Thursday, March 31, 2011

PER OUR CUSTOM, FATHER OLIVER'S LAST FULL DAY WILL INCLUDE A SPECIAL FAREWELL DINNER...........

As my post amputation, rehabilitation, convalescent, nine day visit by Fr. Oliver arrives at its last full day, we will have an intentionally leisurely day winding down together, touching base primarily telephonically with a handful of more people who know Fr. Oliver, but whom we were not able to see or spend time with.  We will square away some of my continuing medicinal needs, getting prescriptions refilled, etc., and then tonight, we will honor the custom we have done our best to maintain through the past two decades and have a one on one dinner in a special restaurant.  In tonight's instance I have chosen our dining location based on the conversations we have had during his stay with me and the desires he has expressed for a further experience of Sacramento.  Our day will open with my presiding at the 8 am parish Mass, followed by my standing exercise physical therapy after breakfast and then a morning shower with Ollie's observation of my transferring from the wheelchair across the transfer board onto the shower bench, and then returning in reverse to my bed to dress myself.  After going to Walgreen's to take care of my refills, we will contact a remaining short list of mutual friends, with my apologies up front to anyone who we do communicate with, but the brevity and focus of Fr. Oliver's special purpose visit to me, made impossible touching base with everyone in the circle of friends.  I will do some parish work and then devote the evening and the rest of the night thanking and celebrating the twenty nine year bond of friendship and fraternity that has brought Ollie back to Sacramento on a fourth extraordinary visit to me in regards to my health, since the onset of my diabetes and first surgery / convalescence in 2002.  Here's to what will be a penultimately meaningful day for both of us...........Love + Prayers,   Fr.  Troy   

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WITH MY PROSTHETICS PREPARATION PERSONS...........

This morning I had a second appointment with Clint from Anchor Prosthetics, who came with a prosthetic liner for my right leg.  I am to wear it starting today to get accustomed to the feel of the temporary and permanent prosthetioc, as it is the same material as they will be made with.  It has a nylon like outside and a rubber gel inside.  It is rolled on to my right leg inside out with the white rubber facing outward and rounded not cupped at the end, before rolling it with the palms of my hands up my leg above the knee.  Also with Clint today, was Cruz, the Amputee Advocate and Support Group Leader I metv with in Mercy Rehjab a few weeks ago.  We had a very productive 45 minute meeting which Fr. Oliver also sat in on.  We discussed the ins and outs pof the temporary and permanent prostheses; how with standing and walking my leg will taper down further and the water in the leg will be pushed out; and how the prosthetic sockets have to be adjusted as changes occur due to walking with the prostheses; adjustments I will be alerted to by pain.  Cruz, the Amputee Advocate / Support Group Leader then discussed the dynamics of his particular support group which meets in the Anchor Prosthetics Office on Auburn Blvd.,  the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:30 pm.  He invited to join them and be prepared to share my experiences and questions and to be shared with.  Each person also is encouraged to bring food or drink to share together during the meetings.  Oliver and I then proceeded to Tahoe Joe's restaurant in Roseville for lunch with Karin and Roger Geach, their daughter  Kellie, and grandson Rory.  We returned to the OLOL rectory where I completed some parish work and transmitted the Sunday Bulletin and received our dinner delivery of Lasagne, Meatballs, Garlic Bread, Salad, and a scrumptuous Cake, from former Holy Family parishioner and Secretary/Bookkeeper, Louise Bartridge.  Oliver, Tony Traynor, Pius, and I, had a priestly feast of food, fraternity, friendship, and fraternity thanks to Louise.  As this seventh of Ollie's nine day visit 2011 as my caregiver winds down, and we prepare to go to our beds, I am grateful to all of the above for the today it has been.  And I was also delighted to receive a very special phone call late this afternoon, from my beloved former student and dear friend, Tony Clark, who called to check in on me.  I pitched the possibility of his coming for one of the twelve nights I have yet to fill to be my overnight caregiver.  He agreed to check his schedule.  If you are an adult male 18 years old and above who is either family, friend, fraternity brother, or parishioner, and have the possibility of assistimg me in this way, please consider doing so.  Open nights remaining to be filled are : April 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, from 7 pm - 7 am.  Call me at the rectory - 925-5313, to sign up..........."Schlaft In Himmlischer Ruh",   Fr.  Troy    

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

AWAKENING THIS TUESDAY MORNING FROM OUR OVERNIGHT STAY IN MONTEREY...........

Father Oliver  and I,drove to Monterey in the midmorning on Monday, arriving at 2 pm.  After a hamburgers for lunch, we set off on an afternoon sightseeing tour of Monterey, including the Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row.  Then true to his golf loving self, we took the 17 mile drive and went to Pebble Beach, and spent time soaking up the atmosphere and checking out the Golf Pro Shop, where Ollie did some retail thetrapy.  Upon return to our hotel rooms, we rested for awhile and then went tro dinner.  Being in Monterey and wanting to make it a special, memorable, dinner experience for both of us, but especially Fr. Oliver, I decided we go to, The Chart House and we had a truly remarkable dinner feast.  Back to our rooms at 10:15 pm, by eleven o'clock I was asleep.This morning after breakfast and checkout, we will be traveling to Carmel for a few hours, having lunch, and then heading back to Sacramento and OLOL.  Tonight, Rev. Fr.  Steven Avella, a Sacramento native, who is a History Professor at Marquette University, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin;  is bringing dinner to us, which will make for a intriguing evening of discussion between him, Frs. Oliver, Pius, and yours truly. This is one of the shortest side tripsOllie and me, have made together over the years of our collegial friendship, yet under the current circumstances : a brief nine day visit to California due to my right foot below the knee amputation, even a thirty hour breakaway is an accomplishment, denoting progress in my rehab and recovery.  I am now seeking an overnight caregiver for this Friday April 1, after Oliver's departure that afternoon.  Adult males, 18 years old and above, in my circle of family, friends, fraternity brothers, and parishioners, past and present; are all welcome to volunteer, as I still have more than a dozen nights to schedule overnight caregivers, between April 1-20.  The Today Show is beginning, so time to follow-up on news and analysis of last night's speech on Libya, by President Obama...........  May The Spring Sunshine Continue To EnLighten Your Lent,   Fr.  Troy

Monday, March 28, 2011

MONDAY MORNING MASS AND BREAKFAST - THEN WE COMES OUR OVERNIGHT SIDE TRIP TO THE PENNISULA...........

With half of Fr. Oliver's brisk nine day caregiving visit to me post amputation behind us; this morning we do together what we have done both in Kilkenny and California for the past two dozen years when visiting each other - taking a side trip to a location outside our own vicinities.  Initially on this visit we had hoped to head up the hill to Lake Tahoe for a day and overnight stay.  However, the weather of recent weeks has left that at the time being a difficult trek to make, especially on a tight timeline, so that we have decided to go to the Monterey pennisula instead.  Awakening this morning to news that President Obama will deliver an Address from the National War College tonight, regarding the Crisis in Libya.  I will be watching from there as the student of the presidency I am, always do; before we have our breakaway dinner.  What I said in my pulpit announcements yesterday in seeking further overnight rectory caregivers April 1-20, applies to to our side trip, if Fr. Oliver has traveled 6,000 miles one way to provide me with nine days of post amputation caregiving, then a short journey beyond Sacramento, for a day and a night is in order and gladly taken by yours and my cherished colleague.  Our mutual thanks to Deb and Joe McNamara and their friend, Becky McReynolds, for an enjoyable Sunday night dinner in the McNamara's Curtis Park home, which included an after dinner stroll with me in the wheelchair down the park path.  Before and after this morning's Mass I am addressing other parish matters before Oliver and I head off until tomorrow afternoon.  An avid golfer, Fr. Oliver is looking forward to setting foot once again on the links of Pebble Beach, where I last visited with him ten years ago.  As the weather turns around after the past several weeks may this Monday bring spring sunshine into your activities as each of us proceeds responsively to the invitation to enter ever more fully with faithfulness and fidelity, To The Journey Of Life And Faith..........."Slan" Until Tomorrow,   Fr.  Troy

Sunday, March 27, 2011

THE 3RD SUNDAY OF LENT AND THE 1ST SCRUTINY OF RCIA...........

