SINCERELY SCOTTY: Farewell

By Walter Scott

To all my friends and readers,

After 16 years of writing for the Messenger, I sadly must retire from my somewhat amateurish writing. There could be many reasons, but the overwhelming reason is my personal health. Over the past two months, I have developed some several heart problems. On May 3rd, it was determined I needed a “pacemaker” and it was surgically implanted. Less than a month later, I woke up about 1am unable to breathe. After 2 or 3 hours, the problem didn’t go away, so I woke up Jacque, my wife, to take me to the hospital. They quickly stabilized me and determined I would be kept in the hospital pending evaluation by the staff cardiologist. After several tests and surgical procedures, it was determined I had CHF, congestive heart failure. It is having a drastic effect on my life.

All the activities, projects around the house have come to an end. I can’t mow my yard, work in my yard, nor drive very far. (I have driven to Crockett twice since this happened to me.) My primary activity is breathing. I sleep a lot, but as far as any activity goes, I may be good for an hour.

In both cases, the pacemaker and the CHF, there were no warning signs. My cardiologist said there were a few documented cases like mine, but it is rare. All of this has come as a shock to my system. Jacque says I need to establish a new “norm” – meaning a new lifestyle I can live with. I know she is right, but I wasn’t ready for this. Nor am I ready for a new “norm,” but it is inevitable that I must have one.

I am no longer able to put out the effort in writing a column every week. Numerous doctor appointments, changing meds, and the realization of my situation over shadow my ability to write a column. Add to that, the fact that there are more restrictions on writing that were not in place previously. For 16 years I have been an unpaid amateur writer and I have no regrets. Perhaps when I can get my life in order and manage my medical problems I will submit a column if the Messenger will allow me to do so.

In the meantime remember to thank God for what you have. You never know when it may go away.

Sincerely,

Scotty

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