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Tuesday, December 21, 2021

2021 YEAR-END WRAP-UP

BRYCE ON BRYCE

- My most popular columns and audio segments this year.

Click for AUDIO VERSION.

To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send TIM a request.


This is my last column for the year as I prepare to enjoy the holidays and rest up for 2022. As has become customary, I'm using this opportunity to review my top essays from the past year.

As you know, I write on a variety of subjects, such as management, systems, technology, social issues, politics, and observations of our changing world. Sometimes my work is instructional and informative, other times it is controversial or humorous. I certainly hope it isn't boring. By the number of subscribers I have, their comments, and the hits I have on my web sites, I do not believe this is the case.

This has been another fiery political year and, as such, my political columns did very well. Nonetheless, what follows is based on my "hits" on my web pages.

Interestingly, my readership has expanded beyond Florida. Currently, the following countries follow my work: USA, Ireland, Ecuador, Germany, France, Italy, Nigeria, Philippines, Thailand, Norway, United Kingdom. This is based on circulation.

This was a difficult year for me personally. I lost my mother in the Spring, and I discovered I had liver cancer in Autumn, something which I have written about recently. On the plus side, I am now the proud Papa of my first grandchild, who has become the apple of my eye. I have also met a wonderful woman who has been very supportive during these troubling times. As such, I count my blessings as opposed to problems. I must remember to write about romance in our senior years. It's rather enchanting.

Writing has always been an important outlet for me. It helps me maintain my sanity. As my illustrator buddy said, "If they were to make you stop writing, and have me stop drawing, they might as well give us a Viking funeral here and now and put us out of our misery. It's what we do and who we are."

My top columns for the year include:

1. THE CATCH-22 IN NONPROFITS - Jan 05, 2021 - This really didn't surprise me as it was published at the beginning of the new year as nonprofit organizations are just beginning a new fiscal year. It questions the competency of the leaders of such groups. This is why I wrote the book, "How to Run a Nonprofit: It doesn’t Require Rocket Science."

2. TRYING TO KICK TRUMP UNDER THE BUS - Jan 19, 2021 - Number 2 and Number 3 discussed the "Stop the Steal" Protest in Washington, DC on January 6th. So their rankings didn't surprise me. People want to know the truth about what happened that day, and so far they haven't received it. It disturbs me greatly that protestors are still locked up without a speedy trial twelve months later. This is simply outrageous.

3. WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AT THE "STOP THE STEAL PROTEST" - Jan 9, 2021

4. TIM'S FIGHT WITH CANCER, PART I - Nov 16, 2021 - Number 4 and Number 5 are also closely related as I described my approach to conquering my liver cancer problem. It is my hope these writings can start a dialog among cancer patients and give the general public a glimpse into our thinking process.

5. TIM'S FIGHT WITH CANCER, PART II - Dec 07, 2021

6. REPUBLICAN CLUBS FALTER - May 27, 2021 - This grabbed the attention of Republicans where I essentially made the observation, "The emperor has no clothes." Something that didn't sit well with the GOP hierarchy. However, the grass roots people loved it as I spoke on their behalf.

7. FLORIDA PARENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS - Aug 24, 2021 - this was a new bill within the State of Florida. Other states have also tried this. It ultimately is a reminder that parents should have more control over their children's educational rights, as opposed to local government. This has spurred attendance at local School Board meetings.

8. "INHERITANCE AFTERMATH" - May 6, 2021 - Following the loss of my Mother, I prepared a punch list of items to consider when shutting down an estate. I hope a lot of people will heed my advice.

9. REPUBLICAN VALUES - June 15, 2021 - I discussed the core values of Republicans, something the general public simply doesn't understand.

10. FOR THE LOVE OF WHITE CASTLES - May 4, 2021 - In early May, White Castle Restaurants finally opened a store in the Orlando area. This was enthusiastically greeted by displaced Yankees now living in Florida. Here I discussed what it means to them.
 

I also provide an audio version of most of my columns for those people on the go, courtesy of YouTube. I would like to believe people listen to me at the gym or beach, but more realistically, people tend to tune in while they are traveling or at work. Interestingly, the popularity of my audio segments is not the same as my written columns.

AUDIO SEGMENTS ON YOUTUBE

1-REMOVING PALMETTO PALMS - Thu, June 10, 2021 - This was far and away my post popular audio segment, which surprised me as I was describing only the removal of Palmetto Palms on my property. I guess a lot of people hate them as much as I do.