Saturday night after making the pulpit announcements and giving a progress report on my rehab to the assembled parishioners at the 5 pm Mass, greeting a number of them in the sanctuary and signing up more overnight caregivers for April 1-20; Fr. Oliver had dinner and then went to see the 2011 Academy Award Best Picture winning movie, "The King's Speech", starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush.  It was everything I expected and more.  The screenplay, acting, and production values, were from my experience - Awesome, Brilliant, Captivating, Deserving of the 4 Oscars, and even more it garnered just over a month ago.  This 3rd Sunday of Lent begins with my immediate preparations to preside at the 8:30 am Mass, with Frs. Maher, and perhaps Traynor concelebrating; then leading the 1st Scrutiny for the parish Elect in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ministry at the 10:30 am Mass.  We will be having Brunch at 1 pm with the Bugatto-Mugnaini Family, and this evening Oliver and I are going to dinner at the home of Joe and Deb McNamara.  As we ponder the Scriptures on this mid Lenten Sunday, we are asked to scrutinize our ongoing relationship with Jesus, through the lens of His interaction with the Woman of Samaria, at the Well.  To consider how we, like her, can cast off our sinfulness and detachment from the Truth, and follow the Call of the Master to Continuing Conversion and Repentance.  What Living Water are our lives most in need of as we drink of the purifying and redeeming presence of the Christ during these 40 Days of Lent ?  Two and a half weeks into this year's Lenten observance how are you, I, and Catholic-Christians everywhere, making this Springtime of the Church a period of renewal, reparation, and reconciliation, in readiness for entering ever more deeply into the Paschal Mystery of Salvation ?
May the Water of Living Faith wash over the prayer, penance, and Christ inspired generosity for the poor, that we make today, this week, and throughout this sacred season...........In The Name Of Jesus Who Authentically Quenches Every Believer's Thirst,   Fr.  Troy

Saturday, March 26, 2011

HOME IN THE RECTORY ONE WEEK : MY STANDING AND PIVOTING THERAPY CONTINUES TO PROGRESS...........

Awakening after a restful night's sleep this morning, Saturday has been both a leisurely and active day for Father Oliver and I.  Organizing and preparing for Sunday Masses this morning after breakfast; at 12:45 pm we drove up to Truxel Road for lunch in the Natomas Marketplace and then drove on to Country Club Centre to resume some retail therapy.  We then returned to the rectory and succeeded in wheelchair to transfer board to shower bench positioning me in the bathtub to take my Saturday shower and then to shave.  At present it takes two wheelchairs to accomplish, a smaller parish chair and my own extra wide chair, in order to get into my bathroom and to transfer to and from the shower bench.  Like getting in and out of vehicles, standing on my left leg and foot and direct pivoting onto the seat is also required each time.  And regarding showering, I will be using the bench permanently for the rest of my life, as I will not wear my prostheses once I have one while taking a shower.  I am preparing to go over to the church to make the pulpit announcements which will include this week's update on my progress and continue seeking adult male overnight caregivers from April 1-20.  Then tonight, Fr. Oliver and I are going to dinner followed by the Tower Theatre, at 16th & Broadway in Sacramento, to see the movie, "The King's Speech".  I am presiding at the 8:30 am Mass here at OLOL Sunday, and will lead the 1st Scrutiny of the RCIA ministry at the 10:30 am Mass.  We are hoping to break for a dfay or two Monday morning, weather permitting our traveling back down into the Bay Area, as our intended destination, Lake Tahoe is pre-empted by the weather conditions.  I am sorry especially for Oliver who truly delights in it and Fr. Ben Deleon, Pastor of St. Theresa's in South Lake Tahoe, whom we had hoped to visit and spend time with.  That's my blog update for now...........All My Best To My Friends And Supporters And God's Abundant Blessings Upon You,   Fr.  Troy

Friday, March 25, 2011

THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD OPENS THE GOOD NEWS OF OUR REDEMPTION...........

My first full day Thursday with Father Oliver onb his nine day visit to me following the amputation and rehabilitation I have undergone over the past ten weeks, as he arrived to share in my current caregiving, was a day of fraternity, fellowship, continuing therapies, and weathering journeying out into the wetness of this phenomenal storm to take care of basics such as grocery shopping.  As Oliver jovially has said, he left, "Irish Sunshine", and has traded it in for drenching, "California Rain" !!!!!!!!!!!  And Ireland is where RAIN can be expected on almost any day of the year !!  Ha !  Ha !  As this Friday morning begins, I prepare to celebrate the 8 am Mass, getting over to the church and back to the rectory in my wheelchair with Ollie's assistance; and then after breakfast, I have a 9:30 am appointment here at OLOL, with Clint from Anchor Prosthetics.  We are scheduled to meet Ned Kavanagh, as the people ok Kilkenny call him, at St. Rose's / St. Patrick's at 11:30 am to go to lunch at Scott's Seafood On The River, and then Oliver and I will do a little of what he refers to as, "Retail Therapy", >shopping.  We are out for dinner tonight, maximizing the freedom of time beyond four walls, after two months of my being 99% indoors since my hospitalization and amputation in January.  We as always in Sacramento or Kilkenny, plan to take a side trip, but this rainy and snowy weather is complicating it.  Our window of opportunity to see anyone Oliver may know from previous visits, who are not already calendared with us, he will have to pass on seeing this go round.  I am thoroughly enjoying Ol's presence with me at this time.  Weare calling it an early night as it has been an active and full first two days for us..........Peace + Prayers,   Fr.  Troy

Thursday, March 24, 2011

FATHER OLIVER RETURNS TO OLOL IN SACRAMENTO TO BE MY NINE DAY CAREGIVER...........

I kept my latest appointment with my Ortopedic Surgeon, Dr. James Cookson, Wednesday morning, and learned my right knee abrasion is improving well, but needs to heal further before the temporary pilon can be placed on my right foot and leg.  He gave me the go ahead to proceed with the prosthetic company representative in scheduling a molding appointment for my permanent prostheses.  After returning to the rectory, I was then chauffered in a SUV  to San Francisco Airport to welcome Father Oliver Maher.  I chose for us a Cadillac Escalade, the very vehicle he had expressed a desire to experience on his next visit to me.  From the airport we went first to Alioto's #8 restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf, for an early dinner on the Bay, then came back to Sacramento and OLOL.  To round out the day we drove to South Sacramento and visited with Msgr. Kavanagh, then back to our rectory to call it a night.  With the liquid sunshine of our current California, our pursuits during these coming days will have to be adapted, but we are likely to make at least one side trip.  I am very happy to have him here, on what is his 10th visit to California since 1987; and the fourth time in the past nine years he has flown from Kilkenny to Sacramento, to address the significant changes in my health, as both a colleague, friend, and caregiver.  Coffee's on, and Oliver has just arisen, so for now I say in this Fishes And Ducks Weather, Stay Dry, Stay Warm, Stay Safe...........Fr.  Troy

FATHER OLIVER'S 10TH VISIT ARRIVAL IN CALIFORNIA...........

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

MY PRIESTLY COLLEAGUE AND CLASSMATE FROM KILKENNY - FATHER OLIVER MAHER ARRIVES TODAY ON HIS LATEST VISIT FOR 9 DAYS...........

Joe McNamara's return late Tuesday afternoon to take up his second night of being my overnight caregiver was as prolific as had been his arrival to take up those duties on Monday evening.  The dinner he brought with him and finished preparing to serve ourselves and Fr. Pius for dinner, was a generous portion of his wife Deborah's excellent homemade French Onion Soup, with Melted Cheese Croutons.  More of Joe's homemade deserts followed.  Our dinner conversation was a dynamic, more than three hour, dialogue about the Church, and also World Politics.  The headline news of this morning is the death of Hollywood legend, actress Elizabeth Taylor.  What struck me immediately upon the News 10 report of her passing, is how quietly it occurred, and without the customary fanfare that surrounded her for the past seven decades.  On a much more set of cogent notes for me, today brings my celebration of the 8 a.m. Mass here at OLOL; an 11 a.m. appointment with my Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. James Cookson, and I will learn more about the placement of the temporary pilon and permanent prostheses for my right foot and below the knee amputation.  Then I will take a chauffered limousine to San Francisco International Airport to greet and retrieve my St. Kieran's Seminary classmate and priestly colleague from Kilkenny, Ireland - Reverend Father Oliver Maher.  He is coming not only to visit me at this crucial junction in my healthcare, but as he has done on three previous similar occurrences over the past nine years, assist fully in being one of my primary caregivers.  For the next nine days and nights, he will be my caregiver, as well as provide companionship, as my cherished colleague.  And as has been true for the nearly three decades we have been friends, he comes with the full support, prayers, and solidarity, of our mutual Irish circle of friends, we proudly, collectively, call, "The Usual Suspects".  As I continue my convalescence and forward progress to the adaptation and transition of my amputation and prostheses, I am grateful to all my faithful and loyal family members, friends, fraternity brothers, colleagues, parishioners, caregivers, and assistance providers.  I am truly blessed to have each one you, and your prayers and presence, are a big reason I am so blessed...........Blessed Be God Forever !!!!!!!!!!!,   Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

JOE M(a)C IS COMING BACK..........HAPPY FOUNDERS DAY LAMBDA CHIs...........

