Howdy, all. It's been a while. My absence here is partly a result of the fact that I've been off to the races in various other domains--including the guiding of my son, now 19, through the first year and a half of life as a music performance major at Ole Miss. I've sometimes joked that I'm the only father in America who, when his son announced, "I want to make my living as a trombone player," shouted, "Yes!" Because he's one of the few gifted with enough talent to do that. A few days ago he told me that his teacher had assigned him Joseph Alessi's "Bluebells of Scotland" as his spring performance piece--a virtuoso piece more suited to a grad student.
But enough about family.
I hope you've had a good year, whoever reads these words. I was having an excellent year in almost every respect until early November, when a foolish resolve to use a lawn rake to reach up and clean the front gutters of my house laid ruin to several of my cervical discs. I've been in some form of pain ever since and have been forced not just to stay home for Christmas but to take medical leave from my professor's job at least until early march. MRI this coming Monday, a specialist on Janury 21. All residual youthful arrogance I carried as a result of being an aging distance runner in decent shape has been shattered.
The silver lining in all this--and there's not much--is that I'm beginning to recognize just how hard life is, or can be, for many people. Perhaps that's how it is for you who are reading this. Perhaps you have a story to share, one that finds ways of talking about the pain you've suffered. Or perhaps your way of dealing with pain is NOT to talk about it. And that, too, is a valid approach. Except for my MBH email around Thanksgiving where I spoke of my disc struggles, I've said nothing about this on social media, because my way just isn't to talk about stuff, outside the circle of family and close friends.
Anyway, clubhouse, that's where things are for me on Christmas Eve. May you have a joyous season. Drop a dollar in that Salvation Army bucket when you get a chance. Somebody always has it worse than you, and they can use a helping hand.
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Dec 24, 2025 10:36 AM
I am sorry to hear about your injury. One big thing that I have learned about getting older (I will be 71 in January) is that even though I am in excellent health and pretty good condtion, injuries simply take longer to recover from. This has caused me to become very cautious. Not to the point of taking zero risks, but not pushing the envelope too hard. I suspect that your recent episode will provide you with an education in this department.
I hope you recover soon and are back to your usual self - just a little wiser for the wear. ---------- Tom Halchak Blue Moon Harmonicas
Compromised discs play merry hell with your life. I tried everything from Acupuncture to Zen meditation and after a long struggle had an operation that helped for a decade or so. Everyone will have their own 'back' story, and you won't be short of advice from well-meaning friends and strangers. No matter if you find the cure for cancer, save the world from aliens or win the Nobel prize, the first question people will have is, " How's yer back?". I wish you pain -free days and a return to normality, and while I'm at it, a Happy New Year!
