Monday, March 22, 2010
My first radiation treatment was easy and uneventful. I’m told it usually takes a couple of weeks for the more irritating side effects to start to kick in.
The nurses put some relaxing music on the speaker as I laid still in the forms molded to keep me from moving around. Fifteen minutes later, I walked out the door to enjoy a sunny spring day, not feeling in any way different.
I was talking to Bob, one of the other patients here at Hope Lodge. He spoke of how, at first, people most appreciate the financial savings staying here allows. But the far more important part, he explained, is the sense of community and support.
“On your good days you can help others through, and on your bad days, no matter what you’re going through, you can find somebody that can identify, advise or help.”
So needed over the long haul!
I’m so used to helping others. It’s different when I’m the recipient.
A group came in tonight and prepared a huge meal for all the residents here. Different church groups and charities do that regularly. The festive food and atmosphere gave the dining hall a party atmosphere and helped people mingle and get to know one another.
There you go, again, “Partying”..! You sure do know how to make good lemonade out of the lemons you get handed..!Father Steve, you are a sweetheart..! And every day, your
daily update finds its way to us, and we are waiting to see it..and we feel your friendship..your love for God’s creation…and we share your personhood..as if you were someone we grew up with..! You fill a place in our lives where something..or someone… has been missing for a long time..
Sooo..THANK YOU..
Don’t take any wooden nikkels..!
Mia and Bob
JMJ / MMM 23 March 2010 100323
Dear Father Steve, Brother in Christ —
You seem to be in good earthly hands! Always in God’s hands! I hope & pray that the “nasty” days will be far less nasty than predicted. And we (I say “we” because, although separated, Katie and I are truly one, one prays, both pray) we continue to pray for a complete healing for you .. because you are needed by so many who love you. // Please, I want to share with you these words, based on ISAIAH 43, that I often use with hospital patients when I’m bring Holy Communion to them >>> “Now this says the Lord to you/ He Who created you/ He Who formed you/ Fear not, for I have Loved you/ I have called you, Steve. You are Mine/ When you pass through the deep waters/ I the Lord God/ will clasp your right hand/ and I will walk with you/ The waters shall not overwhelm you/ When you walk through fire/ I the Lord God/ will clasp your right hand/ and I will walk with you/ The flames shall not destroy you/ For I am the Lord your God/ the Holy One/ your Savior./ You are precious in My Eyes/ and honored/ and I Love you!/ Fear not, for I am with you.” /// I, and Katie too, send our love and prayers. John
So happy that you have such a wonderful place and supportive network of friends! It will make all the difference in your recovery. My prayers continue for you and the children at St. Joseph’s!
JOIN THE CLUB FR STEVE I TOO PREFERE TO HELP NOT BE HELPED. GOT TO DO CATERACT APRIL 13 NOT HAPPY NEVEN
Dr. Steve,
I so enjoy your updates…the ups and downs of fighting this disease reminds us all of our humanity. If the church people up there cook like the church ladies in Texas, it’s a good thing you can get a little walking in!!
You have spent your life in service to others, and while I know it’s a difficult thing, let others return the favor! God bless you Fr. Steve. Think of you and pray for you daily.
Our prayers are with you Father Steve. Enjoyed meeting you and the Lakota Children at the PowPow last year. Keep the Faith. Be careful too much partying not good.
Dear Fr. Steve,
So happy to hear that you’re doing well. Also happy to hear that you are making friends and having a good time in the face of aversity.
May you always find the silver lining within each cloud sent your way. Our prayers continue to be with you at this time.
Nancy & Kenny
Dear Fr. Steve, I wish you well everyday. The school needs you. My prayers and thoughts are for you. My first contact with your school was 38 years ago after I graduated from college and began my teaching career in West Virginia. I remember it was a mission then. I send donations when I can. Since my own children are more on their own, I find more to give. This is my first visit on line, and I find your site very interesting. Keep up the good work for the children. God bless you. Cyndi Orlando
Dear Fr. Steve,
You remain in our prayers for a complete healing as well as the strength to remain strong and of good courage during this time. As one who also has/is facing life threatening disease/illness… I can surely relate to what you are feeling. It brings such peace to know that we belong to a loving and caring Father- who hears us in our greatest despair..and takes the time to comfort us. I can remember feeling overwhelmed with uncertainy when I received my initial diagnosis- but once I totally turned it all over to Him- and decided that life or die, I would serve Him the remainder of my days- I received such peace.. it has been a source of comfort for our family and a tremendous testimony of His love to my doctors. Four years later, I am still here…but not the same person I was before. It was a journey, but one well worth the cost. You will remain in our prayers our dear brother in Christ.
May your day be filled with peace, joy and comfort-
Robert & Stephanie
You remain in my prayers Father Steve, as Our Holy Mother holds you in the palm of her dear hand.
You’ve almost got your first week done. Praying with and for you.
Leah
As always,you are in my prayers and the prayers of my circle of friends and family. I hope to meet you and hopefully make it out there for the Pow-wow in September. In the meantime, God bless you and keep you.