The Idle American: I'm back!

About two months ago, after more than 23 years of writing weekly columns, I took my leave. (OK, maybe it’s my “weakly” assembly of words masquerading as columns might be more accurate.) Whatever, I’m back.

  Perhaps a few of my pieces have been tolerable, some meriting smiles that gave way to laughter, and - on rarest occasions - a few guffaws.

  Previous columns were intended to inspire, encourage the choice of higher roads and enjoy the pleasures of cruising the high seas.

  It might come as a surprise that I have chosen to clear cobwebs from my computer keyboard, aware that editors might at any time choose to replace my column with the work of others, or perhaps photographs, advertisements or even blank space.

  A few wags have kidded (OK, half-kidded) that printed words are not always better than space left blank, just as some speeches fall short of improving on silence. Actually, these may be valid observations, but so much has happened recently, I am inclined to discuss some personal experiences, the only kinds I’ve had.

  Galinda, who played the lead in Broadway’s hit play, Wicked, may have been close to the truth with her malapropism that rivaled those of the late, great baseball player, Yogi Berra. Do you remember the question she posed to her teacher? “And I don’t see why you can’t teach us history without harping on the past.”

  History for  me has happened fast. Before starting to write The Idle American in 2003, one editor asked what I would write about.

  I took his question seriously, thought-gathering before answering: “Things I know, hear, see and do.” His rejoinder caused cackles in the news room. “What about the fourth week?” I’ve pondered his question across the years. (Actually, I’ve written 1,187 columns since he was flustered that there might not even be a column for the fourth week.) His newspaper ran The Idle American  occasionally in the early years, and regularly for the past decade.

  Truth to tell, there are two major reasons for my brief absence. My world was closing in fast, what with my role (as well as our daughters’) to provide primary care 24/7 for Brenda, my wife of 60 years come August 12.

  Dementia crept  in some eight years ago. When her physical and mental deficiencies became increasingly evident, we determined that her admission to a professional care facility was needed. We are thankful that she is now entrusted to qualified caregivers in a rural memory care facility located near our home. Yes, I said rural. Cattle graze nearby, only a few hundred yards from earshot of traffic’s constant hum from vehicles on Interstate Highway 35.

  Knowing that she is compliant and fitting in nicely with new friends provides much relief.

  We are blessed beyond measure.

  My heart disease - marked by quadruple bypass/mitral valve surgery in 1998, a heart attack while making church announcements in 2021 and defibrillation activation shortly before Brenda’s move - added to our health issues.

  This time, a blocked artery and an aortic aneurysm created additional challenges.

  On June 8, Dr. Srinivasa Potluri, Chief of Cardiology, and his team at Plano’s Baylor Heart Hospital, employing non-invasive access through both groin and wrist vessels, essentially tied off the aneurysm and broke through the blockage. It was described as being a complicated procedure, spanning five hours.

  That’s it.  I was free to go home the same afternoon, but opted to stay overnight. I fell asleep counting blessings that included the remarkable skills of dedicated cardiologists, the love of family and the prayers of many.

  Just weeks away from the beginning of my 90th year on the planet, I give most credit to the Great Physician. I’ll keep on keeping on as long as possible, thankful for what has gone before, as well as what lies ahead. I intend to write weekly again, and resume a public speaking regimen that has taken me to 45 states over the past six decades.

  I think often of the late Art Linkletter’s 1988 book, Old Age Is Not for Sissies. He was a man full of life and goodness who died a couple of months before his 98th birthday, this orphan who made it to the top. He is remembered fondly for his zest for life, engaging people of all ages with his heart-warming interviews, books and TV show. His cup ran over; so does mine.

Dr. Newbury, longtime chancellor of Howard Payne University, lives in the Metroplex. Email: newbury@speakerdoc.com. Phone: 817-447-3872.