Some of you may have noticed but most probably not, but I have not written a column in this space for nearly a month now.
And there's a reason for that. It's called back surgery and at any age, it's not a walk in the park.
In fact, I have discovered a fraternity of back surgery patients from Sikeston who have now become my brothers and sisters of surgery.
Here's the plain truth. At the tender age of 66, this marks the first time I have spent a night in a hospital (thank you Lord) and I have learned some lessons.
First and foremost, the care and compassion I received at Missouri Delta Medical Center was top notch. Period!
I have also learned that a great caregiver is essential and I am fortunate to have one. Thank you Tess!
I have also learned that three weeks inside a house is anything but fun. Daytime television is indeed a vast wasteland and you can cruise the Internet just so much.
I have learned patience - perhaps the most difficult lesson for me.
And by no means am I out of the woods, so to speak. I have several weeks of physical therapy ahead and the healing process is slow - which is understandable.
But above all else, I have learned the true importance of friends and family.
Perhaps it is because we live in a smaller community but the cards, emails, phone calls, etc. have taught me a valuable lesson: Never discount friendship especially in difficult times. Those brief conversations and cards, etc. make the other lessons pale by comparison.
Enough whining.
Be patient and I will continue to share some thoughts with you as this journey continues.
And someday - hopefully sooner than later - I will return full time to the process of praising this wonderful federal administration and the care and compassion they clearly have for the American public.
I can't wait!