2-WHY IS EVERYONE HIRING? - Tue, June 8, 2021 - During the summer, I spotted several "Hiring!" signs. People would rather take government stimulus money as opposed to working. How can they look at themselves in the mirror?

3-"HOW TO BECOME A TYRANT" - MUST SEE TV - Tue, July 20, 2021 - This was based on a mini-series on Netflix which described the characteristics of Dictators over the years. A lot of what was described can be seen today in the political world.

4-BIDEN'S FIRST 100 DAYS - Thu, Jan 21, 2021 - my predictions of what Joe Biden would implement in the first 100 days of his administration.

5-WHO ARE THE DOMESTIC TERRORISTS? - Tue, Feb 9, 2021 - Well, according to Congress, it's not Antifa of BLM, but parents voicing their displeasure at school board meetings.

6-FACE-MASKS ARE HERE TO STAY - Tue, Mar 2, 2021 - Regretfully so.

7-THE JIM CROW SHTICK - Tue, Apr 20, 2021 - I produced this as a means to educate people about Jim Crow laws. I'm amazed how many people do not understand their origin.

8-WHY TRUMP IS STILL A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH - Thu, Mar 4, 2021 - It is now rather obvious that our 45th President is still the figure-head of the Republican Party.

9-THEY ARE KILLING THE GAME - Tue, Apr 27, 2021 - This was an unusual piece where I discussed how MLB is changing the game of baseball through rule changes.

10-IS JOE GOING TO MAKE IT? - Thu, July 29, 2021 - I discussed the president's mental acuity, something people are finally questioning.

I will be on sabbatical for awhile until I am ready to get back in the saddle for the new year. Until then, Merry Christmas to all, and to all, Good Night!

Keep the Faith!

P.S. - For a listing of my books, click HERE.

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.


Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Listen to Tim on Spotify, WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; SVA RADIO - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube. Click for TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

BRYCE ON LIFE

- It is certainly not about the commercialization of the holiday, or Santa.

Click for AUDIO VERSION.

To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send TIM a request.


NOTE:
I originally wrote this piece back in 2013. I was pleased with its reception. I think it makes an important point about Christmas. I also believe it would make a great TV show for the season. Let me know what you think. - TB

He arose in the morning groggy and disoriented. He didn't know where he was or recognized the surroundings. It was a small room, very neat and clean, with a sofa, desk, and big bed. Anyone would recognize it as a hotel with all of the amenities. He had no memory of how he had gotten there. Sunlight peeked between the curtains. The television was playing a Christmas gala, complete with classic holiday music. The entertainment was broken up by the occasional commercial where announcers were promoting everything from toys to clothes, jewels, and automobiles. Each announcer admonished viewers to hurry as there was just one day until Christmas.

"Christmas? Where am I, where have I been?"

He slowly stood up and went over to the window and opened the curtains to look outside where the grass and roads were covered with a thin layer of snow. It was cold, but not frigid. People could be seen walking on the streets carrying packages, cars moved quickly along a boulevard, and pine trees were adorned with tinsel, bulbs and lights. He didn't recognize any of it which confused matters further.

He washed himself in the bathroom and then spotted some clothes neatly folded on the sofa, complete with shoes and socks. The clothes fit remarkably well. The shoes, which were actually a set of leather and rubber boots, also fit comfortably. He combed his hair before putting on the jacket and wool cap hanging on the chair at the desk. He unlocked the door and stepped outside into the cold air and surveyed the area around the hotel. Nothing looked familiar; did Europe look like this?

A woman dressed in a heavy black coat passed by him and greeted him good morning.

It was English, but the accent wasn't recognizable. He replied, "Good morning," to the woman who hurried away before any other questions could be asked.

He watched her hurry down the street heading towards a large building where several cars were already parked. A sign in front read, "Springdale Town Mall." He was curious and thought people at the building might hold some answers. So He followed the woman to the mall, crossing the street carefully as it was busy with vehicles. The traffic lights seemed strange to Him, as well as the lines on the street, along with the the commotion of the cars and their horns. As He approached the entrance to the mall, He could hear the sounds of Christmas music coming from the mall's PA system in the parking lot. In between songs, announcers touted their products and admonished shoppers there was just one more day until Christmas. He really didn't grasp what was going on.

