ONE YEAR AGO - TIME CHANGES EVERYTHING

These were taken one year ago.  He continues to touch lives even though he can barely have enough energy to leave his room.  He was asked to share a reflective word and he mustered up, "Sit with Jesus".  How can you sit with Jesus today?  With Him in adoration?  With Him in the elderly?  With Him in the chronically ill?  With Him in those in prison?  With Him on the streets and soup kitchens?  With Him in your coworkers?  With Him in the new mother with the crying baby at church?  With Him with the newly widowed crying at church?  In Him with your children enjoying their laughs and joys? With Him in the waiter or waitress serving you?  With Him in the grocery store?  With Him with the dad caring for his disabled son?  With Him in your spouse?  With Him in the single pregnant mother?  With Him in the  adolescent unsure of the future?     "Sit with Jesus"                  

Happy New Year

It has been a year since the oncologist told Father Joseph there was nothing else they could do.  It has been an interesting year.  A year of growing in faith and traveling a journey dependent on God's mercy.  We were able to have many of his nieces and nephews to sing him Christmas carols on Christmas and some of the siblings were able to then talk and pray with him.  He is doing wound changes every 3 days or so and these are getting a little more taxing.  With chronic illness, one suffers from anemia and that with the combination of a little compromise in his lungs makes these changes seem like running a 5K.  He now has oxygen to help if he should need it.  He is pretty much eating eggs and oatmeal and drinking his milk, tea, or root beer. People ask how much longer.  In all honesty it could be any day or it could be a few months.  The squamous cell lesions have grown quite impressively since June.  We are unsure if there is a lesion in the esophagus but this could account for him not wanting or tolerating big solids. He has some wheezing in his lungs so we question if there are squamous cell carcinoma areas in there.  His left side of his face has become swollen from the lip lesion past the cheek lesion up to his ear.  It has also caused some redness in the left eye.
Thank you all for your continued prayer.  One thing that has been hard for the past several year is the fact that we can not hug him due to his wounds and the pain it causes.   So we get by giving fist pumps and kissing his forehead.  Please don't pass the opportunity to hug your children, spouse, or those who need it.  Pray for those with cancer and especially Fr Dan Morales in Texas who is undergoing treatment for cancer that has an unknown course over this next year.  Have a great year in 2016 one truly filled with God's Mercy.  
John 16:33

His Mission

I have put off writing this blog for a while.  All of "his family" needs an update though. So here we go. His mission on earth is entering its final weeks. He sleeps much more and his breathing is becoming more labored, although he utters not a complaint. The areas of squamous cell are continuing to disfigure him.  Again I thought of sharing photos but I wish for you to picture how you know him and offer these last few weeks in prayer for him. He appreciates all the prayer and I feel his suffering is a little less because of all the offerings being made. Please continue prayers for my parents and the siblings. My meditations lately have been on Matthew24:36, Isaiah 53, and 2 Corinthians 4:7-18.
I know a lot of you are busy with Christmas preparation but truly remember it is all about that baby in the Manger many years ago and the love He poured out his whole life for all of us unconditionally. He waits for all of us with open arms.  God will soon be calling Father Joseph home and how great it is to have this comfort that he will not be alone.  https://youtu.be/CHV6BjuQOZQ

Father Joseph Sharing a Blessing

This was a video I captured back in January 2015.  His speech is a little changed now. It is harder to pronounce any Bs in words but he is still carrying on wonderful conversations.  Pray for us as we go forward with future preparations.  I know several of you have lost loved ones.  It is hard to grasp that one day you see them then the next they are gone.  Let us cherish each other now in the moment because none of us know the day or the time of our eternity.  God bless all of you out there in your struggles and triumphs.  God is ever loving and merciful

Latest Update

It is hard to know where the cancer is spreading.  One can sit and speculate for hours, but God is whispering "Be still and know that I am God".  My older sister shared with me that God is taking him little by little literally as his skin is overtaken little by little by the cancer.  The left side of his face is a little thicker as the cancer from the lip spreads inward.  He commented that he feels that there is fluid in his ear on the left side also.  So we can tell it has spread a little deeper in the left side.  He is still able to eat scrambled eggs and small cut up fruit and oatmeal in the morning.  He tries to drink his milk from a bottle with a small opening but 1/3 of it dribbles out the other side due to the gap in his lip.  It is a little hard to watch as he has to wear a towel to catch the drool and extra fluids.  Maintaining his dignity is first and foremost as we all care for him.  Before making a suggestion one must be thoughtful about what to say and ask being sensitive to his abilities.
Mentally he is sharp.  He is not walking as much due to fatigue and shortness of breath.  He says he prays, eats, and sleeps. It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming soon.  A year ago  December 30th the doctors said to go home for quality of life not knowing when his time would be 3,6,9, or 12 months...
Please pray for continued peace and God's will in his life.  For all those with Facebook send a picture of your family or group of friends saying hello to him.  I know he would love to see all of you this way.  Know he is waving back and praying for each and everyone one of you.  Make this Advent special.  While you light your candles offer a special prayer for him as he continues to prepare his way...

