by Curt Kovener
It has been a few weeks since I last wrote and an explanation is in order.
Earlier in February we had some ice and sleet and snow. I took the usually reliable 20-year old Tracker out the lane to see the roadway’s shape and if the highway was passable. I made it out the lane with little problem but SR 135 was still ice & snow covered so I turned around to head back to the house.
I failed to build up a head of steam and lost traction on the lane’s opening hill. Figuring I would get the tractor to unstuck with mini-SUV, I began to walk back the half-mile lane. About half-way back, the hilly lane was kicking my patoot. I eventually made it back to the house but I was done in. I had no chest pain; just some of what I thought was throat discomfort from sucking cold air into my lungs.
That afternoon I got the tractor and made a clearer path. Then unsuccessfully attempted to unstuck the mini-SUV. By the time I made it back to the house again, I knew something wasn’t right with me.
A trip to the Schneck Medical ER and I found myself quickly taking my first Jackson County EMS ambulance ride to Columbus Regional Heart Center. The ride was a bit ironic since I was on the original board that formed JCEMS back in the 1990’s. And I will report that US 31 is not a smooth as it could be.
From there life became a blur as I was told that I had several blockages in my heart, some were fixed with a balloon, others would require by-pass surgery which was scheduled for Feb. 10. Apparently my winter lane walk caused some heart attack which resulted in the blockage diagnosis.
I had wonderful care at CRH; caring nurses, skilled doctors and the hand of the Almighty directing them all…though some of my readers may wonder why.
I returned home Feb. 17 after an 8-inch scar was installed in my chest. A lengthy shower and the first night back at the Wilderness was s-o-o-o-o comforting.
Becky is a wonderful nurse, caregiver, cook, housekeeper, chauffeur, and stern task-mistress when she needs to be. I am fortunate to have her in my life.
All the medical professionals I meet tell me I am doing fine and will eventually heal to be a new man. I look forward to this new man being able to walk the woods and work without getting short of breath.
Many of you readers sent cards, emails, texts and well wishes for a speedy recovery. Please know you all helped with my healing. Thank you, I am grateful for my faithful Times readers.
But a few of you subscribing sphincter muscles demanded to know if I would extend your subscription for the weeks’ missed. Yes, you will get three weeks added to your subscription. The rest of the Times readers will have six months added to theirs’ for their show kindness and compassion while I was down.