Monday, April 5, 2010
When Brother Clay left this morning, he made sure I had the large box with my mail from the past three weeks.
Again, I’ve received piles of get well cards and letters. People share their own struggles to overcome, offer prayers and hope, advice and recipes, cartoons and pictures, prayer books and medals, and even some original art work.
I was torn between reading through them and watching the White Sox opening day on TV. So, I did both.
Baseball is a leisurely game, and doesn’t require constant attention, so I sat down in the common room with my box and started reading. When the game got exciting, I paid closer attention, and during the lulls, I read a few more notes.
Some were from names I recognized right away, but many shared this common sentiment – “although we’ve never met, through your letters I feel like we’re old friends and I just wanted you to know we’re thinking of you …”
There are so many folks who, over the years, have been such a blessing to St. Joseph’s and now are a real blessing to me.
I had the first seven innings to myself and the letters. The last two innings, I was joined by a couple of other sports fans who came back from their treatments; the talk turned more to baseball and a little to sharing our medical stories.
My team won, and it was a lovely way to spend a good part of the afternoon.
Tch tch..There you go..multitasking AGAIN..!
Well, okay. It’s good exercise for your brain..!
Aside from that, your fans out here have missed you for these couple od days..but now we are smiling again.
Stay out of trouble..! D’ya h’yar..?
:>)..
Hugs..Mia and Bob
Father Steve,
A belated Happy Easter. May the renewal and the new spring that comes with Easter provide you with the strength as you
continue your treatments in preparation for your upcoming surgery. Know that we are with you as you continue down the
road to a new beginning with this disease behind you. With Holy Week behind you, look forward to the coming Sundays
and days ahead with strength.
You are in our prayers,
Marc and Liz Rosen
Alpharetta, Georgia
I received a cancer diagnosis and had surgery about 4 years ago. I am doing well.
Cancer and Easter time have one thing in common in that they are both about making
personal journeys. Your journey and Christ’s journey. You find yourself doing things that are very difficult, maybe questioning your trust in yourself and in the future. Hopefully, your faith in God does not become an issue. I wanted to write you this brief message about staying as strong as an anchoring rock as you can. BUT
also know when to ask for help from others and when to delegate duties if you can.
You are doing such good work.
Where I am we have a free angency for cancer support called Gilda’s Club. See
http://www.gildasclubseattle.org They focus on education,communication,nutrition, socialization,art, movies,sharing, participation, volunteering, knitting,exercise. Going there helped me immensely in my recovery. See what you can do along these lines for yourself. I have also worked the last 10 years in a cancer pathology lab. I have a unique perspective
on this illness and would welcome further comments. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Take care of yourself. You are important
to many people.
Arian
Fr. Steve,
Glad you had a pleasant Easter experience. I find that after going through a “cancer experience”, lots of things and ideas change for a person. For one thing I am so much more appreciative of the things I experience and I am so thankful for the people around me and my family.
You have great faith which is SO important, best wishes for you, and as always–many, many prayers for your healing.
Pat Dobrowski
Have just learned of your illness and am praying for you and for the children and staff at the school in your absence. May you continue to find hope, peace, and blessings in every day.
Charlotte Jones
Fredericksburg, Virginia
JMJ / MMM 16 April 2010 100416
Dear Father Steve —
Be assured that you continue to be held in prayer in Jesus and Mary .. in the Trinity.
Strange! There are two things I have never heard a sermon on (and I will soon be 80).
1– “… and love your neighbor AS YOURSELF.” Just how do we love ourself? I know but I’ve never a sermon on it.
2– “…the things I do you also shall do, AND GREATER THAN THESE SHALL YOU DO.” Now there’s a real puzzler. Never heard a sermon about it — or an explanation of it for that matter.
Father Steve, you are LOVED! and prayed for.
John (and Kathleen) Farren
Dear Fr. Steve,
God be with you. It is good some of the treatment is over and you may return to being a little stronger.
Phyllis Aquino