With a belated St. Patrick's Day menu theme, the dinner Joe McNamara prepared for me, Fr. Pius, and himself last night, the first of his two twelve hour overnight caregiving stays with me in the OLOL rectory, were Corned Beef Panini's, with Potato Salad.  As with Roger Geach on Saturday and Sunday nights, Monday overnight with Joe went well and he will return this evening to continue his share in my post amputation convalescent caregiving.  Last night before calling it a night he assisted and observed me in doing my physical therapy standing exercise with the walker, which I did three times for three minutes more or less, each time.  Three days after my last rehab p.t., a 3 minute stand I accept as the need to regain the momentum of pushing forward to further personal highs on a daily therapy schedule, at home, or as an outpatient returnee.  I concelebrated the 10 a.m. Funeral Mass this morning of parishioner Mary Chacon, with Fr. Traynor, and returned to the rectory to review the mail, have a discussion with the Parish Secretary, and write this blog column.  Have watched the Noon News, it is time to have my lunch, the last of Karin and Roger's Sunday roast beef and salad.  Joe McN's return this evening will not only bring with him dinner, but a trip to the supermarket, more p.t. with the walker, and use of the new shower bench before bed, which involves using the transfer board bridged between the wheelchair and the shower chair, which I will use henceforth permanently....To all my Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Brothers from CSU-Sacramento, throughout the United States and Canada, and around the World, a very Happy Founders Day, as we commemorate the 102 years in the History And Heritage Of The Bonds Of Our Brotherhood...........Brother Father Troy David Powers  Phi Pi Zeta 2.

Monday, March 21, 2011

MY HEALTH RECOVERY TRANSITION FROM HOSPITALIZATION, AMPUTATION, REHABILITATION, TO CONVALESCENCE...........

With first Sunday back at Our Lady of Lourdes, and the successful completion of 2 Masses, I surprise Potluck for Sister Felicity's  Birthday, greeting parishioners at the third Sunday Mass, attending the Hosapitality Sunday following the 10:30 a.m. Mass, and chillaxing alone for the afternoon, as Roger went home until 6 p.m., when he returned for the night with more projrects in addition to bringing us fiid, and also providing a dinner of beef roast which wafted beautiful aroma through the rectory all morning and afternoon.  Father Pius will move in tomorrow afternoon, and Joe McNamara, whose St. Patrick's Party I missed on Saturday due a late afternoon departure from Rehab and my commitment to presidinhg at the 5 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass, also called this afternoon to confirm his overnight caregiving for me Monday and Tuesday.
Roger and I had a very enjoyable and productive second overnight Sunday, and awoke for 8 a.m. Mass, a light breakfast, a trip to the bank to make a vital catch-up deposit, so as to pay my personal bills, including my telephone landline and wireless accounts.  Back to the rectory for an early lunch, Roger left me for home at just before Noon and I successfully soldiered on my own in the rectory with the bookkeeper here until 1 p.m., and on my own until 3:30 p.m., when Fr. Pius, my new Parochial Vicar Pro-Tem, arrived with his belongings to move in.  Sister Felicity accompanied him and she and I had a great chat for several minutes.  My Monday and Tuesday night caregiver, Joe McNamara is due here in the next two hours.  He will be bringing dinner and so I look forward to what he and his wife Deborah surprise me with.  I am planning to do some of my physical therapy standing with the walker exercise with him as well as inaugurate my new shower chair by taking a shower before we call it a night.  In the first two days I have been back in the rectory Ihave only had to take a generic pain reliever once, at 1 a.m. this morning, thus the pain in my right leg and left back are both much lesser than they had been.  The ramps that Merv Carson built for me and the portable aluminum ramp Scott Vogelsang loaned me, are working magnificently, in getting in and out of the rectory and into the church and parish hall.  Thanks and Kudos again to both of them for their personal, fraternal, and friendship concern for my well being and mobility.  Oir mutual Lambda Chi Alpha bond of brotherhood continues to thrive.  That's me up to the moment as I begin to look in on some of the evening network and cable news shows and await what I know will be another superb dinner...........Conscientiously Convalescing As I Await My Prostheses,   Fr.  Troy

Sunday, March 20, 2011

THE 2ND SUNDAY OF LENT AND MY RETURN FOR THE FIRST NIGHT TO OLOL RECTORY.....HOW THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS CHANGES US..........

Discharge dates from hospitals are always long and unpredictable ones in my adult experience, seldom in the past nine years of my health journey have I exited a hospital before early to mid afternoon, and that was the case on Saturday, as even though it has been known since February 16th, that my antibiotic infusion therapy would end on March 19th, thus my reason for staying in a hospital and rehabilitation; and yet my departure from the Rehabilitation Continuing Care Center came after 3 p,m., with having schekue myself for the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass.  The major casaulty of my belated Rebab Center was appearing even briefly at Joe and Debra McNara's annual McNamara Family St, Patrick's Day Party in their home in Curtis Party, at which Joe tells me 200 persons were present at over the afternoon and evening.  In the past three weeks he and I have had three wonderful lunchtime visits at Mercy General Rehab, and Monday and Tuesday nights we will expand upon this, as he will be my Monday and Tuesday overnight caregiver.  Roger Geach is doing a truly outstanding job kicking things off and getting the rectory , especially my quarters equpped to respond to my current needs post amputation / pre prostheses.  He has taken down room doors and shower doors, adapted the shower to a hand held unit, and went with me to my storage unit on Auburn at Watt at 7:30 a.m. this morning to gather my wheelchair, walker, commode, orthpedic cane, and transfer board.  He brought dinner and lunch today; Karin's sloppy joes and one of Rodd and Karla's Original Pete's MeatLovers Pizzas.  And has a crock pot Roast simmering for our Dinner in a couple of hours.  Having greeted people at the 8:30 a.m. Mass and presided at this morning's 10:30 a.m. Mass, the theme of Transfiguration versus the Cross; Glory versus Suffering; are prevalent.  The past ten weeks of my life and ministry have helped me to more deeply discern the necessity and undeniable reality of the Cross and Suffering in my life and the life of all Believers, superseded in God's Eternal by Glorification as previed for the Disciples and for each one of us, by Jesus' Transfiguration and our future share in God's generous and greater Glory.  Time to watch the evening news and catch up with today's World Events, before Roger's return and Dinner, as his second night of caregiving for me unfolds...........Believing As Peter Proclaimed On The Mountaintop, "Lord It Is Good We Are Here",   Fr.  Troy

Saturday, March 19, 2011

ST. JOSEPH'S DAY BRINGS MY DISCHARGE FROM REHABILITATION AND SISTER FELICITY BRUSADELLI'S BIRTHDAY...........

After twenty two days here at Mercy General Rehab, and sixty four days in hospital and rehabilitation, I am being discharged today and returning to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, to convalesce and gradually resume my duties as Priest and Pastor.  I am undergoing my final Vanco antibiotic infusion as I blog, have just seen Dr. Lehman, and await my discharge papers and learning who my driver will be.  I am scheduled to drop by the annual McNamara's St. Patrick's Day Party on the way back to the Parish, then presideat the concelebration, at the 5 pm Vigil Mass at OLOL,  from my wheelchair, as I will until my permanent prostheses is in place; and will also do the same at the 10:30 a.m. Mass in tomorrow morning.  As it is St. Joseph's Day, the Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Legal Father of Jesus, I wish all my Italian American friends a Happy Feast Day as they particularly commemorate this day annually, and a bountiful repaste should they be partaking of their St. Joseph's Table tradition tonight.  Today is also Canossian Sister Felicity Brusadelli, of OLOL birthday, so a very Happy Birthday to Sister Felicity with our thanks for her several decades of consecrated life and ministry in our Parish and elsewhere.  Roger Geach will be joining me overnight Saturday and Sunday as my first in rectory caregiver / observer.  Joe Gibson was my last rehab visitor Fiday night.  What I have just shared is indicative of the fact that they : Roger and Joe, were hands down my most frequent visitors and callers, over the past nine weeks in all three locations : Sutter Roseville; Bruceville Terrace; Mercy General.  To them and all my many visitors, callers, cardsenders, and prayer partners, I am extremely grateful.  Until Later I Wish Everyone A Blessed St. Joseph's Day 2011..........Fr.  Troy

Friday, March 18, 2011

THE FINISHING 24 HOURS PLUS OF MY HOSPITALIZATION AND REHABILITATION SINCE THE OCCURRENCE OF MY RIGHT FOOT / BELOW THE KNEE AMPUTATION...........

