Survivor
By BILL MEYER
Publisher
This is what's termed a personal column, so let's get down and at it. No holds barred. Katy slam the door. Hit the rail, let it all hang out.
Last week's "Intentions" brought comment from readers that got under the former editor's skin. Known as a tough ol' geezer with a hard hide, only a few people realize he has a soft under belly. He's vulnerable. But, also, he's a survivor.
Retirement has not been pleasant, mainly due to physical reasons. If health issues can be resolved, there's still time to do many of the things on that list.
The past month has been spent in bed, at home and in the hospital, but this week it seems the corner has been turned and things can be done that were not possible a few days ago.
A great deal of credit should be given to longtime friends who dropped us a line and said kind things.
This stage of life will get better. Again, we'll survive as we've done in the past.
The first was as a young boy who had a dangerous operation, and survived. As a youth he lived "on the edge" doing dangerous teenage things, and survived. During Army combat he was noted for taking chances, but survived. A bout with carbon monoxide on a late-night lonely snowbound road nearly killed the young man, but he survived. Cardiac arrest, four years ago, snuffed out his vital signs for a few minutes but he survived, with damage.
And a long career as a crusading journalist often provoked readers, some saying they'd like to whip him or worse. And he survived.
The interesting and heartfelt fact is that the tough old bird with the soft belly is a bit of a Phoenix. Perhaps he'll fly again.