He entered the mall which was the largest structure He had ever seen. Inside was a cavernous multitude of lights, more music, and thousands of people circulating. There seemed to

be hundreds of shops offering a variety of wares; toys, cutlery, sporting goods, jewelry, and many other goods. Virtually all had signs in their windows promoting sales and reminding shoppers there was now less than a day to Christmas. He paused by an electronic store where many television sets were displaying Christmas shows. The shows were mesmerizing and He became somewhat intoxicated by the sights and sounds emanating from the televisions.

He wandered the mall examining the various stores carefully. Each was decorated in red and green colors, with wreaths, and the smell of pine and sweet candy hung in the air. Electric lights, snowmen, and miniature railroads offered animation. Gifts were wrapped in a special type of green and red paper and ribbons. All in all, it was a feeding frenzy of shopping. He wondered what the purpose of all this activity. There were several signs mentioning "Christmas," but He didn't make the connection.

There was the smell of food in the air which caused His stomach to growl in hunger. He passed the mall's Food Court which featured several restaurants offering a variety of strange looking ethnic foods. He watched cooks prepare Japanese sushi and Chinese cuisine, none of which He recognized as something edible. The Mexican restaurant smelled of spicy hot peppers. The only restaurants which somehow resembled familiar food was the Italian restaurant, although He balked at pizza, and the Greek restaurant featuring gyros and souvlakis, both offered on pita bread.

He asked the clerk for a gyro as it appeared to be made of lamb. The young clerk prepared the meal accordingly, complete with French Fries and a cola drink.

"That will be $5 for the gyro special," she said.

He looked perplexed by her request but quickly figured she was asking for money of which He had none. He tapped his trousers with his hand and heard the distinct click of metal. He reached inside his pocket where He retrieved some coins valued at $2 each. "Will you take these?" He asked.

The clerk took three of them and presented him with a $1 bill saying, "Here is your change. Thank you. Next!..."

He walked away from the restaurant with his tray and found an empty table to sit and eat. He studied the $1 bill carefully. He had never seen paper money before and didn't recognize Washington's portrait. He ate the gyro hungrily. He enjoyed the taste of cooked lamb as well as the pita bread. The French Fries seemed peculiar to him though. He picked one up and inspected it carefully. Nearby at other tables, people were eating them. He then broke one in half and tasted it, and it was good, even though He didn't know what it was. "A French Fry? Hmm...," and He ate the rest. He examined the cola drink suspiciously. He took a sip and found the taste medicinal in nature, and the bubbles tickled His nose. Spotting a nearby water fountain, He emptied the cola down its drain and replaced it with water which tasted remarkably clean to Him.

He saw others dumping the trash from their trays into the garbage and followed suit. The meal had served its purpose and He felt refreshed. He then returned to wandering around the mall. The music and hubbub was beginning to give Him a small headache.

It was mid afternoon when He came to the center of the mall where he sat at a bench on the second floor. He marveled at the immensity of the mall and as He looked down to the bottom floor He discovered a long line of children waiting for someone named "Santa Claus." Dozens of children waited patiently to sit with a fat man dressed in a red and white costume. He assumed the man was elderly as he wore a white beard with matching color hair.

An elderly woman came and sat on the bench to rest her feet. She was loaded with several packages and looked tired from her trek around the mall.

"Excuse me, but who is that man down there?" He innocently asked the woman.

She looked down to see the object of His attention.

"Are you kidding me?" she said, "It's Santa Claus and his elves talking to the kids of course."

He said, "I'm sorry, I am not from around here. What is a Santa Claus?"

She looked at him inquisitively but gave him the benefit of doubt. "He is actually called by many names, St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, and many others around the world. He is considered the patron saint of Christmas and is best known for delivering presents to children on Christmas."

"Christmas, there is that name again," He thought.

He watched the children one-by-one visit with the old gentleman. Some appeared timid and scared, others enjoyed a good conversation with the man, others were loud and animated, demanding certain presents on Christmas Day. It was all rather unclear as to the purpose of the meeting with Santa other than it was an outlet to promote the purchase of more gifts. He was amazed by the length of the never-ending line and requests for more gifts.

The greed and opulence of the season was too much for him to stomach any longer. He took his leave of the mall wanting to head back to the safety of the hotel room. Unfortunately, He became a bit disoriented and couldn't find the same door from which He entered, and exited on the opposite end of the mall where nothing looked familiar.