After being here at Mercy General Rehabilitation Continuing Care Center, three weeks today and nine weeks into this Amputation Journey, about which I have been blogging the past two months, my stay away from OLOL Parish is concluding over the next day, as I will be discharged tomorrow, to return to the rectory and begin to partially resume my priestly parish ministry.  Dr. Cookson is permitting me to start presiding at Masses and Sacraments in the liturgical life of OLOL, from the wheelchair as I convalesce and await placement of my permanent prostheses in the coming weeks between now and the end of June.  Bishop Soto has decided I can do liturgically as much as I am realistically able to do as Pastor, but will also provide me with the support and assistance of another priest, from this weekend to the end of June.   I am eager to return to the parish Saturday afternoon aftter my hiatus, yet I profound understand that I must and will pace myself in graduating back into full time pastoral and administrative activity and work.  As I am clearly stating it for the parishioners understanding and expectations, I will not be returning to work in the Parish Office until after my prostheses is in place and I am medically authorized to resume all my duties.  However from my quarters in the rectory as I am convalescing and continuing home health and outpatient therapy to maximize my strength and success in living with a prostheses, I will oversee and monitor parish in regular consultation in tandem with the other Priests, Sisters, and Pastoral and Finance Councils' Chairpersons.  I welcome rectory from the parishioners and my personal circle of friends, but ask all to keep their visits brief, social and spiritual interactions only.  I will utilize the Sunday Bulletin and Pulpit Announcements, to communicate with the parish community, during this forthcoming convalescence and gradual resumption of ministry, while continuing to address my current medical concerns and necessary physical adaptations.  Today is starting slowly but as required, breakfast, medications, bathing and ablutions, blood draws, as I stand by for my p.t. session today.  Yesterday, in the presence of Roger Geach, and the help of Gabi the therapist,  and the walker, I successfully again stood for more than 8 minutes.  Squaring away getting the ramps, wheelchair, shower bench, and taking down the shower doors, and other doors, in the rectory to effectively facilitate my mobility in this interregnum is priority one.  Also nailing down the overnight volunteer attendants from among my male parishioners, personal friends, and fraternity brothers, from April 1 - 20, is also an essential focus for me as I retrurn to the rectory.  If you are in one of these three categories and are willing to give me a night or two, to assist me in the basic overnight 7 a.m. -7 p.m., caregiving and companionship now necessary to successfully complete my Rehabilitation and Convalescence, please do not delay in contacting me to sign-up, by calling the parish rectory 925-5313.  Finally on this penultimate day before my release from Mercy General Rehab, may I try to begin to express my gratitude and heart deep prayers, for everyone who has journeyed with me during these very trying weeks of acceptance and adjustment.  I appreciate your conscientious and compassionate concern, care, and considerateness, over the past 64 days.  God Bless You 30-60-100 Fold............Fr.  Troy      

Thursday, March 17, 2011

APOSTLE OF IRELAND; CO-PATRON OF THE SACRAMENTO DIOCESE; INSPIRIRATION TO THE WORLD; ST. PATRICK'S DAY 2011...........

If you are seeing life through the prism of the color green today, it is because today is St. Patrick's Day, the Day of the Irish, when many, if not most people around the world join in celebrating the Hibernian heritage and history of the Celtic People, who were evangelized and converted to Christianity, former indentured servant, who was forced into exile from his native Great Britian, most likely Wales, in the early 5th Century A.D.  Sixteen centuries later the impact of St. Patrick's ministry as a Priest and Bishop of the Church continues to inspire and edify not only the Irish, but citizens of countless countries, as the Irish People's migration around the globe has brought their traditions and way of life to others, particularly in the sowing and practice of the roots of the Catholic-Christian Faith.  Much of the United States, England, Scotland, Wales, Australia, and Africa, among other nations, were evangelized and ministered to for centuries until the present by the plethora of priests and religious sisters, who were produced by the vast majority of Irish families and who were sent forth as missionaries in the spirit of St. Patrick.  In my own native Sacramento Diocese, in which I am only the 40th of less than a hundred native priestly vocations we ourselves have ordained in our 125 year history as a Diocese, until the 1990's Irish priests and religious made up more than ninety percent of our diocesan vocations.  On this St. Patrick's Day 2011, I encourage everyone to consider and affirm, the contribution to us and the World St. Patrick and the Irish have made, by more than green beer and oversized leprechauns and shamrocks, but in the authentic observance of prayer, parades, pubs, and parties, that mark this day each year in Ireland.  I am of primarily Irish-Portuguese American ancestry and have been blessed to have a 30 year personal experience of Ireland and truly appreciate the relationships I am privileged to share with them particularly in Counties Kilkenny, Dublin, Donegal, Tipperary, Derry, Down, and Waterford.  My inner circle of Irish friends in the 32 counties of the Emerald Isle, include priests, bishops, and lay persons, who we mutually refer to as, "the Usual Suspects".  May they and their families. and all of my Irish friends throughout the Sacramento Diocese in California have the Happiest of St. Patrick's Days.  May The  Prayers And Holy Example Of Patrick, Apostle Of Ireland And Inspiration To The Wider World Be With Us Today, Fr. Troy David dePaor
                                                                                                      (Powers)

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

ANNOUNCEMENT OF AN AUXILIARY BISHOP FOR THE DIOCESE OF SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA : MY SAN FRANCISCO SEMINARY CLASSMATE REVEREND FATHER THOMAS A. DALY !!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. McMonagle's Office was relatively light of patients this morning so I was the next patient he saw after my early, Ted Dahlberg punctually dtiven, arrival - so that I was back in my room at Mercy General Rehab at 11:15 a.m., having had an 11 a.m. appointment.  Within a half hour of my return I received a Facebook message from my San Jose seminary classmate and priestly colleague, Reverend Father David Mercer, asking if I had heard that our San Francisco classmate/colleague, Reverend Father Thomas Daly, has been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose.  So it has been a jubilant three hours for me and a day of joyful celebration for those in Fr. Tom's circle of family, friends, colleagues, students, and staff, as one of our own, is chosen to serve the People of God in the Episcopacy.  I will blog about this more in coming columns, as I ponder and present the story of a man and a priest I have known and enjoyed the past twenty six years............ Kudos Bishop-Designate Daly, "May The Lord Who Has Begun The Good Work Within You Bring It To Completion",  Father Troy David Powers

MY BLOG MARKS ITS 10,000TH IN PAGE VIEWS IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS...........

With three days to Go until my Discharge from Rehabilitation home, and standing by this morning for Ted Dahlberg's arrival at 9:30 a.m. to drive me to my 11 a.m. appointment with Dr. James McMonagle, in Roseville.  This is my first post ampuitation appointment, addressing my current circumstances in the light of my diabetic control.  As I this Wednesday I am, "chuffed", to use the Irish /British word for ecstacticly overjoyed at the news from Google, that my blog, "Insights Into Life And Faith By Father Troy David Powers", yesterday surpassed its 10,000th page view, in the twenty three months I have been blogging.  More than 83% of the page views have been in the United States, and 17% throughout the rest of the World.  I am pleased to know that the reflections on life and faith I offer on an alost daily basis as a blogger is read and appreciatied by an ever growing number of people everywhere.  More later today after my return from my doctor's appointment...........Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

THE IDES OF MARCH IN REHAB BRINGS A UNIQUE O.T. SESSION - DOING LAUNDRY...........

With my laundry bag full to overbrimming, needing to be done - I am supposed to have an interesting Occupational Therapy session today, getting assistance to do my laundty personally.  I am grateful to Karin and Roger Geach for generously having taken home and done my previous round of laundry some weeks ago, when I was not yet physically able to do it myself.  I have no set therapy schedule so I do not know what time it will happen.  I suppose it will occur after today's p.t. session, or that they will get me started on it before the physical therapist is ready for me.  I am also doing additional exercises stretching my arms with elastic bands, in order to work the vital muscles that will be required to move, pivot, walk, with the left leg and foot in conjunction with my right foot and leg prostheses.  With my energy level high and rehab winding down, I am doing everything possible to constructively fill the hours with meaningful recreation.  Visitors have lessened in recent weeks, yet the visits are as integral to me now as they have been from the outset of the amputation rehabilitation journey.  Thanks to books provided me by Fr. Brendan McKeefry, Fr. Steven Foppiano, and Joe Gibson, and my many communicative friends on the phone and the internet , I am biding the time as patiently as I can, praying more, pondering deeper, deciding determinedly, to be the true me,  in the face of the challenges amputation has and will bring into my life.  More To Come...........Fr.  Troy 

Monday, March 14, 2011

A DAILY DOUBLE SETTING PERSONAL HIGH DAY OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AT MERCY GENERAL REHABILITATION...........

