Once again I repeat my thanks to all for the supportive

prayers, cards and meals so generously provided. One thing

this brain tumor experience has taught me, is that when we

do complete our parish hall, we will have great pot-luck suppers

because there are terrific cooks of a variety of ethnic

backgrounds in the parish. Thank you to all the cooks and

Nancy Davisson for coordinating. We recently received the

"go ahead" from the Bishop on the parish hall plans. We

move "Forward in Faith" as expected with hopes that we will

be in the completed building by Easter of 2013. Thank you to

all who have been so faithful in leading this project, and to

their pledges and offerings. Someone handed Fr. Ondeck an

envelope with $500 for the parish hall recently which is most

appreciated. Some gifts are anonymously given but for tax

purposes you may want to be identified by your envelope

number or name.

My recovery from acoustic neuroma surgery progresses with

the help of parish, staff, doctors and therapists. Sr. Maria and

Fr. Doug have been kind enough to act as chauffer for me to

and from therapy sessions in Morgantown and Fairmont and

now I hope to transfer those to a facility in Bridgeport. Vestibular

Therapy has helped resolve the double vision and made

great advances in restoring balance. You never know why

you need two inner ears until you lose one! I still have morning

headaches that are managed with Ibuprofen and being

still for an hour. They can come and go through the day but

are not too hard to control. My energy level is improving but

occasionally calls for an afternoon siesta. My signature is

almost back to normal but I need to practice writing more.

The facial weakness is still there on the right side for which I

am currently getting therapy and doing exercises but that issue

can take up to a year and a half to improve. This is a new

way to learn to be patient. Because of the facial nerve weakness,

I have the weight in my right eyelid to help it close and

every night I use an eye ointment and cover the eye (and cornea)

with protective "Saran Wrap." It’s a bit of a hassle but

not as bad as getting an ulcer on the cornea. I return to Baltimore

to see the surgeons for follow up on March 2. Fr. Mark

Gallipeau will be taking me and I hope at that time to give

more of a prognosis. "In the Beginning"…I was told about 2

months recovery from the surgery of January 17. Frankly, I

didn’t really believe that but it’s beginning to look about

right. Basically the process has taught me to be patient, to

wait, to do my part and to accept gratefully whatever comes.

It’s like moving "Forward in Faith," together and with the

Lord.

Love and Blessings,

Fr. Casey