Please also join the Feek family Joey and Rory as the world prays for Joey and her cancer journey.  There is a general world wide prayer vigil tomorrow night at 9 pm est.  Check out Rory's blog page
thislifeilive.com
 

Things that should seem so simple

I just went to LA Fitness and cancelled Father Joseph's membership. They have been billing him for the past several months and it just occurred to us as we were paying his bills. It seemed like it would be a simple thing to do just walk in and say I need to cancel a membership for my brother. It however brought back memories of when Father Joseph would say I'm going to get back there someday I'm going to walk 3 miles I'm going to do it. .. He says even though this cancer has disfigured him it cannot take his soul and the ability to receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ in communion and the graces of the sacrament of confession. He will never cancel that he has a lifetime membership.

What Can I do for Father Joseph Peek?

Many of you ask "how can I help" or "what can I do"?   Of all the things you could do, one stands out the most.  Pray. Pray for our mom and dad and their walk over the next few weeks/months.  It  is hard to watch our brother and hard to watch their  son on this journey.  Pray for peace and understanding. http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/prayers-against-despondency.html Join and pray through Saint Joseph http://www.catholictradition.org/Joseph/joseph7.htm
He is very tired these days and his schedule changes.  He is very gracious and thankful for everyone and their part in this journey.  He continues to say through the sacraments of Communion and Confession he is able to take one day at a time. 

We love you Father Joseph!

Video of Father Vincent Capodanno

Here is a video on Father Vincent Capodanno.  May we all live to serve others by the example of his life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLR-rJYPlQo

September 4,2015 join All Saints Alliance of the Two Hearts

The Alliance of The Two Hearts takes place this Friday September 4,2015. They meet every first Friday/Saturday  http://www.allianceoftwoheartsgeorgia.com/  This day is also the anniversary of Father Vincent Capodanno"s death and the following day September 5,2015 is the anniversary of the death of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.  Father Joseph has participated in the past with the Alliance of Two Hearts and Missionaries of Charity.  If you are available Friday night consider joining at  All Saints for a spiritual refreshment.  Father Joseph will not be there. As always we continue praying for you out there and the many trials and thanksgivings you experience.  God bless you all.

Father Joseph is still well alive mind body and soul

I apologize if I shocked people with those pictures. These are his wounds he has walked around with for 10 years or so. These wounds wax and wane in different locations on his back legs arms   He gets wounds changed and redressed three times a week. His squamous cell carcinoma sites are worsening and his breathing is labored with exertion.  As I reflect on his wounds it comes to me that we are to see Christ in each other and reflect Christ to others. His reflection is that of Jesus Christ scourged.  He offers each time of change for the priests of this diocese. He offers his body and soul each day to God. I have more pictures I will share with you eventually. He is truly a silent sufferer. As we go into September and beyond will you also give your all for the mission God has called you to complete in your life?  Prayers for all of you .

Happy 50th Birthday Father Joseph and thanks for the blessing

Our Mission His Mission

Long pauses are not always comfortable. Sorry for the long pause.  Since last writing Fr Joseph has had several events occur.  He underwent 5 tooth extraction and dental cleaning.  I know the doctors would wish to remain anonymous but I wish to thank them from the bottom of my heart. They are Dr Joe Pausa and Drs. Stephanie and Sean O'Rourke.  They were very compassionate and carrying for my brother.  This occurred early in July so it would be after his trip to his sister in Erie and before his 50th birthday.  He is able to eat a little better since the surgery and still able to drink. Thanks be to God. 

Lord Jesus he gives you his all... 

God bless these feet the many miles they have travelled to spread the good news of Jesus Christ!

Happy Anniversary Father Joseph

On Monday June 22 Father Joseph Peek celebrates 13 years as an ordained Catholic priest serving the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He began his path of priesthood and his path of physical suffering at the same time. Many of us will attend mass at 7PM at All Saints Catholic Church where he resides. He may or may not be in attendance all depending on his strength. If you wish to send him any words please comment below and we will read them to him. You may also wish to mail him a card.
   His lip has a small gaping to it where he had radiation in February.  The doctors are discussing to see the best plans as far as tooth removal and bringing the lip back together. His spirits remain good. Thank you all for your prayers. Again we pray for all your needs especially for those who suffer alone.