With only five days left in my current hospital /rehabilitation stay left on the clock, my p.t. session with therapist Leanna, was especially edifying today.  After beginning with direct pivot transfers from bed to wheelchair, we worked on standing with assistance of a walker and in two of the four times I stood up on my left foot and leg, I was able to attain two individual new personal highs - an increase of one full minute, from 5 minutes 30 seconds last Friday, to 6 minutes and 30 seconds this morning.  Then in the very next attempt, I succeeded in increasing my time another full minute, to 7 minutes and 30 seconds !!!!!!!!!!!  My joy at the continuing progress I am making was channeled into my nearly ninety minute visit from Joe Gibson, this afternoon.  Among the dozens of persons who have visited me over the past 8-9 weeks at Sutter Roseville, Bruceville Terrace, and Mercy General,  Joe and Karin and Roger Geach, have been my most regular visitors at all three locations, averaging 3-4 times a week during this crucial time for me.  i have just completed my night time Vanco antibiotic infusion and am relaxing by reading, blogging, e-mailing, and Facebooking, and enjoying TCM's Monday movie offerings...........With Gratitude To God And All My Circle Of Friends, Supporters, And CareGivers,   Fr.  Troy 

Sunday, March 13, 2011

THE 1ST SUNDAY OF LENT AND COMBATTING THE TEMPTATION TO SIN...........

Despite this morning's arrival of  Daylight Savings Time, and my initial thought that Vitals, Breakfast, and Therapy, were a full hour earlier than lat week, I have completed today's p.t. session and await the beginning of the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass telecast from the Hospital Rehab Chapel, with Fr. Healy.  The R.N. on duty, is a float nurse, not quite as familiar with me,or my chart.  She came into to do my morning meds and start my Vanco antibiotic treatment, oblivious that I was watching the Sunday Mass, and my couteous, cooperative, spirit didn't seem to register until I got more direct about letting the Mass finish before hooking me up to the infusion machine.  Father John's homily and reflections during the Mass formed an excellent blueprint for the conversion, sensitivity to sin, and redirection in our lives, Lent provides us the opportunity to exercise.  Thus,  I now await whatever Sunday visitors may come today and in addition to internet recreational therapy, and continue the reading I started here thanks to the books given or loaned to me, by Fathers Brendan McKeefry, Steven Foppiano, and my friend and advocate, Joe Gibson.  I also hope to speak with Fr. Oliver today, for our weekly update conversation.  The countdown to my return to OLOL is upon us, 7 Days and Counting...........
With Prayer And Gratitude To One And All Of You,   Fr.  Troy

.....Fr. Oliver called me just before lunch time here, and at about 7:30 p.m., Sunday Kilkenny Time, as our change to Daylight Savings Time places us one hour (7, instead of 8,) behind them, until they enter their own Daylight Savings Time in a few weeks.  Fr. John Healy, brought me Holy Communion, just before lunch; Fr. Pat Lee, came to visit as I was concluding lunch; and I have also had an hour's visit with Fr. Dan Madigan, who appeared in my room with Sister Kathleen Horgan, an hour ago.....3:05 p.m., tdp

Saturday, March 12, 2011

A NOON TIME FRIDAY CLUSTER VISIT FROM A BISHOP, MONSIGNOR, AND RELIGIOUS..........

Just before Noon and the start of Friday Mass by Father Healy in the Hospital Rehab Chapel, Bishop Francis Anthony Quinn, strode through my room door on his electric scooter.  We enjoyed over a half hour of conversatioQin when Msgr. Robert Walton appeared to visit me, and shortly thereafter Sister Kathleen joined us.  It made for a well rounded conversation, and because of a power drain on Bishop Quinn's electric scooter, means I will be keeping a watchful eye on what Bishop Francis, is calling his, "Cadillac".  Ha Ha.  Frances Hood, from OLOL, who is the retired Parish Secretary, and served in that capacity in the last years of Fr. Traynor's pastorate brought my accumulated mail to me, which included upwards of sixty more get well greeting and prayer cards.  I opened and read each one of them before Dinner and was further edified by the gracious words, thoughts, prayers, and sentiments of affirmation and support their messages impart.  Msgr. Walton also brought me a copy of, "The Word Among Us", 2011 Lenten issue.  Bishop Quinn returned just after 5 p.m., with Sister Joan; to retrieve his scooter after it was battery charged for five hours, only to find it still not functioning.  So the scooter remains with me overnight.  As I was blogging, e-mailing, and Facebooking after dinner, the nursing assistant announced I had a couple of visitors, who were Teri and Don Currier.  We had an engagingly delightful chat .  All in all, these visits made for a very good, day,  More Tomorrow,  Fr.  Troy 

Friday, March 11, 2011

5 MINUTES 30 SECONDS.....A FULL ONE MINUTE INCREASE IN MY NEW PERSONAL STANDING ON MY LEFT FOOT AND LEG SINCE MY AMPUTATION...........

I have just concluded today's p.t. session, with Stefanie my therapist, doing direct pivot transfers fro bed to chair, chair to bed, and also standing exercises.  I stood up four separate times, with the assistance of a walker and the therapist, the first three untimed for as long a time pereiod each as I am physically capable of tolerating the left leg, and buttocks, pain that emits from the spinal area and is incrementally returning to healing at homebase of my spine.  After a respite and several minutes doing additional direct pivot transfers practice, I stood for the fourth and final time today, for an extended period that Stefani timed.  She clocked me at the end of my fourth attempt, as having stood for just more than 5 minutes and 30 seconds.  That is not only a fresh new personal high over the past 7 weeks, but a full minute above last Friday's attainment.  Given the toll in physical endurance the diarrhea marathon I underwent last weekend and the 2-3 days it took to fully regroup and resume the effectiveness of my rehalitation therapies; I am especially proud of today's attainment.  As the day proceeds, I eagerly await a visit from OLOL parishioner, Frances Hood, who was the Parish Secretary in the final years of Father Traynor's pastorate, who is coming with my mail.  It will be my first look at the mail that has arrived the past eight weeks.  Also, this afternoon the Priests Personnel Board is holding its monthly meeting and review of my progress is on their agenda.  I gave Fr. Tim Nondorf a detailed, up to the moment verbal report, to share with Bishop Soto and the Board Members at the meeting.  My spirits are soaring in anticipation of successfully completing the Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing these two months have required and going home to the parish and resumption of ministry, while I advance and progress towards the prostheses that will henceforth play a vital role in my life and ministry.  I am also awestruck today as I was overnight, in the aftermath of Thursday's profound message of prayer and support on my Facebook page from my Sac State fraternity brother, Scott McKenna.  His written message was a prelude to a lengthy and animated telephone conversation late last night, which is inspiring and invigorating me all the more.  Thank You Scott, for the fine man, brother, husband, father, attorney, Christian believer, and public servant, you are..........Let Us Pray For The Citizens Of Japan And The Pacific Rim, As They Contend With The Consequences Of Yesterday's Devastating 8.9 Earthquake...........In The Peace Of Christ - Redeemer Of All,   Fr.  Troy

Thursday, March 10, 2011

RESEARCHING ARTIFICIAL LIMBS, PILONS, AND PROSTHETICS, AS MY REHABILITATION PROGRESSES TOWARDS THEM............