He had spent considerable time at the mall and it was now late afternoon with long shadows and the sun beginning to set. All He could see were rows of neat wooden homes adjacent to the mall. He was unfamiliar with the architecture and wanted to take a closer look. He entered a subdivision and was amazed how orderly the houses were aligned and well maintained.

As the sun set, decorative lights were switched on and lit up the houses and the adjacent trees and shrubbery. Various statues of snowmen, Santa Claus, and angels were also lit and music could be heard in the air. There also seemed to be reindeer everywhere; on top of houses, pulling sleighs, or metalic statues on front lawns, some were animated appearing to be grazing. In was very reminiscent of the storefronts in the mall.

He walked several blocks in amazement as the houses turned darkness into light. Other people also walked the neighborhood in order to see the decorations. Cars began to enter the streets where they moved slowly so parents and children could admire the decorations. As pleasant as this all ways, He was at a loss as to what it all meant.

As He exited the neighborhood, He was presented with two large structures, one with a crucifix atop it, and another with the Star of David. He was appalled by the crucifix and began to wonder if people still practiced the tortuous custom. The large cross stopped Him in his tracks and He began to tremble. He noticed the other structure bore the Shield of David, a symbol He was familiar with through Judaism.

It was nighttime now and both buildings were active with people, the Temple celebrating a Bar Mitzvah, and the Church preparing to celebrate Christmas mass. Being more familiar with the Shield of David, He approached the Temple, where people were exiting for the evening. Still inside was the rabbi who was bidding goodnight to the attendees. He worked his way to the rabbi, a middle aged man who appeared to be of good nature.

He said, "Rabbi, I am a stranger to this area. As I have walked around the village I notice there is a fascination with 'Christmas' here. I would like to know more."

The Rabbi smiled and said, "Well stranger, you are actually in a good place to learn. I would like to sit down and tell you more, but the hour is late and I have another appointment. However, I recommend you visit the church next door where they are getting ready to celebrate Christmas. I am confident they will tell you the full story tonight."

He took his leave of the rabbi, who locked the Temple after He exited. Many people were entering the house of the crucifix, men, women and children. As it appeared to be safe, He overcame his timidity and reluctantly approached the church. At the door, He was warmly welcomed by greeters. The inside appeared to be a place for religious retreats, with several rows of pews, and an altar at the front.

As the service began, the congregation rose to its feet and began to sing, accompanied by an organ. He was startled by this, but found the music strangely comforting. He looked about and saw everyone singing in unison, along with a choir which sang as one. The pomp and circumstance was impressive. He looked on in horror as a small boy walked slowly down the center aisle carrying another crucifix with an effigy of a person nailed to it. The boy proudly presented the cross at the front of the congregation before placing it in a stand. He was bewildered by the display and was prepared to turn and run, but something inside him told him to stand his ground. After the entrance of the clergy, the music stopped and everyone returned to their seats.

The minister welcomed everyone to the evening's Christmas celebration. This was followed by a sweet celebration enacted by the children of the church who were dressed in colorful costumes. The minister narrated the story of the birth of Christ and the children acted out the story. He listened intently. He heard the names of Joseph and Mary, which were well known to him, as well as a place called Galilee. He listened to their story of the birth of their savior. Aside from the shiny costumes and some obvious literary liberties, it was a story He knew well, and his spirits perked up noticeably. He was no longer afraid but felt quite at home.

After the play, the minister asked all first time visitors to rise and be recognized. One-by-one he welcomed each visitor, asking who they were and where they were from. The minister finally asked the stranger to introduce himself.

"I am known as Jesus of Nazareth," He said.

The minister thought He was mocking the congregation and quickly confronted the stranger. Anger was in the minister's eyes but before he could utter a harsh word, He said, "I am a stranger to this area," and raised his hand in peace to shake the minister's.

It was only then the minister saw the scars from the crucifixion. There was something in the stranger's demeanor and eyes that made him realize he was now in the presence of something special. The minister froze until He placed his hands on him in comfort. The minister smiled and knelt to his knees. The congregation didn't quite comprehend the situation, but followed the minister's lead and knelt.

He said, "Please rise, you are all my children. I'm not sure why I was sent here but I believe it has something to do with the meaning of Christmas, something I didn't quite understand until I witnessed your pageant."

"Yes, this is your birthday, your eminence," the minister replied.

"I have been among you this day and have witnessed many things, most of which I do not understand, particularly the greed of this day. I hope they are not using this day to celebrate such a weakness."

