My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

    "Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield.  For in God our hearts rejoice; in your holy name we trust.  May your kindness, Lord, be upon us; we have put our hope in you."  (Ps 33)

Another couple of weeks have passed since I last updated you on my progress.  It has been a real "rollercoaster" of a couple of weeks.  I had my first bout with GVHD - a condition that comes with a Bone Marrow Transplant - got it under control with strong doses of steroids, overcame the side-effects of that, began to increase my energy and strength, and then, yesterday, showed signs of the GVHD coming back again.  So, today it's back on the high doses of steroids and begin the waiting game once again.  The good news in all of this is, as my doctor put it: "If you've got Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) then you know the Transplant is taking, your system didn't reject it or defeat it."  It's just a matter of time.  So the routine continues:  Up early for prayer, Mass, something to eat, off to the Outpatient clinic for blood and other tests, usually some IV hydration, and then back home.  I'm walking every day so that when I do get back to St. Paul I'll be ready and rarin' to go.  Believe me when I say I'm READY!

Yesterday my mail from St. Paul arrived. This is always a day of joy for me.  Today, for some reason, I was powerfully struck by how awesome it is that you so faithfully take the time to express your support, prayers, and love.  I realized what a genuine effort it is to get out and by the card, drop it off or mail it, share a part of your life with me, and look to my needs in this time.  I am touched deeply because with each name I read I also know the person, and many of the struggles you are going through at the same time as I.  I know that you are suffering your own illnesses and diseases; longing for estranged, lost, or suffering children; mourning the loss of loved ones near and far; striving to make ends meet and share with those you love all the good things of life and of eternal life.  I was simply and powerfully struck by how much we really are all in this together.  We are One Body - One people - One Church.  How fortunate we are to have each other.  How fortunate we are to be one in Christ!  Continue to support and strengthen one another.  Your support for me has been a joy beyond compare or imagining.  I will see you soon.

"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage; He will strengthen thine heart."

Peace

Fr. Rick