I have spent a fair amount of time today on the internet researching Artificial Limbs, and Prosthetics, as well as what Dr. Cookson meant yesterday by placing a Pilon on my leg in coming weeks with an artificial foot attached at the bottom, as I prepare for my right foot and leg prostheses.  A Pilon is a steel, titanium,  rod that is attached to the stump, according to my Amputee support visitor Cruz on Monday, his is attached by suction, which has a prosthetic foot at the bottom.  The pilon is transitional in my case to a fuller leg type prosthetic, that is far from the, "peg leg", of old.  The newest and emergingly popular one is called a C-Leg.  It is a sophiscated computerized prosthetic leg, and is particularly attuned to disabled persons like myself, who have a wayward gait or problems with maintaining balance.  Two of my major physical challenges from childhood to the present, have been exactly this, my inordinate gait to the left side of my body while walking, and my physical imbalance when confronted with uneven, or imperfect walking or standing surfaces.  So to my neophyte amputee mind, a C-Leg sounds ideally suited to my condition for maximum support and effectiveness of my movements post amputation, with a prostheses.  Just as this shrinker sock placed on my stump last Friday, is best made to help him successfully put it on properly with minimal exertion, and take off without frustrating effort, a C-Leg, or similiar prostheses, that is more than a rod pilon, is the more suitable fit for me.  So I will strongly advocate for such in the days and weeks ahead.  I am now doing only one physical therapy session each day, which today was more standing exercises.  The lower left leg pain is diminishing daily and the stretch of pain when I stand on my left foot and leg, is lessening, as it travels back up to the spinal area, from whence it came.  In addition to a early morning visit from Sister Kathleen; and an afternoon visit by the Patient Visitor Volunteer; the middle afternoon brought Roger and Karin Geach, for a delightful hour's conversation; then in the pre dinner hour from Sacred Heart parishioner, Karin Boston, in a buzzing bee yellow and black costume; and during the dinner hour and following, from Paul Friedrich, Deacon candidate from Presentation Parish, who will be doing his pastoral ministry internship with me, at OLOL.  As a part of our visit he and I went on a roll about the Hospital.  As I blog this column, and my night shift Nurse Mike gives me my meds and starts my second Vanco antibiotic treatment today, and gets me my before bed snack, I am celebrating TV Land 's 40th Anniversary of, "All In The Family", with classic episodes.  Special thanks to my fellow Lambda Chi Alpha alumnus, Scott McKenna, in Nevada, for his very profound Facebook message of support this morning...........With Prayers For All Of You In The Call To Continuing Conversion,   Fr.  Troy

GOVERNOR JERRY BROWN'S CALIFORNIA STATE BUDGET COMPROMISE DEAL DEADLINE DAY; IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE WISCONSIN BUDGET CRISIS CONTROVERSY...........

After witnessing the Wisconsin State Budget stand-off of the past three weeks and the nine weeks of budget and deficit negotiations here in California between Governor Jerry Brown and the State Legislature to get an Initiative on a special election ballot for this June, to address the more than $25 billion deficit confronting the Golden State; the March 10 deadline Governor Brown set to reach a legislative compromise is here, without an agreement.  The negotiations regarding spending cuts and tax increases to arrest the deficit continue in search of the two Republican legislators votes necessary to put the Governor's Plan for Deficit Reduction, before the California electorate.  By comparison to the Wisconsin Budget Crisis and the levels of over reach and rancor that continues to underfold, even as votes are taken by the Legislature in that State; the California Budget Deficit Negotiations, have been and are, much more civilized and progressing, with the development of having 5 Republican Legislators stepping up to seriously consider a Compromise with Governor Brown and the Democrats, that will allow the voters of California a deciding voice in determining the path to resolving our crippling State Deficit woes.  Governor Scott Walker's overzealousness in Wisconsin, attempting to end Collective Bargaining as a centerpiece to the State of Wisconsin's Financial Meltdown, was more than a big step too far in addressing the realistic crisis Wisconsin is confronting.  Issues such as State Spending, Taxes, Public Officials' Salaries, Benefits, and Retirement Pensions, must all be taken under serious consideration in California, Wisconsin, and other States, with careful deliberation and fairness, not just bunched together without full consideration of the ramifications each one of the reforms entail.  I am a lifelong and firm believer in continuous political and governmental reform.  But the due process and proper timelines provided by our constitutional system of government must also be followed; and the seriousness of every one of the aforementioned areas of reform need to be considered with full focus on their merits and deficiencies before being enacted.  As these crucial needs before us continue to be addressed, may bi-partanship, fairness, and integrity, guide the deliberations and decisionmaking all elected officials and the voters make...........Fr.  Troy 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

DR. COOKSON'S VERY GOOD UPDATE ON MY AMPUTATION...........

My 11 a.m. appointment with Dr. Cookson in Roseville, to which my friend and former parishioner, Ted Dahlberg, from St. Rose's Parish in South Sacramento, went well.  Dr. Cookson said my stump is healed, and as soon as an open scrape on my right knee is closed, he will proceed with a placing a pilon on my leg with an artificial right foot, until my prostheses is ready.  Upon my return to Mercy General Rehab, Msgr. Kavanagh and Victor were waiting for me, following Ed's discharge from the Hospital, and heading back home to St. Rose's.  After this morning's activity and my afternoon p.t. session, I rested this afternoon, up again before dinner receiving Holy Communion, after getting Ashes this morning; and a very enjoyable 75 minute visit from Joe Gibson, who is being one of my most regular visitors during these weeks.  I am enjoying having TCM, Turner Classics Movies back, after being without it for six weeks.  Tonight's black and white classics have a, "secretarial" theme.  So much for this edition of my blog..........Wishing You A Spiritually Repentant And Renewing Lent - The Springtime Of The Church,   Fr.  Troy

ASH WEDNESDAY HERALDS THE CALL TO CONTINUING CONVERSION.....AND MY SECOND POST AMPUTATION OFFICE VISIT TO DR. COOKSON IN ROSEVILLE...........

The first segment of Ordinary Time for 2011, is behind us, as Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent dawns.  Catholic-Christians throughout the World will today have ashes burnt from the holy palms of last year's Holy Week imposed upon their foreheads as a sign and sacramental of personal and communal repentance for their sins.  The Ashes of Lent also underscore a commitment to return the focus and fullness of our lives to Gospel Values and to the relinquishing of the selfishness of sin present in our actions and attitudes as Believers in God of the Universe and Disciples of Jesus the Christ.  Here at Mercy General, Mass will be celebrated and Ashes imposed at a 8 a.m. Mass, which will be telecast to all patients from the Chapel.  The people of OLOL Parish will be celebrating Ash Wednesday, with a supply priest at 8 a.m., and 7 p.m. .  After this morning's Ash Wednesday Mass, breakfast, and hopefully, my morning p.t. session I have an 11 a.m. appointment in Roseville, with Dr.  Cookson.  Ted Dahlberg, my beloved fellow parishioner and friend from St. Rose's in South Sacramento, is my driver today.  The volunteerism and self sacrifice denoted by generous acts of charity and compassion, be it those who have so selflessly stepped up in my present need, to provide for those things athis stage of my Rehabilitation, I cannot  do independently; or taking the time these Lenten Days will challenge us to share with others who are in need or marginalized, to step up and minister to them, by pro-actively giving back something of your time, talent, and treasure, to serve others.  Giving something that pleases you, a favorite food, activity, or enjoyment, the traditional Lenten practice is commendable - but Doing Something more to concretize your answer to the Call to Continuing Conversion, is an even more important part of the self -giving this Season of Repentance and Renewal represents.  As you open your Lenten observance what will you do to give back and atone for your sins of selfishness between now and aster ?  Prayer, Fasting, and Acts of Charity, all of us must embrace to generously and selflessly keep the spirit of Lent.  Make theAshes you receive today truly count in your life and in the lives of others, as you enter into and experience thisacred Season and Serve God's Greater Glory And The Common Good...........Happy Lent,   Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

MY REHABILITATION AT MERCY GENERAL CONTINUING CARE CENTER @ ITS HALFWAY POINT..........

On this my eleventh day at Mercy General Rehabilitation Continuing Care Center, I am at the halfway point in this twenty two day stay to going home to OLOL rectory on March 19.  My physical therapy is progressing well as I continue to stand on my left foot and leg in longer durations; yesterday achieving a new high of 4 minutes and 30 seconds.  My morning p.t. session this morning was spent with the therapist Thisbe, doing direct lift transfers using my hands and lifting my buttocks to take me from bed to wheelchair and wheelchair to bed; as well as taking a wheelchair ride up and down the hallway ramp, and a complete lap around the second floor.  Dr. McMonagle's Office called and set an appointment with me for next Wednesday March 16, at 11 a.m.  I see Dr. Cookson tomorrow morning at 11 a.m.  Lunch is about to be delivered and then my afternoon p.t. session and more standing practice.  Then I will roll myself over to the Hospital's South Wing, to visit with Msgr. Kavanagh..........More Later,   Fr.  Troy

TWO WORDS SUMMING UP GADHAFI AND SHEEN...........