ERIE, PA TRIP

On Friday May 22nd Father Joseph his mom and dad and two siblings went to Erie Pennsylvania to visit his oldest sister. She is a Carmelite nun living in the convent up in Erie, Pennsylvania. She was transferred there from the Alexandria South Dakota convent in March. This was truly a blessing for Faher Joseph. The thought of having to go to Alexandria South Dakota would be an awesome burden at this time in his life.so God continues to show that He is in charge and made this trip much more reachable. The group met at All Saints and left at 6 a.m. Friday morning. A kind parishioner drove them to the airport. Father Joseph was able to go through the special assistance Lane at TS A and he had the special pre checked card from TSA as well as the others in the group. This time he walked through the scanner instead of needing a pat down by the TSA worker. The flight went smoothly and landing was soft. It only took 10 minutes for the rental car to be ready, he enjoyed a little lunch with his aunt sister Denise Roche, and then he drove in the backseat an hour and a half from Buffalo to Erie Pennsylvania.He had a little rest then wound care change dinner and a visit with sister Mary Agnes ,his sister whom he has not seen in the last 2 years. Saturday he was able to concelebrate mass with Father Rouch and his brother Father Kevin Peek. He was able to visit his sister again 2 times that day. The weather was more than awesome. For those of you who are not familiar with the Carmelite way of life when one goes to visit a family member in the convent they have to sit in a sitting room and visit the sibling through a grate. You see each other face to face but you're not allowed to hug or shake hands. Sunday he was able to visit again. The Feast of the Holy Spirit was truly a blessing for Faher Joseph. It is hard with a chronically ill patient to try to make sure that the needs are met at the other end as they are met in their own home. One of the things that help Father Joseph on the strip was his essential oil diffuser. These essential oils have brought him a calming sense.The power of smell cannot be underestimated. Therefore if you or a loved one has chronic pain or suffering it would benefit you to research and use essential oils.We also are in the process of seeing essential oils may be able to be used topically on his squamous cell carcinoma. Father Joseph truly enjoyed his visit with his sister. He returned through the rain Monday evening and again was met by parishioner who graciously drove him back to his rectory. He was grateful for his comfortable bed and familiar surroundings. Thank you for all your prayers and support that helped make this trip run so smoothly.
His strength is such that he is awake for about 2 hours and sleeps 2 hours. His graft-versus-host disease wounds are pretty much staying the same and we hope that these will progress to healing at some point. We are happy that he is able to eat and talk. His nieces and nephews have benefited from him teaching them memorable things such as singing playing chess games telling stories and just sharing time.Please continue to keep him in your prayers as we know you will and we continue to keep all of you in our prayers thank you

His story my perspective part 2

Being from a family of 11 children it seems like there wouldn't be a problem finding a perfect match for his bone marrow transplant.  Instead of one sibling matching him he had three siblings to match his bone marrow.  The doctors had to narrow it down to decide which of the matches would be the best between the three.  There are two ways to do a bone marrow transplant from the donor.  My sister's cells were collected by leukapheresis instead of bone marrow harvest.  She received a medication that caused her bone marrow to produce immature stem cells.  These cells would go out into her bloodstream. The doctors would then collect the blood by an IV draw.  The blood would then be filtered and then administered to father Joseph.  After the bone marrow transplant he remained hospitalized receiving various medications to prevent infection and graft versus host disease. Father Joseph had a 30 to 40% chance of graft versus host disease.  He did develop this and subsequently developed the chronic type of graft versus host disease that lasts a lifetime.  His symptoms have included keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eyes for which he has to chronically use replenish eyedrops, fatigue, muscle weakness, and mouth sensitivity. He also has joint stiffness and has suffered from scleroderma a tightening of the skin.  Due to the scleroderma he cannot extend his right arm fully.  The most significant symptom he has dealt with throughout all of this is the skin rashes and wounds...

His story my perspective part one

Back in 2001 my older brother Father Joseph came home for Thanksgiving vacation. We were all impressed at his stature. He looked as if he had lost some weight in a healthy way. When asked what he was doing he commented "I just am not as hungry for a whole meal anymore or to eat seconds".  moving forward a few months I was finishing work on Valentine's day when I was told I had a call on line one. Picking up the phone I heard my brother say "I've just been diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia. How do I tell mom and dad?"  I learned some about this in medical school but since I work with children I don't see these cases.I asked him what his symptoms were he said extreme fatigue and looking back he said he remembered he couldn't keep up with the drill runs while he was on a military week in August in Quantico. That wasn't like him for you see he was trained to be on the Navy search and rescue team and had gone through rigorous training for that.I told him we will just take it one day at a time. I did some research and saw that Gleevec was available instead of the harsh medication of an interferon. there were several stories out there of success. This was good however his doctors told him with his type he would eventually need a bone marrow transplant to be fully treated for his luekemia. In the meantime he finished up seminary and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Atlanta in June of 2002.The first parish he started in was Saint Catherine of Sienna. Sometimes people offer up their suffering for certain groups or certain individuals. Father Joseph decided to offer up his suffering throughout all of this for the priest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.