CHRISTMAS 2008
CHRISTMAS 2008
Dear Friends:
I hope this Advent Season finds you all happy and in the best of health! I have never sent out a Christmas letter before but I thought it would be the easiest way to let you all know what's going on in my life these days.
As some of you know, I have had several significant health issues over the past couple years and currently am dealing with advanced stages of osteoporosis and hardening of the carotid arteries. I visited Bishop Jerry Wilkerson recently, the bishop of the San Fernando Region, and he urged me to take time away from the parish to work on improving my overall health. Though this is a very difficult decision to make, I know it's what I need to do for the sake of the parish as well as my own. I'll be leaving early January and am hoping to be back in six months feeling much better than I do presently. Though I'll have frequent doctor appointments in the Glendale area, my plan at this time is to spend much of the coming months with family members in Northern California.
On November 21st I began a two year regimen of daily injections of "Forteo" which has successfully restored bone loss in those who have used it. Right now the doctor tells me I am at risk of a spontaneous broken hip simply by stepping off the curb in the wrong way as well as compression fractures in my back. As far as the arteries go, I still don't know what treatment will be determined.
Father Tim, Father Tom, Msgr. Frilot and Father Pat are overwhelmingly supportive of the need for me to take this time away. I know I can count on your prayerful support as well.
I'll still be picking up mail at Incarnation when I'm in town.
Let's continue to pray for each other!
May all of the peace and joy of this Holy Season be yours in abundance!
Love,
Father Paul