For more than a week, Muoammar Gadhafi, and Charlie Sheen, have been the dominant names in the news. One is a maniac dictator whose thirst for power and control is unquenched after forty years; the other a manic star whose celebrity has gone beserk.  The potential harm Gadhafi is, and can, continue to exert on his own Libyan People, the Middle East, and the World, is a serious matter that should concern conscientious persons.  The rants and raves of Sheen's current outrageousness is trivial at best; and is cult of personality driven; and not a substantial consideration.  In my analysis of the present state of these two persons on the world stage and the news coverage they are generating, it is important that we distinguish between addressing what is real and potentially threatening to the peace and justice of a nation and the global community, and that which is trivial and purely publicity and media driven.  Gadhafi is a mad-man and Sheen is media-driven.  I fervently hope more of us will prioritize our focus on the consequences of the mad-man dictator, and not the media-driven personality, who is now seemingly mentally challenged by his addictions.  Initial indications in the public reaction gives that edge to Charlie Sheen.  Think about it.  When people are being killed in defense of their liberty, how is it society can be equally, if not more interested in the meltdown of a movie and television star, whose lifestyle has inflicted his woes upon him ??...........Fr. TDP

7:50 PM - As the day ends, Gadhafi again proves his untrustworthiness and Sheen has confirmed his need to be institutionalized for what appears to be a near mental breakdown...........

1961 / 2011 - A LITTLE BROTHER WHO IS NOT SO LITTLE...........

On March 8, 1977, one week after I received my bid, and became a founding father of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity at California State University Sacramento, I faced the voters as a candidate for the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees. On that same day my youngest brother, Tom turned sixteen. Today, thirty four years later - my self called, ''little brother", is 6'8" tall, and has more than tripled in age, as he celebrates his 50th Birthday !!!!! Happy Birthday Thomas Doil. Have a Great Day. Celebrate !!!!!
Brotherhood, Blessings,Peace, Prayers, Troy David

Monday, March 7, 2011

BETWEEN MORNING AND AFTERNOON THERAPY I HAD AN ARRAY OF WELCOME VISITORS...........

Mondays and Thursdays are shower days in this unit of Mercy General Rehab,so I enjoyed an exhilarating shower with my Occupational Therapist's assistance,after breakfast and then returned to a plehora of phone calls, from the Bishop's Office, with Father Hebda, who supplied for me at Ouan awer Lady of Lourdes Parish checking in with me; Frank and Sally McNamara calling to do the same; President of the Catholic Daughters at St. Philomene's Parish, verifying my Mercy General address and the regards and prayers of their membership; my discussions with Patty Pennington and Sister Theresa Norris, at OLOL, concerning Merv Carson's ramp project for the me in the rectory; were a wonderful warm-up to an awesome afternoon of visitors. Pete and Sara Nava, who appeared after seeing Msgr. Kavanagh, with a turkey salad sandwich for me as a perfect afternoon snack;Joe McNamara, with a Wall STret Journal Irish Economy story; Cruz L. Ochoa, the amputee outreach person with Anchor Orthotics and Prostetics, with whom I had an introductory meeting of sharing our stories and increasing my acceptance and adaptability to being an amputee with an amputation and prostheses ; and then my Sac State fraternity brother and former Sacred Heart parishioner, Rob Buckner, for a well rounded conversation into the afternoon, as I awaied p.t. session 2. Before Dinner, I am making the journey over to the Hospital to visit with Msgr. Kavanagh...........Happy For The Day It Has Been Interactively With Others Today In the Name Of Jesus The Christ, Fr. Troy

MONDAY OPDENS WITH ME HERE IN MERCY GENERAL REHAB AND MSGR. "K.," ACROSS THE WAY IN MERCY GENERAL HOSPITAL..........

The Mercy General Hospital Chaplain, Father John Healy, doing his usual stellar job brought me Holy Communion Sunday in the early afternoon and then returned in the midafternoon to inform me, "Msgr, Ed", was in the hospital waiting to be assigned a room. I called Victor who was with him and spoke with both of them and then in a visit from Victor on his way home last night got an update oh how Msgr. Kavanagh is doing. I am hoping to wheelchair over with the assistance of someone else, to visit him later today. Joe Gibson came to see me after I had my Sunday Dinner, which was a very nice bookend to the Dahlbergs' and Fr. Lee's afternoon visits, and Sara Nava's phone call. As my therapies continue today, I am due to receive a visit from Cruz, an eight year amputee, who will be coming to discuss living as an amputee with me; and answer any of my questions about amputation. Our conversation should be quite beneficial to learning to productively transitioning into going forward as a person and a priest, as an amputee with a prostheses. In recent days as I continue to do my utmost to keep my upbeat spirits and positive outlook, I am noting a change in my focus. I am experiencing the poignancy and reality of having had my right foot and lower leg amputated six weeks ago, when I observe other persons being very physically and athletically interactive, live or in the media. I will blog more about this as I process the experience for myself. More than 6 weeks following my amputation I am pleased with the acceptance, progress, and outlook I have been able to maintain to date; despite the frustrations of the post surgery and rehabilition period I have had to endure along with the overwhelmingly pro-active and productive activity and caring support I have received from most persons I am encountering. I reiterate my gratitude to my doctors, nurses, therapists, family, friends, parishioners, and Bishop Soto, and my priest colleagues, and religious, who are being as supportive and sustaining to me as possible. Thanks to you, and MY Faith in God, I am a truly blessed man..........With Appreciation And Prayers, As I Await The Today Show And Breakfast, After My Daily Dose Of Dan Elliott And News 10 Good Morning, Fr. Troy

Sunday, March 6, 2011

A MUCH BETTER SUNDAY WITH SUNDAY MASS, HOLY COMMUNION, PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND VISITORS, ALONG WITH GOOD NEWS..........

After my adverse health marathon of the previous forty hours plus, Sunday dawned and has continued unabated by pain, or discomfort, and filled with enjoyable and essential Sunday activities. Dr. Lehman conveyed word this morning that my kidney and creatinine level are perfectly normal, after the trying episodes I endured Friday and Saturday. I ate most of my breakfast, watched the 10 a.m. Mass broadcast from the Hospital Chapel, received Holy Communion from Fr. John Healy, did my morning p.t. session successfully, with an improved ability to lay on my stomach, do necessary exercises on my side, and pivot without the transfer board, to and from the mat and the wheelchair, ate all of my meatball and salad lunch, and received visits from Ted and Irene Dahlberg, and Fr. Pat Lee. As I blog, and follow the news of this Sunday on CNN, I await my afternoon p.t. session, with Leanna, my therapist today. The Dahlbergs brought me more sugar free chocolate,and hard candy, a most welcome treat. Some of the blog column topics I have been asked if may write on soon are the Wisconsin Budget Stand-off, The Libyan Crisis, and Charlie Sheen. The latter I am not sure deserves any more coverage than it is already getting; but Libya, and Wisconsin, do - deservedly so, and I will blog something about in coming days.....As you pray and show support for me and my rehabilitation success, and return to the parish, on St. Joseph's Day, please God - (March 19) - also pray for Msgr. KLavanagh, who was admitted into Mercy Hospital this morning after collapsing at the end of his 10 a.m. Mass at St. Rose's. Peace+ Prayers, Fr. Troy

Saturday, March 5, 2011

ANOTHER DAY OF NAUSEA INDUCED DISCOMFORT, PAIN, AND UPHEAVAL...........

This morning I awoke at 4:30 a.m., to a severe stomach ache and discomfort, that led into immediarely a four hour marathon of diarrhea and pain, that could not be treated with medication unthe discomfort il a blood lab result returned. when dR. lehman, the house doctor saw me, he told me this was likely caused ny an antibiotics induced response. Having passed on eating any of my breakfast, I was told by the nursing staff that I must eat my lunch. I ate a small portion and returned to trying to rest, while the discomfort subsided. A phone call from Father Oliver Maher, and a visit from Joe Gibson, helped normalize the early afternoon. Having not been able to keep the morning p.t. session appointment, when the therapist arrived for my afternoon p.t. session, I was in the throes of more of the marathon, with which she assisted me to endure and waited out, so that we were able to eek out a short, if less than perfect p.t. attempt at standing on my right foot and leg. My discomfort and pain continued throughout the afternoon, until 6 p.m., when I washed up and then sat up for a half hour in the wheelchair and ate about a third of the meatloaf dinner. Given the extensiveness of my body pain during the afternoon, I strongly suggested to the R.N. on duty have the on call physician for Dr. Bhat contacted, to make them aware of my current condition before Monday. I had already called his office and left a detailed message on Dr. Bhat's voicemail. The lab results on my stool returned showing there is no infection, and after dinner I was given immodium. Hopefully, it will lessen my discomfort and allow me a sound, and undisturbed night's sleep. Thank You For Your Ongoing Prayers And Concern, Fr. Troy

Friday, March 4, 2011

A TOPSY TURVY AFTERNOON...........

