St. Joseph's Indian School

Fr. Steve’s updates

We had more detailed discussions about the upcoming surgery, meeting with many of the specialists who will be available to help with the spine, blood vessels, urinary system and the sarcoma itself.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

I was in treatment or appointments from 8 – 6 today, which was very tiring.

We had more detailed discussions about the upcoming surgery, meeting with many of the specialists who will be available to help with the spine, blood vessels, urinary system and the sarcoma itself.

What’s scary is that – despite all the scans and tests they have – they really won’t know how extensive the damage is to those areas until they actually go in and remove the tumor. One doctor said, “We’re prepared for many different possibilities. We’re good at thinking on our feet, but basically we have to make it up as we go.”

The difference between best and worst cases is such a wide swing. The fact the tumor is shrinking is encouraging. Most days, I am optimistic and can find a silver lining.

Today was more sobering, facing the details of the serious nature of what is going on inside of me. These are the days I really need to walk with the Lord, trusting God to carry me through.

These are the days I really need to walk with the Lord,
trusting God to carry me through.

Fr. Steve’s updates

It’s inspiring when people leave here after successfully being treated. It’s tougher when occasionally the doctors tell a patient “there’s nothing more we can do for you here.”

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

It’s inspiring when people leave here after successfully being treated. It’s tougher when occasionally the doctors tell a patient “there’s nothing more we can do for you here.”

Tonight, I sat across from one family who got such sad news.

I promised to pray for them, but did not have words that could lift their sorrow and disappointment. I have been praying for them a lot, and the heaviness weighs upon me. We need faith and prayer, especially in the hard times when life isn’t going so well.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Before hitting the road back to the hospital, I stopped at St. Joseph’s health care center to see staff who have been good support through my medical issues.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Before hitting the road back to the hospital, I stopped at St. Joseph’s health care center to see staff who have been good support through my medical issues.

Then, I dropped by the Business Office to say hello to folks there who were beginning their work week. I said hello and goodbye almost in the same breath, yet I wanted to reconnect with the staff who work day in and day out to keep St. Joseph’s going.

Seeing a grin as I walked into an office or work area was great affirmation. Folks are genuinely concerned and shared their prayers and best wishes.

I was tired, and the drive back took a lot more out of me. I was able to get in a quick nap before treatment, which helped. I am finally starting to feel the fatigue from the cumulative effects of the radiation.

This was the first weekend I’ve been away from Hope Lodge, and it was my turn to be welcomed back and have folks at Hope Lodge asking about life and health. For only being together a few short weeks, we share a lot with each other on this journey.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Fr. Anthony and catechists have been working with this group of students all year to prepare them. They were both ready and excited. Bolstered by the families of the children who received sacraments of initiation, the church was full.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Today, we had a joyful celebration at church – 11 baptisms and 21 first communions!

After the round of photos, I heard one youngster remark there were so many flashing bulbs they felt like a Hollywood star. Our dining hall staff prepared a delicious dinner for everyone to share afterwards.

It was my privilege to be at the baptismal font, scooping water over their heads with both hands. Besides making sure they clearly heard the words, I made sure they’d remember getting good and wet!

We hope the spiritual side of our programs helps give these young people an anchor for the future. When times get tough in life, I pray they will have God’s strength to call and draw upon.

Fisher & Stevens Homes had a cookout this evening and invited me to join them.

The constant South Dakota wind announced her presence by blowing our plates around as soon as hot dogs and BBQ were no longer there to weigh them down. Sitting around the picnic tables and talking with students and staff felt relaxing and familiar.

When I’m away, I miss those moments!

Fr. Steve’s updates

Back at St. Joseph’s for the weekend! I didn’t always find out a lot new because the conversation quickly turned to my treatments and prognosis. It would have been easier to share all at once, but in each home I repeated the process.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Back at St. Joseph’s for the weekend!

It’s been four weeks since I’ve been gone. It felt so good to sleep in my own bedroom.

Even better was the chance to enjoy the warm sunny day by walking around campus and stopping in at many of the homes to visit students and houseparents and find out how they’re doing.

I didn’t always find out a lot new because the conversation quickly turned to my treatments and prognosis. It would have been easier to share all at once, but in each home I repeated the process.

Staff have been concerned about me and praying for me and seemed relieved that I’m able to be out and about and still have energy and an upbeat spirit. And, God willing I’ll be back in a couple of weeks to make the rounds more regularly.

