South Dakota – Page 56 – St. Joseph's Indian School

Walking for cancer – a whole new meaning

Last year was the first time I was able to participate as a supporter, and was very moved by the whole event. Little did I imagine that one year later I’d be wearing a survivor’s shirt.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Today was a memorable day in three ways:

Brother Clay’s vow renewal
Shooting a TV interview
Taking part in Chamberlain’s Relay for Life

Brother Clay renews annual vows
When first joining the SCJ’s, one must profess annual vows for at least three years before being eligible for Final Vows. This gives you the chance to really decide if this vocation is where you find meaning and are fulfilled.

This morning we went to the downtown parish for mass, and were joined by two of the SCJ priests in Lower Brule as well. Before Fr. Bill, Clay renewed his vows and prayed an act of oblation. Watching his fervor, I prayed that I can recapture more of the passion I had in my early days; to give myself more fully to God. Afterward we all went out to breakfast at Casey’s restaurant.

Brule band member visits St. Joseph’s
Paul LaRouche of the musical group Brule produces a TV show for RFD TV. It is called Hidden Heritage. Paul is from the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. He was adopted as an infant, and never knew of his heritage and roots until he was an adult. His show highlights positive projects and people in Indian country.

Brule performs around the country, and Paul has been asked many times about
St. Joseph Indian School. He figured what we do here would make an interesting feature. Paul has known about St. Joseph’s since childhood – remembering pictures stuck to the refrigerator in his home.

We sat outside to take advantage of the lovely day, and Paul put me right at ease during the interview. I gave an overview of our programs. We don’t have many students on campus these last weeks of summer, but three of our high school students who are working here were able to show him around and talk about their experience.

When we were touring the museum, visitors found out who Paul was. There were a few who immediately bought one of his CD’s to have autographed.

Chamberlain’s Relay for Life
The last event of the day was the Relay for Life … to remember those who have died from cancer and celebrate those who have survived. Last year was the first time I was able to participate as a supporter, and was very moved by the whole event. Little did I imagine that one year later I’d be wearing a survivor’s shirt and walking the first lap with others who have done battle with cancer and come out on top.

The festivities were cut short when a big storm rolled in and sent everyone scattering for cover. We got pea and marble sized hail and heavy winds. A full but wonderful day all around.

Fr. Steve walking at the Relay for Life — Fr. Steve walking during Friday's Relay for Life photo courtesy of Chamberlain/Oacoma Sun

Helping children and youth flourish

I used to walk to church every day, but now it takes too long, and I miss not being about to leisurely soak in the break of morn. I also mourn the limits of not walking as well as I would like.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

I drove to mass this morning with the windows rolled down; the land smelled fresh and new after a heavy night’s rain. I used to walk to church every day, but now it takes too long, and I miss not being about to leisurely soak in the break of morn. I also mourn the limits of not walking as well as I would like.

I only had one meeting today. I spent a lot of time in the office to begin working on schedules and calendar events. The new school year isn’t that far away.

For the last 6 months, it really has been one day at a time. But I’m starting to think long term again – in a good and healthy way. When I’m aware of important events coming down the road, I am more likely to do the preparation that makes them more successful.

This evening the folks in our dining hall held a baby shower for a couple on staff who recently had twins. Karla works in the kitchen; Brenton in our Rec Center. The girls were born two months early, spending their first five weeks in the hospital. They’re tiny, but lovely. I think of babies as one of God’s greatest miracles. Yet I also see their dependence and remember the responsibility it puts on all of us to build a society where all children (and adults, too!) can flourish.

Sharing our struggles

I called Fr. Jim, a fellow SCJ, to check in. He’s been of great support during this time of illness and recuperation.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Sharon, a friend of one of our houseparents, dropped in to share an idea. She had the text from the apology to American Indians Congress passed in December. What she has done with people is gather them together, read through what is said, and then talk about it as a group. Folks were encouraged to share their reaction.

There were tears, a little anger, but mostly gratitude for a new beginning. It may work out well to do something similar with our older students … to make them aware of the past, but also present efforts at healing and reconciliation.

Last night my leg was hurting and I didn’t sleep well. That turned my post lunch siesta into a three hour deep sleep that I needed; but that shot the entire afternoon. I just have to pay attention to what my body needs and accept it when I’m forced to slow down.

I called Fr. Jim, a fellow SCJ, to check in. He’s been of great support during this time of illness and recuperation. I can be honest with him about the times I lack energy and motivation. Ironically, it helps rekindle the fire within. We all need people with whom we can share the struggles.

