Opinion: Thank you all for your prayers, support

Well, finally, I’m back – sort of. Even though it is more difficult than I expected to regain my strength and energy, I’m still plenty glad to be on the topside of the grass. It goes better with my personal motto, “It’s better to be seen than viewed.”

Seriously, folks, I appreciate your prayers and support, even your visits to the hospital when I was so very sick. It seems that I could feel the power of your prayers as they streaked towards heaven, fortifying me with the strength to fight off a mean super bug – a superbug bug called c-deff or c-diff. If you ever hear that term, run like the wind. If it will help you to run faster, set your hair ablaze, pe rhaps even your pants. You do not want this superbug. It will most definitely hurt you.

My hospital visit lasted from December 15, 2013, through January 10, 2014. Upon arrival at Northwest Texas Hospital, I immediately underwent emergency surgery to counter the effects of toxic c-diff and sepsis. My good friend, Dr. Patricia Westergaard, got me to the hospital in the nick of time, it seems. I’ll be forever grateful to her for getting me there just in time to save my life.

The Grim Reaper is worthy foe indeed, especially when armed with a nasty bacterial infection and sepsis. Without everyone’s prayers and encouragement I’m not convinced that I would have made it. After a hospital stay of 25 days, losing 28 pounds in the process, I am tickled to death to be alive and hoping to grow stronger in the coming days.

My publisher and friend, Roger Estlack, went the extra mile, being there with me during the darkest days of my illness. I can still see his concerned look breaking through the blackness of my consciousness as I struggled to breathe and stay alive. I remember his prayers and kind expressions of support. The same goes for Patricia Westergaard, who stood at my side for many hours, fervently praying to the LORD for my deliverance.

Then there is Paul and Elmonette Bivens, along with the crew down at the Outpost, whose visits lightened my load considerably. They, along with Roger, were also kind enough to provide me with a few pair of pajamas, lest I spend my time in the hospital sitting around naked.

Of course, my cousins, Bobbie Keith and Ashlee, also added much to my recovery. My late mothers’ sisters Aunt Joan and Aunt Cornett called several times, encouraging me to make it through this. “Big”, my older brother Barry, was also there for the duration, as was the pride and joy of my life, – my son Lance.

What I’m trying to say, in spite of a brain still fuzzy from the trauma, is that if you are going to be smitten by a superbug or other horrific illness, it’s best to live in a small town, with plenty of friends and family to provide comfort and support. West Texas people are the best if you are lucky enough to be related to any of ‘em.

This recent illness serves as a reminder to me as to why I came home a few years ago. The people of Donley County are my people, and I belong here with them. It is my intent to remain here in Donley County until I die, then have my ashes scattered across this beautiful country.

Thank you all for being there in my greatest hour of need. I’m eternally grateful.