I only encountered four girls in the Summerlee Home, but saw a softball and gloves in the yard and quickly organized a little batting practice. When pitching to younger kids, the challenge of pitching is not to try to get it past them, but to try to figure out where they swing so the ball has a better chance of hitting the bat.

Since they started intramural games last week, a few of the girls looked like batting champs!

Fr. Steve’s updates

When someone finishes the last of their radiation treatments they are invited to give the bell a ring – a sign of celebration, hope, and probably also relief!

Friday, April 9, 2010

On the wall of the radiation waiting room is a bell.

When someone finishes the last of their radiation treatments they are invited to give the bell a ring – a sign of celebration, hope, and probably also relief!

When I first started radiation I was in a waiting room full of strangers, but as the weeks go on, I know more and more of the faces here. Several of the folks reside with me at Hope Lodge, and the time waiting passes quickly as we chat and catch up with each other.

Today, Gene from Oklahoma and Tony from Illinois finished their treatments and a group of us showed up in support as they rang the bell.

Tony had his wife on the cell phone so she could hear the joyful peals. Gene let out a loud YIPPEE! It sounded like a cook calling the cowpokes in for dinner!

We took pictures and had hugs and handshakes all around. I’m impressed by the spirit of camaraderie, and seeing others finish up gives all the rest of us hope.

I’m impressed by the spirit of camaraderie,
and seeing others finish up gives all the rest of us hope.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I am so thankful for our many donors who make sacrifices for the children so we have the resources to run our programs and meet the needs of our students and the outreach programs on the reservations

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Back at St. Joseph’s, our board of directors met today. It felt odd not to be leading the agenda. I had treatment and consultations in the morning, so I had to limit my participation to phoning in during the afternoon.

Our budget for next year was approved. Many charities have really suffered through the economic downturn, but we’ve continued to be blessed with good resources.

I am so thankful for our many donors who make sacrifices for the children so we have the resources to run our programs and meet the needs of our students and the outreach programs on the reservations.

A youth group from the Lutheran church, mostly junior high students, served us supper tonight. I was impressed with the seventh grade boy who made the tater tot casserole on his own.

One of the girls pulled out a prayer card and did a quick interview with me so she knew who she was going to be praying for. The church organist played some lively tunes on the piano.

I was impressed with the way the chaperones and youth minister encouraged the young people to interact and mingle – and to teach them the value of reaching out to others.

I’m starting to feel the fatigue factor so many people said I would encounter by the third week. Energy has deserted me.

But, I know friends, family and the Lord will not desert me, which gives me strength to keep going.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I passed the half-way point in my radiation treatments – 13 down and 12 to go. I met with my radiologist to review how things are going. I asked about the sun-burned look of some patients, but since my radiation is directed deep inside, that probably won’t happen with me.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Today, I passed the half-way point in my radiation treatments – 13 down and 12 to go.

I met with my radiologist to review how things are going. I asked about the sun-burned look of some patients, but since my radiation is directed deep inside, that probably won’t happen with me.

My side effects remain light and manageable, so the consultation was fairly short. While my doctors are pleased that it’s going well so far, I am thrilled.

We also have a date for surgery – May 25. The bad part is I’ll miss 8th grade graduation. But, I finish radiation April 23, and I get to be back on campus for a full month of all the end-of-the-year activities that fill up the last weeks of the school year.

Jim, another man from Chamberlain, is also here for treatments. We ran into each other in the halls of the hospital today. It was nice to see a familiar face and catch up on some news from back home!

Fr. Steve’s updates

At our Tuesday night potluck all the people who’ve arrived in the last week stand up and introduce themselves. Anyone who is finishing their treatments and is preparing to go home also gets the chance to impart a few words of wisdom to the group.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Bob, from Nevada, was here for over two months. Because of distance, he didn’t get to go home on weekends. But, he made the best of his time and leaves with many new friends.

He advised all of us to get out of our rooms and down to the common areas, where you meet folks from all different backgrounds and professions. One of his favorite new friends was the man who vowed to make at least 5 people smile every day – and usually easily accomplished that by lunch time.

We are our brothers and sisters’ keepers, and caring for one another is what we’re made for.

We are our brothers and sisters’ keepers,
and caring for one another is what we’re made for.

Fr. Steve’s updates

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.

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.