Welcoming St. Joseph’s visitors

I started the day at the eye doctor for my bi-annual exam. I wondered if the surgery or medications would have any effect on my eyesight.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

I started the day at the eye doctor for my bi-annual exam. I wondered if the surgery or medications would have any effect on my eyesight. I’m happy to report I got a clean bill of health there … nice to know part of me is still in good working order.

Part of small town life is many people know your story. I didn’t know the technician very well who first saw me, but she didn’t have to ask if I’d had any changes in my health history. She knew all about the cancer because I’d been on their prayer list at church.

Later in the day, some visitors stopped in at the museum. One couple from Ohio had called ahead weeks ago and I planned time to see them. Another group from Tennessee just dropped in and toured the museum and campus until I was done with afternoon meetings.

People ask such insightful questions about our school and programs when they visit and appreciate seeing where their donations go. One of the folks from Tennessee – fairly new to St. Joseph’s – said, “I had to see if it was real.”

Because of distance so many of our donors don’t get the chance to see the campus up close and personal. But we enjoy seeing folks who are able to make the trek.

Cancer-free at last checkup

My main complaint is pain in the nerves of my right foot. The doctors say that will take some months to heal.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Tina, St. Joseph’s Receptionist, reminded me that periodically I need to give a ‘how are you feeling’ update on the blog. Apparently that’s what many people call to find out.

My main complaint is pain in the nerves of my right foot. The doctors say that will take some months to heal. In the meantime, it’s tiring to stand for more than about ten minutes … when I walk, it’s with a limp.

I’m not ready to sprint to first base anytime soon. The medicines I take make me sleepy during the day, and I don’t sleep a full night’s rest. But I’ve been cancer-free since my last checkup, and I’ll get checked over again in September.

Today I was back at the office after a full week of being away. On my bad days I dread the backlog of phone calls and mail. On my good days I see them as opportunities of grace since I’m in contact with many diverse people from all over the country. Instead of grumbling about the interruptions in what I had “planned” to do, I need to always humbly see all those connections as part of God’s plan for the day.

I’ll take my small triumphs!

Consider it either a small triumph or an act of craziness, but I was up early and completed my first entire yoga workout since the surgery.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Consider it either a small triumph or an act of craziness, but I was up early and completed my first entire yoga workout since the surgery.

My foot has hurt a lot from where the nerves were cut; other muscles are sore from lack of use. So it’s necessary to loosen them up and use them.

“There’s something very spiritual
about praying with one shoe!”

I was in the chapel praying morning prayers and had kicked off my right shoe because it doesn’t hurt as much that way. Fr. Matt walked by and looked in and quipped, “There’s something very spiritual about praying with one shoe!” A good laugh to start my morning.

My 55 mile trip to Promise, South Dakota for mass was peaceful and meditative as I looked over the hills and river valleys. In places you can see ten miles or more onto the prairie. With clouds and sunshine and shades of grass it never looks the same twice.

Twenty people were in church, and I knew everyone’s name. When I was in the parish, if someone wasn’t sitting in their pew, you usually knew the reason … they were either visiting relatives or were muddied in! After mass we stayed a full hour in the hall – telling stories, laughing and catching up.

The road back to the highway home was 28 miles of gravel. I didn’t come across any other cars. There’s some wide open spaces out here. I had a baseball game on the radio to keep me company so the three hour trip home passed quickly and enjoyably.

The long road back …

I took it easy today; slept in and decided to stay around the rectory. I had a few phone calls from folks who didn’t get the chance to see me, and two people dropped by to say hello.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

I took it easy today; slept in and decided to stay around the rectory.

I had a few phone calls from folks who didn’t get the chance to see me, and two people dropped by to say ‘hello’.

Mildred presented me with two beautiful star quilted pillows. “This is gift of thanksgiving that you made it through your surgery,” she said, “and I’m praying for your continued healing.”

Romey also wanted to check in. His first question was not about my health, but he asked, “How are those Bears going to do this year?” We talked a little football and a little family … in a way that was so familiar and comfortable.

The Saturday evening mass in Eagle Butte brought some more reunions. One Sunday a month the parish celebrates that month’s birthdays. We had a potluck and birthday cake and chance to hang around for fellowship.

One young man came to church after having been away for eight years. “What is it that brought you back today?,” I asked. “Emptiness,” he answered, “and wanting something more.”