The feeling of nausea with which I awoke yesterday morning and following my first p.t. session Thursday morning increased without any external consequences, and disappeared after I took nausea medication, was evident again this morning, without preventing me from eating breakfast or lunch, nor my morning therapy sessions, but which crescendoed after lunch and has continously, extensively, developed over the last three hours. The R.N. on duty, has given me a nausea medication infusion through my central line in on myright chest, and the stomach ache I have been experiencing since after lunch, is subsiding. The vitals taken within the past forty minutes shows me with a blood pressure of 116/71; and a temperature of 97.9. I am fully and animatedly mentally alert, asking questions, reminding them of my recent experiences with muscle breakdown and the chemical ingestion occurrences, and inquired as to whether they have received the results of Dr. Bhat's prescribed, additional, blood labs on me this week..........To Be Continued. Fr. Troy

AS I CONTINUE MAKING REHAB PROGRESS @ MERCY GENERAL CCC - MY CAREGIVING AT OLOL UPON DISCHARGE IS SHAPING UP...........

As I await lunch, having done both a p.t. and o.t. session right after breakfast this morning, and then resting the body to allow the pain reliever to take hold; it was fleshed out by visits from Sharon Bishop, my friend and health care needs Advocate, Mercy Sister Kathleen, and my thirty year Church friend and co-worker, Maria Burroughs; who lives here in East Sacramento, and is a Eucharistic Minister to the sick here at Mercy General Hospital Rehabilitation. I will have my first antibiotic infusion treatment, and then, my second p.t. session, beginning at 2 p.m. Merv Carson, a Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Brother from our pre-charter days at CSU-Sacramento in the late 1970's, called me this morning offering to build me temporary ramps for the OLOL rectory, as I transition to having a prostheses. Dr. Bhat is expecting to have the additional labs he ordered for me this week, back by today, so I am standing by to receive the update. There is nothing laid back or slow, about the activity I am entered into here, as the nursing, therapuetic, and administrative needs required are continous throughout each day, almost merging at times for my attention and consoderation.....More To Come...........Fr. Troy

Thursday, March 3, 2011

A REHABILITATION DAY OF PHYSICAL THERAPY, MEDICATIONS, NAUSEAU, VISITORS FROM NEARBY, AND BLOGGING...........

I awoke this morning with a stable blood staking my morning ugar, but feeling light headed and semi queasy. When breakfast arrived at about 8:30 a.m., aftertaking my morning medications. As I did yesterday and will continue doing since Tuesday, I specifically asked if the Prograf anti rejection drug is included, and tonight actually saw it in the dose cup with my other meds. I arose and ate my breakfast, the entree being eggs benedict, which I've only eaten less than a half dozen times, yt was delicious, and breakfast stayed with me without difficulty. I went to the sink here in my room and washed up, including shaving,and as I finished my refreshing shave received my first hospital visitor of the day, Sister Kathleen Horgan, S.M., who dropped in to say hello. My morning p.t. session with Stefanie the thetherapist was focused on standing at bedside in my room, after we went downstairs to a full capacity therapy gym. The deep pain in my left buttocks is shrinking in volume and moving upward again, which it is meant to for total healing. It was tolerable until a further attempt at Stefanie's direction to add a stretching exercise to my right leg was the point in which a prohibitive pain was produced. As we completely our session, nearing 11 a.m., I opted to lay back down feeling physically depleted and within minutes my nauseous feeling increased and I felt overheated. Bridget, the R.N., on duty gave me some nausea medication, which helped me feel much better and nap for a short while. By the time lunch arrived, I was feeling okay again and ate the lunch of a tassed green salad and turkey pot roast and mashed potaoes and peas and white pearl onions, happily. After lunch I had my afternoon Vanko antibiotic infusion for an hour, which my night Nurse Mike, has just connected to my central line for my nightly infusion. Just before eating lunch, my friend of many decades, Jeanette Orsi, who volunteers in the Mercy General Hospital gift shop once a week, came to see. It was wonderful to spend those moments with her. In the midafternoon, prior to my second p.t. session, in which I concentrated with therapist Thisbe's direction, on transfers with the board on surfaces that are at a angle upward or downward, not just a straight movement across the board from bed or seat, to the wheelchair; two nearby visitors, appeared in my room all but simultaneously, Sister Kathleen, with some time o chat and Monsignor Robert Walton, from Sacred Heart Church across the street. Phone calls from Father Tony Traynor, Mary Carson, and Roger Geach, made for an enjoyable, if physically uneven day. As 10 p.m. rolls around I feel a sense of early sleep, that portends an early rising in the morning...........Grateful For The Presence of CareGivers, Colleagues, Visitors, And Friends, Who Fully Care, Fr. Troy

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

4 MINUTES UP STANDING WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THERAPISTS AND A WALKER...........

As this Wednesday goes, it was a good, if average day in Rehabilitation, as my physical therapies with the Mercy General Rehab CCC therapists continue. Don't get me wrong - the therapy sessions are increasing daily my basic ability to grow stronger on the left side of my body, so that my left leg and foot can become sturdy enough independently to aide my right foot and leg, once my prostheses is in place in a couple of months time. On that front today I succeeded in my morning p.t. session to lay on my stomach for a half hour or more, despite the pain I am still contending with near my lower back, in my buttocks area, and about my upper to middle leg, on the left side of my body. The pain deep in the muscle, is gradually subsiding until I move directly on those locations, or do my therapy sessions. The pain in my amputated right leg is of equal intensity, which by comparison to others is moderate to mild, from the reports of most amputees in the initial weeks and months after amputation, I have been told. Although I am permitted to receive my Norco pain tablets every four hours by request, for the past week plus, I have be able to stretch out my need to take the Norco to eight, twelve, sixteen, even twenty four hours. Today also included a parishioner visit from Sacred Heart Church, a block away and a mail delivery visit from Sister Kathleen Horgan, S.M. The past two days has brought to see me, upwards of a dozen Mercy staffers from the Dietician and a Patient Visitor, to a Social Worker. Joe Gibson, and Suzanne Ness, also visited me today. On my personal progress point today, in p.t., I was able to stand on my right foot and leg for 4 minutes, with the assistance of a walker and my afternoon therapist, Gaby. tHat is all for today - March 2, 2011, fourteen months to the day of my Silver Jubilee as a Priest Of Jesus Christ...........Fr. Troy

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

IT IS TIME TO SIGN UP IF YOU CAN HELP CAREGIVE FOR ME IN THE OLOL RECTORY FOR A NIGHT OR TWO, MID MARCH TO MID APRIL...........

For the past four a half weeks of my Rehabilitation after my right foot Amputation, I have requested assistance following my discharge back to the parish rectory in mid March, with caregiving ovenight, as I complete my convalescence and prepare for a prostheses. My scheduled discharge date from Rehab here at the Mercy General Continuing Care Center, is Saturday March 19. Therefore, I am in need of an adult male caregiver(s) from 7 p.m. - 7 a.m., who are capable of assisting / observing get me out of bed and into the wheelchair during the night should a problem arise, and safely see me down the two stairs out of the rectory, if necessary. Also, should a medical emergency occur to me, you are able to contact the appropriate medical personnel to address the need I am confronting. In March, there is need for a male overnight twelve hour caregiver on the nights of :
Saturday March 19;
Sunday March 20;
Monday March 21;
Tuesday March 22;

Father Oliver Maher will be visiting me from Ireland and will provide the nine nights of caregiving from Wednesday March 23 - Thursday March 31.

Others of you are needed on the nights of Friday April 1 - Wednesday April 20.

Please contact me here at Mercy General Rehab, in Room 264, at 916-732-9675; if you are available to provide for this essential need of my convalescence and recovery. I am very confident, that between my many personal friends, alumni fraternity brothers, and present and past parishioners, that I will meet this requirement of my discharge and be able to secure sufficient male caregivers for the twenty four nights, I yet need help with. Thank You in advance, for considering how much I need your help and for deciding to provide me that assistance by spending a night or two, with me in the rectory.

Optimistic You Can And Will Join Me In Accomplishing This Post Amputation Health And Safety Goal In My Immediate Rehabilitation And Convalescensce, Troy

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