Closing The Book On A Rather Difficult 2022

Today I put the bow on another year of the Hometown View, the 26^th I have done this daily segment in which I share my thoughts and views on a variety of subjects with you.  They are mine and sometimes don’t quite match yours which is fine because I believe it’s okay to agree to disagree as long as it’s done with the understanding that we are different and should respect one another’s opinions.

It is truly hard to believe that it’s been 12 months since I last shared end of year thoughts with you and that period has been unfortunately filled with more disappointment when it comes to my personal health. 2022 began with me recovering from spine surgery to fix a herniated disk that was causing me severe sciatic nerve pain.  However prior to that I had a degenerative condition that I knew would require surgery as lower back pain limited my ability to walk and live what most would consider a normal life.

So in May I underwent L4, L5 & S1 spinal fusion surgery and my doctor told me going in I had a 75-80% chance of a successful outcome.  Unfortunately I fell into the 20-25% category.  Seven months later I still can’t walk far or stand for long periods of time but in addition I suffered nerve damage in my left foot during the procedure.  I now have partial drop-foot, need to wear a brace, live with pins and needles just about all the time and more.  The nerve condition has not really improved despite physical therapy and I am facing the prospect of living with this for life.  As for my back…well I just had an MRI and CT scan and we’ll see if that shows why I am not recovering as expected. Did I mention I had a cancer scare in the spring?  Well fortunately that turned out okay.

I don’t want this to sound like I feel sorry for myself because I don’t…at least most of the time.  We all deal with something and I am very lucky to have a family and friends that have stuck by me especially my wife Jane who has been nothing short of amazing.  Of course my 3 ½ year old grandson Carter gives me added incentive to work my way back.

I have learned as you get older that days, weeks, months and years fly by at an alarming rate and while you can’t stop Father Time each year you get to add another number to your age has in the very end been a pretty good one which I did in 2022. For now I will simply wish you peace and joy throughout the holiday season, a very Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah and good health in the New Year.