I knew him when he was a child growing up in Cherry Creek, and he couldn’t believe I remembered hiking up to Holy Hill with him and groups of youngsters led by Sister Cheri. We’d look for tinpsila (wild turnips) and give the kids some fun time away from struggles they may be having in their homes. He has been struggling with drugs and alcohol, and I know it’s a long road back. I encouraged him to keep on the good road, and continue to look for people who can be of support and encouragement.

The healing power of laughter and friendship

With my presence at yesterday’s public events, word got out around the community that I’m in town, and folks that I hadn’t yet seen started stopping by the rectory to say hello.

Friday, July 16, 2010

With my presence at yesterday’s public events, word got out around the community that I’m in town … Folks that I hadn’t seen yet started stopping by the rectory to say hello.

Judy came while I was away at mass, so afterward I tracked her down at the arts and crafts fair. We had a good visit while she was setting up all the quilts and pillows she’s sown.

Judy lives on a ranch about 15 miles off the paved roads. During the winter and rainy seasons she may go several weeks without getting to town, and that’s her time to channel her creative energies into such beautiful items.

I also received calls to make some other stops. I visited the bank and hung out in the break room as workers came by in shifts and got the chance to catch up. I visited a couple that was so good to me ever since the first summer I arrived in Eagle Butte 30 years ago. With health issues they don’t get out much, but are still sharp and delighted at the company.

For lunch, I ate at the Senior Center. They always have a nutritious meal; but more importantly a place for the elders of the community to come for some friendship and company. What I noticed this time was that many of the elders I remember were not there any longer, and a new generation of folks I remember have now joined the ranks of elderly. I had several good conversations.

Later, I stopped at Landmark Hall where people were registering for the school reunion. I ran into some dear friends there.

In the evening a family invited me over to their house for supper. I got to meet the newest generation of the clan. What I told them I most appreciated, besides the good food, was the laughter as they told stories about one another and life’s events.

Laughter and friendship is one of the most healing things.

God’s grace for all

To kick off the Eagle Butte centennial, the Pony Express and several wagon trains rolled into town. Each encounter with people, even the small ones, can be a lasting occasion of God’s grace.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

To kick off the Eagle Butte centennial, the Pony Express and several wagon trains rolled into town. Riders left the capital in Pierre early in the morning and rode 2 and 3 mile legs across country to deliver the mail to the main street just before supper.

The governor sent a proclamation proclaiming “Eagle Butte Centennial Days” and the saddle bag that passed between over 30 riders also contained a copy of the first Eagle Butte newspaper and letters to various towns folk. Afterward, everyone gathered in the tent set up on the main street for a BBQ buffalo feed.

In the evening, folks in town held a talent show. Singing karaoke – including a few guitar players – kept the songs and claps of appreciation rolling throughout the night. I wandered through the tent, saying hello to old friends and meeting youngsters who have been born since I was last in town.

It’s surprising to me which folks are most excited when they see me; the folks I worked closely with on altar society or parish projects, or walked with them through a family death or illness that I know will have lots to say. But there were several young adults that I remember as children that I only had occasional interaction with … yet some remember me as a long lost friend that was good to them and their family. You never know the impact you make, or the seeds you plant.

Each encounter with people, even the small ones, can be a lasting occasion of God’s grace.

Bringing Gospel values to Indian reservations

Social services is such a concrete way of embodying gospel values; therefore I want to be as supportive of this work as I can.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A youth group from Mequon, WI is here in the parish. One crew is running a Jesus mini camp/ Bible school for area children. Another is building a handicap accessible ramp for the church in Red Scaffold. It’s inspirational to see these young people living out their faith and taking the time to learn about the Lakota culture.

Last night Young Nation, a local high school Lakota drum group, explained and demonstrated their singing and drumming to their counterparts from Wisconsin. They got the reluctant teens to try their hand (or feet) at a round dance and a two-step.

Most interesting was the demonstration of courtship songs the young men sang. I saw many of the Wisconsin girls listening quite intently! It was a good evening of cultural exchange.

Besides the visiting, one piece of work on my schedule while here in Eagle Butte was a Board of Directors meeting for the Sacred Heart Center, one of the outreach programs of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. It provides many valuable services to families experiencing the crisis of domestic violence. It gives young people in need of a safe place to stay. It also offers a variety of educational and outreach services to the community and area.

While St. Joseph’s Indian School provides excellent programs for children who are away from their families, it’s so important to try to strengthen families on the Indian reservations. Social services is such a concrete way of embodying Gospel values; therefore I want to be as supportive of this work as I can.