The minister was embarrassed, "I am afraid a lot of people have forgotten its purpose. It is not about shopping, it's about You."

"In my time, we celebrated birthdays by the breaking of the bread. We didn't have opulent presents. Instead, we offered our love, fellowship, and trust to others. If this is truly my Birthday, let us celebrate likewise," and loafs of bread appeared in His hands.

Jesus moved to the altar and broke the bread into small pieces for everyone to consume. The minister assisted by pouring wine.

"Here, eat and drink. Do this for the remembrance of Me. My message is simple: I love you unconditionally. You may not believe in me, but have confidence that I love you. Do not dwell in hate. Practice love and do unto others as you would have others do unto you. It's really not that difficult, is it?."

As the last morsel of bread was consumed and wine drunk, He turned and disappeared into the ether with the exclamation, "Remember!"

First published: December 23, 2013

Keep the Faith!

P.S. - For a listing of my books, click HERE.

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.


Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Listen to Tim on Spotify, WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; SVA RADIO - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube. Click for TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS.

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

TIM'S FIGHT WITH CANCER, PART II

BRYCE ON LIFE

- The treatment.

Click for AUDIO VERSION.

To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send TIM a request.


In PART I, I described how I discovered cancer in my liver; the emotions I felt and my approach to the problem. Here, in PART II, I describe the beginning of my therapy.

Previously, I discussed how my medical team recommended the treatment I was to pursue. Chemotherapy and radiation was not used because the cancer remained localized in the liver and had not spread to other parts of my body. Consequently, they were to go in and surgically cutoff the blood vessels to my two large tumors, thereby killing them. This was to be done in two separate procedures.

On November 15th I had a consult with my surgeon, a doctor who performed two biopsies on me earlier in the year, and someone I trusted. He told me the pros and cons pertaining to this approach, "As to cons Tim, I want you to understand this is not a cure, but it will improve your quality of life and lengthen your time on this planet. However, you will likely have to monitor your condition for the remainder of your life and take action if it resurfaces."

I responded by saying I would just like to be rid of the tumors and see what happens.

I've discovered medical care is all about trust. I have confidence in my medical team, but their administrative support staff leaves a lot to be desired. You get the uneasy feeling the left hand quite often doesn't know what the right hand is doing. This is particularly true when you have multiple parties involved. As for me, this includes my Oncologist, my Surgeon, my Primary Care Physician, and another surgeon from Tampa General Hospital. Scheduling and communications between all parties were at times confusing. I do not blame the physicians, but I have some serious doubts about their administrative processing. As I've mentioned before, I also grow weary of answering the same medical questions over and over again at time of check-in. Oy!

I also discovered Cancer is an equal opportunity disease. It doesn't care about your station in life. In my many trips to visit doctors and test facilities, I think I've met people from all stratas of society. This leads me to believe you cannot buy yourself an easy out in terms of finding a cure. Consequently, cancer patients are on a constant quest for any cure that might help them, either legitimate or quackery.

Frankly, I am baffled why Cancer is proliferating and not abating. The waiting rooms at cancer centers are full. Is it because of the timing of the baby boomers or an insatiable pharmaceutical industry? Perhaps both, but I thought we would have made more progress by now.

On November 30th, shortly after Thanksgiving, I met with my Oncologist to discuss the road ahead. The surgery was scheduled for later in the week, December 2nd, to tackle my first big tumor. We would then perform tests to see if this was working properly and, if so, address my second tumor in early January.

My Oncologist wanted to go beyond this. As you may remember, I also have smaller tumors in my liver, and they are microscopic in size. In discussing my situation with his colleagues, he recommended Immunotherapy, which is a homeopathic-like approach to treating my tiny tumors. Two expensive doses of medicine would be injected intravenously to trigger my immune system to kick in and fight the microscopic tumors and the blood vessels feeding them. It sounded like a good idea to me as I could not withstand major surgery to remove the tumors. On December 16th, I will be administered the two drugs: Zirabev and Tecentriq. The cost for the one treatment is a whopping $19,509, but after Medicare and my supplement, I'll have to pay $3,936.80. This will fulfill my deductible and the price should go down further for ensuing treatments. Nonetheless, I was noticeably startled by the costs.

On December 1st, the day before my surgery, I posted on Facebook, "Tomorrow morning is Round One with my fight with the Devil. I'm suited up and ready. Put me in Coach..."

