On the Mend to Where Good Things are Happening

       The last year and a half have been quite the health journey in my life. First, I was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2025. Then I had a blood clot in my right leg in the summer. And just as that was clearing up, I started experiencing sciatica in my legs along with lower back pain. I was diagnosed with a bulging disc in November. That was followed by a cortisone shot in December and a double cortisone shot in February, neither of which helped at all. 
        Debbie and I opted to switch medical providers. We traveled to Iowa Ortho in Pella where we were able to meet with orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Trevor Schmitz, on March 24. He knew right away what the issue was and after additional x-rays, explained the process of what was needed to get me safely back on my feet again.
My operation took place on April 8 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines where Dr. Schmitz installed two screws and a small rod in my back and cleaned out the soft tissue that had been pushing on my nerve. 
The surgery was successful. The only pain that I’m currently having is minor pain in my back and around my right knee.
       I’m very thankful to be recovering nicely thanks to the help of Debbie and my family. I even have a temporary ramp installed in my garage that will allow me to get out of the house safely.
         I have also been receiving physical therapy since mid-January and that has been a great help.
        I am now using what they call a log roll to get in and out of the bed. And the in-hospital physical therapy people taught me about BLT. Not bacon, lettuce and tomato but no bending, lifting or twisting. Guess I won’t be dancing for a while.
       I’ve been talking about it for years, but once I get through all of this, I’m going to go fishing. It’s about time for Mr. Parker to catch a big fish!
         In fact, I’d like to catch one big enough to mount on the wall. But it might have to be in the garage.
A trip to the Lake of the Ozarks wouldn’t be bad either. I’d also love to take another trip to Oklahoma to spend time with family. And I would like to finish organizing my post cards.
      It will be good to get back out and visit with the townsfolk and take photos. I couldn’t attend many basketball games and have had to miss events like the pine car derby and some of the community breakfasts. Most of my reporting has been via email, text and telephone. And I’ve missed being able to sit down and visit face-to-face with people and covering events going on in the community. 
        My next goal is to be at my youngest nephew’s graduation party and attend the graduation ceremonies in Montezuma and Brooklyn. I look forward to covering the Memorial Day events, Brooklyn Flag Festival, Fourth of July events in Montezuma and Grinnell and the county fair. 
       I’m also looking forward to being able to walk around at both the Iowa State Fair and the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant later on this summer. 
        I’m looking forward to enjoying what life has to offer. 
        Remember that Good Things are Happening, every day and always.