Tag: healing

Staff update on Fr. Steve

Fr. Steve continues to recover from his surgery with the usual and expected side effects. He was up a few times yesterday. Today, he is taking things easier.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Greetings once again from Fr. Bill!

While I am planning to return to Chamberlain later today or tomorrow morning, Fr. Steve’s parents will remain with him until Tuesday or so. He has more family arriving tomorrow to spend the weekend with him. One of us from his SCJ family will return on Tuesday.

Fr. Steve continues to recover from his surgery with the usual and expected side effects. He was up a few times yesterday. Today, he is taking things easier.  His doctors want him to have more rest before doing too much walking.

Pre-op, Fr. Steve hoped to be in the hospital 5-7 days, but the doctor told him yesterday it would be more like 7-10 days.  We know how our plans change when we are in the hospital, etc!

At times, it is easy to forget Fr. Steve has had very major surgery and requires more recovery time.  He is very willing to do whatever the doctors, nurses and others ask him to do.

All of us deeply appreciate your prayers and thoughts for his recovery.  Please continue to pray for him, his parents and his care team during this special time of recovery.

Fr. Steve and I were with you – students and staff – in prayer during this morning’s graduation ceremonies!

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, please remember all those who have, or currently are, serving our country.

Staff update on Fr. Steve

Fr. Steve and his family are so grateful for the many prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. I’m sure he will be happy to see his brother and his family when they visit from Chicago this weekend.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Fr. Bill here again …

Fr. Steve’s recovery continues to go well … praise be to the Lord. This morning he was up for the first time, took a few steps and was able to sit in a chair for a short while. He still cannot eat anything but ice chips and drink a little water. Needless to say he is not talking much because of his dry mouth.

Fr. Steve and his family are so grateful for the many prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. I’m sure he will be happy to see his brother and his family when they visit from Chicago this weekend.

Prayers and blessings to you for your interest in Fr. Steve’s recovery.

Staff update on Fr. Steve

There will still be another hour before Fr. Steve will be finished with surgery; then, there’s recovery time before being moved to the critical care unit.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Fr. Bill here …

It is just about 11 PM.  We just finished speaking with Fr. Steve’s main surgeon.

There will still be another hour before Fr. Steve will be finished with surgery; then, there’s recovery time before being moved to the critical care unit.

His doctor was pleased with the surgery and indicated that the mass took quite a bit longer to remove than expected.  She was confident that they were able to remove it all without removing any bones, major arteries or nerves.

We thank God that there are no major complications with his surgery. As his doctor mentioned, Fr. Steve is going to be quite sore for a time after this surgery.

Due to the lateness of the hour, Fr. Steve will be transferred to the recovery hospital around midday tomorrow. He will remain in critical care until he is ready to move to a regular surgical recovery unit. We will keep you posted regarding his recovery progress.

Fr. Steve’s dad and mom continue to express their gratitude to God for the capable hands during his surgery and for the prayers of so many who have been praying for him over these past several months, especially during this very long day for us all.

On their behalf, we thank you for all your support, love and prayers.  We can go home now, tired from the day and rest well with grateful hearts that all has gone as well as possible for Fr. Steve’s surgery.  THANKS BE TO GOD!

Fr. Steve’s updates

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.

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.

Fr. Steve’s updates

While I’m lying on the table receiving radiation, I’ve found myself using those 15 minutes for prayer. Some are petitions as I think about family and friends who need strength to face their own struggles. Some are just moments of thanks for the blessings that come my way each day.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

While I’m lying on the table receiving radiation, I’ve found myself using those 15 minutes for prayer. Some are memorized prayers I’ve said since I was a child. Some are petitions as I think about family and friends who need strength to face their own struggles. Some are just moments of thanks for the blessings that come my way each day.

And, I pray for healing. Instead of the treatments increasing my anxiety level, I come away refreshed and blessed.

Tonight for Holy Thursday, I con-celebrated mass at the local parish. Sometimes it’s difficult to find people willing to get their feet washed, but here many folks eagerly participated. That ritual does inspire in me compassion and renews God’s call to service.

This community attracts people from all over the world, and the prayer intentions reflected that. Parish members offered their petitions in English, Arabic, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Lingala, Gaelic and Spanish. Despite our differences, we’re all united as members of God’s family.