Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Slowly I’m tidying things up and trying to get things in order as the Friday checkout time draws near. My appointments will pick up in the next couple of days, but today was a quiet one after early morning radiation. I have great plans and energy when I start the day, yet it’s a struggle of the will to make the effort and accomplish what I hope to.
The scriptures from Acts of the Apostles the past days have been about Saint Stephen’s faith during trial: “Into your hands I commend my spirit, O Lord.” I strive for more of that kind of attitude each day.
But when facing serious illness it’s easy to get caught up in angst and worry. It’s harder to keep hope afloat and love alive. Yet that’s God’s calling.
Tonight was the last Tuesday potluck. I’m not a fancy cook, but roast beef that simmers all day in the crock pot always comes out tender and tasty, so that was my contribution.
Those of us who finish treatment this week got the chance to share a few words with those who remain, and have been part of our journey. My life in religious community has been my greatest support over the years. Being part of Hope Lodge has also been a positive experience of community – a time of mutual listening, sharing and support. For that I am most thankful.
We thrive when experiencing such care and it’s up to all of us to make it happen wherever we find ourselves.
LORD, WE ASK YOU WALK CLOSELY WITH Fr. STEVE. AS HE IS ASKING PRAYER FOR HIMSELF I AM ONLY GLAD TO IN CHRIST JESUS LORD OF LORDS> AMEN REV NEV
Our prayer is your constant companion. Hoefully this week will pass quickly and you will again be on the road to recovery.
I told my husband this morning that I feel a cancer death personally diminishes me and a healing from cancer brings me the greatest joy. He told me I was ferocious
today, like a tiger in a small cage. but I thought I should type to encourage your healing, maybe in a letter too long for a blog.or too intense.Forgive me. I wanted to say that the healing road back is a long road, as well. I think my cancer is gone, but I have arthritis now. The body continues to be weak, show weakness, even though a whole bunch of strengthening and nourishment has gone on. I don’t want you to give up or become discouraged. I believe
I am a better person now, because of the cancer. I like myself more, I value life
and other people more. I sort of believe that cancer patients are spiritually given seeds in their hands to plant out there in life, within other people,out into the future and it doesn’t matter how long that cancer person lives or how much that person seems to accomplish. That person was supposed to listen to his/her body, to slow down and listen to others and then reach out to the goodness in God and that within
other people and try to express themselves
and that goodness somehow. One of the most important things I learned was to stop wasting time. Another was don’t give too much energy to fear. I have my seeds in my hand, and I try not to waste them. I salute your journey. It is rowing out into the darkness in a little boat or it is like being a long distance runner. Never forget
that you matter, and others depend on you.
There are always ways to regain strength, encourage eating, have a sense of humor,
give yourself and your family a break.
I’m sending you an address for a Native
gathering here end of May:
PennCoveWaterFestival.com
WhidbeyCamanoIslands.com
I’m taking my drum, although I might not play. I’ve played in the woods a lot last year.It helped me deal with many things. When a friend said that a lot of my songs
were prayers I realized that honoring life,the life force in all things,was somthing I was supposed to spend my remaining time doing. I felt less angry
and more hopeful and less hurtful(in more than one way)and more joyous.I wish that for you on your journey.
My friends wanted me to tell you,to try to make you laugh, that they called me a red onion the other day. They said that I am red on the outside and white on the inside because I am white mostly and sometimes more red than they are.And then I said that maybe I was a turnip or a rutabaga. Finally we decided that I am a radish. Much laughing all around. I have been planting these things this week in my garden.Much smiling coming to you from the Pacific Northwest.Forgive our weird sense of humor.
Take care,
Arian
Five weeks ago, five weeks sounded awfully long…but look where you are now..! You are almost home…with the five weeks behind you. WE think you are flying..! NO ONE COULD HAVE DONE THIS BETTER..!
Our prayers are out there..a weapon (rosary) in every room and every hand..!
Hang in there..!
Hugs,Mia and Bob
Dear Father Steve:
Read your update this day and had signed off and gone back to my computer’s home page when inadvertantly it went to another page instead, which had the following quote on it. I believe it was meant for you:
Every trial endured and weathered in a right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.
James Buckham
Praying for you daily.