It has been a long and hard journey to a place I always thought was for other folks, “not me.” Over a lifetime, one must learn who we are and what we are supposed to be doing down here on this earth. We feel self-important and just know that we are but invincible.

And then our life is suddenly changed and maladies set upon us and we find ourself in low places, “the valley of the shadow of death.” That place where you fear that you are not going to die. Folks, I was there — we feel we have reached limit and are ready to move on to another level.

But the Master of all life had other plans for me, and I am now on my way back to the life that the Good Lord has set out for me. This life will now be tempered by knowing my own limitations and a better and fuller appreciation of the life on daily basis.

Many of you do not know of my recent health-related issue. The sudden onset of a very painful illness required almost three weeks in the hospital. I am now in my third week of recovery at home and still have further treatment/surgery in the next few months to bring me back what may be considered good health.

I will move forward daily with a thankfulness for life and those around me who have cared for me and prayed for me. I know that  I will need those who care for me and their continued prayers in the coming days. I must note here that my ever faithful Bill did not know almost 59 years ago that his promise to care for me in sickness and health would require what it has. Folks, he has been my “caregiver exemplar.” He rates a gold star on the chart.

I am not abandoning my usual care and concern about our community and will continue to help see a community that has a lifestyle that provides the best opportunity for its citizens.

Yes, Ruth is back, not to where she was but getting better every day. My participation in a public role will be with a little more patience and a little better ability to see the whole picture.

I am now at home at my new station in life — “old age.” Maybe I will find the wisdom that age supposedly endows; who knows, I leave that judgment to those around me. My grateful thanks to all of you who have gone along with me on this journey with your many caring words and prayer, you made my journey one that I can rest at ease in my senior lifestyle.