A person that knows my heart better than anyone here in Lake Havasu City is soon to leave my life. I’ve known this day might come, but always hoped it’d be a bit further down the road.
No, it isn’t my wife I’m talking about, although I know there were trying times enough to make her seek marital-sabbatical for a short spell. I can’t think of any married friends or family that don’t need a few days apart on occasion. A former pastor of mine, said that it’s good for couples to do so, as it makes them more appreciative of each other during those times away. If not—there’s something seriously wrong in the relationship.
The person I’m referring to that’s leaving me is my cardiologist, Dr. Pareed Aliyar. He came into my life after an afib scare almost 10 years ago and has been there steadfast ever since. The good doctor is retiring in December and I wish him the best. After first hearing this news, I admit to being a bit shocked and then sad. I’m now very happy for him.
Years ago, in Anchorage, Alaska, Dr. John J. Smith, my family physician, did just the same. This retirement gave him more time to spend building and flying model airplanes. Dr. Ernest Meinhardt took over after that, with him owning and flying the real thing, a Helio Courier.
I recently looked Meinhardt up and he’s still in practice, although his photo shows the same aging face that I’ve experienced. I have to assume that retirement isn’t too far away. Dr. Meinhardt likes to fish, so perhaps he’ll be able to enjoy this recreational activity more often.
After moving to Havasu, Dr. Thomas Wrona, like a good mechanic, took over the diagnosing and repair of my ills. I really liked him from the start because he told things without beating around the bush. After informing Wrona I was experiencing tiredness and some aches and pains, he gave me a thorough examination.
Not finding anything seriously wrong he offered up the following logical explanation, “Aches and pain come with the territory!” Dr. Wrona wasn’t talking locale here, he was referring to my body getting older like an automobile. I still chuckle at that statement because it is point on. Dr. Angelo Ong-Veloso has since taken over for Wrona, and I pray I’m still around when he decides to leave practice.
The way I look at life, if any more of my doctors retire while I’m still upright is a good thing. That tells me they’ve been doing something right where looking after my health is concerned. You see, I’m already retired in the working sense. Doctor’s Smith, Meinhardt, Wrona, Aliyar, and Ong-Veloso have kept me from becoming “permanently retired” if you catch my drift.
That, my friends—is a very good thing!
I like to write junk... 