one of our many projects on campus.
In our business office, we knocked out some walls downstairs and utilized some hallway space to double the size of our Barger Room, which we use for a large meeting space. Today’s potluck luncheon was a chance to share not only tasty recipes but also share stories and camaraderie with all the development staff.
I joined the Ambrose Home (1st – 3rd grade boys) for supper tonight. When the table talk got to car crashes, two of the boys told us their dads were killed in car crashes, and a third boy had been in a bad wreck himself when he was still in a car seat.
In a group of 9 boys, I was sad to hear of that high incidence of tragedy.
I’m always encouraging our kids to read, and when I arrived at the Ambrose Home, Jashon was flipping through a comic book, mostly looking at the pictures. When I asked about the story, he had drawn lots of wrong conclusions from not being able to comprehend the words.
I sat down with him and read some of the harder parts and let him try some of the sections he could handle. When new words came up, I let him guess what those might mean and filled in with explanation. The story gradually made sense and came to life for him.
Helping kids read opens whole new worlds to them. Even as a parish priest, I encouraged parents and grandparents to set aside time to be with their children in that way.
Good morning Father Steve.
Just wanted you to know I’m still thinking of you and praying to Our Holy Mother to hold you in her merciful hands and heal you.
Helping the little boy read is more of an accomplishment than you mentioned. I remember when I was that age, when our parish priests did those things. Our parish priests at that time were twins. We children all had a lot of fun guessing which was which, too!
You have a bit of a battle ahead…but I can see you are in to win..! So don’t forget..you have promises to keep…and miles to go before you sleep…and miles to go before you sleep..many, many miles..!
Our prayers are with you…!
Mia and Bob
Glad you are doing so well. ..Reading too, and with the children can be so rewarding for both you and them. I remember a good – life long friend and priest who read B’rer Rabbit to us kids when I was about 10 years old. It has been a family story now for the past forty years, and Msr. Mike Hazzard has been apart of our family for all those many years.
God bless you today Fr. Steve!!! Continue to find strength in the little things God puts in your path!
Father Steve
Yes, reading is so important for children. I still read a lot. love to read stories and the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the Ensign magazine. Even as I get older it helps me stay alert somewhat and the mind a little sharper. Glad your doing great and feeling better. Rest will help so much. Keep those kids smiling, and may God bless you as always my friend. Michael Clapper and Family!! loved the Kids Cards!
Fr. Steve,
You do SO well to leave such extensive and interesting blogs–they are truly wonderful!! You are an amazingly spiritual man, I just know you will recover. I pray for you and put your name on the prayer request list at our church weekly.
Lots of prayers and positive thoughts for you,
Pat D.
You are very inspirational Father Steve. I pray you receive the same courage, strength, and love you offer continually.
God bless always.
I enjoyed your comments today especially about the importance of reading. I am now retired but was formerly a reading teacher.
I always wished I could encourage parents and families to read, even having book material around for their kids to explore. Now the internet has alot of wonderful and fun things for kids to look at as well as to encourage reading and the development of reading skills.
So glad to see you so active physically and staying close to your extended family. That support they need and you need as well. You are doing all the right things and letting God happen in your life and those around you. Keep up the good work. This too will pass. Continue to put all your trust in Him.
As always my continued prayers,
Rozanne
Father Steve,
I am a prostate cancer survivor whose younger brother just survived a burst aneurysm/stroke/pneumonia event. His wife cannot fully take care of him now because she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. All the above is my way of saying that you are not alone. Years ago I went past the “why me?” question to a “why not?”.
May God give you the strength you need.
February 23, 2010 at 9:50PM
Dear Father Steve,
We are all blessed to know you and to be able to help you occasionally with your life’s work, St. Joseph’s school.
God loves you so much and so do the children you serve. Listen to your doctors and keep praying. I am praying for you and your health daily. My sister, JoAnn Raynor Hartwick, is a saint in heaven. Ask her to interceed for you in your need. She has such great capacity for love and caring; she will listen and do what she can.
God bless and keep you.
Fr. Steve, I have had house guests, but I finally got to read your blog today (March 4th) I continue to pray for you and do enjoy your updates.
Take care–lots of prayers for you,
Pat