I wanted to let my friends know I was mentally prepared for the operation. I wanted to see what kind of "Iron Man" I really was. I earned this title my senior year when I was playing football at Wyoming High School (Cincinnati). The award was given to the person who spent the most time on the field. As I was on every team, except the kickoff team, I won the award handily. I was proud of this, and it left an impression on me; it meant, if you wanted to get something done, you went through Bryce. This followed me through my professional career as I learned the importance of being resourceful and helping others, thereby making yourself invaluable. Now it was time to see if the "Iron Man" moniker would give me the strength to help conquer my Cancer.

The day before the operation, I occupied myself by running errands and making sure I had food in the fridge. I picked up a prescription of oxycodone for my pain medication, of which I never tried before, but my friends warned me it was strong stuff. I even washed my car, and put salt in my water softener. I did all of this to stay distracted from tomorrow's ordeal. I was confident, but for some reason my stomach was upset, probably due to nerves. I took a pill to settle it down.

Late in the afternoon, I thought about God, and asked if I had led a good life. I recognize people do not always like what I have to say, both personally and professionally, but I always sought to honestly tell the truth, warts and all. I know a lot of people have trouble with this, thereby causing me to butt heads, but I couldn't sleep with myself if I didn't seek the truth. I miss my father with whom we held many animated arguments; not vicious, but cerebral where we hammered out a lot of problems for our product and customers. I miss his mental gymnastics greatly. I closed with a prayer.

The day of surgery, I woke early, got on the computer and checked my e-mails. I then showered and prepared myself according to the instructions given me by the surgeon's staff. My brother came and drove me to the appointment and picked me up later. By 7:00am I was prepared both administratively and personally. At 8:00am I was the first one scheduled for surgery. They gave me my "martini" and I slipped off into La-La Land. I don't know how long I was out, but I suspect it was an hour long procedure. I woke just as they were moving me out of surgery and back to my room where I would stay for the next two hours where the staff would observe me. Remarkably, I felt no pain whatsoever. The surgeon told me the procedure was very successful and went smoothly. One day later, I still felt no pain. "So much for the pain medication," I thought.

Later in the day, I wrote on Social Media, "Just got home from surgery. First procedure was successful. Still dopey from the meds. Resting at home under new meds. First thing I ate after fasting was four White Castles, thereby completing the cleansing process."

Basically, I wanted to let my friends know how I was progressing and that I still possessed a sense of humor.

Two days after the surgery, the pain finally kicked in, strongly I might add. I finally reached for the oxycodone which did its job rather well. I also felt lethargic and disoriented, so I settled into an easy chair for most of the day. The next day was a little better, but I still felt shots of pain whenever I coughed. Laughing was equally painful.

I guess the lesson for this chapter is realizing the mental gymnastics involved in planning for a cancer operation or any major surgery for that matter. You go in hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst. This becomes rather taxing and wears you down. I'm not beaten yet, but I haven't won either. The mental anguish wears heavily on you, at least it did for me, and grinds down your alertness and sense of humor.

Finally, I was very moved by the show of support over the last couple of days by well wishers. It was simply amazing and just plain good Ju-Ju! I literally heard from hundreds of people from around the world who offered kind thoughts and prayers. As I learned a long time ago, Prayers Work!

Next up: follow-up reviews of the procedure, a CTscan, and I begin the special meds on December 16th of which I am concerned about the side-effects. After this, the surgeon will go after Tumor #2 in early January and hopefully this will all start to abate. Then, of course, there are the Christmas holidays which normally means little to me due to the commercialization of the holidays and the loss of my wife around this time two years ago.

Many thanks to my family and inner circle of friends for your assistance during this time of difficulty, you were invaluable. A special thanks to "L.D." for nursing me back to health.

I will write Part III of this log sometime in January as I learn more.

In the meantime, I will persevere!

Keep the Faith!

P.S. - For a listing of my books, click HERE.

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.


Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Listen to Tim on Spotify, WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; SVA RADIO - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube. Click for TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

THE CHARM OF A RAINY DAY

BRYCE ON LIFE

- The idea is to relax, right?

Click for AUDIO VERSION.

To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send TIM a request.

NOTE: The following is an excerpt from my book, "Tim's Senior Moments," a great gift idea for parents this holiday season.


Recently, we were supposed to have a rainy day on a Saturday here in Tampa Bay. Not just a little rain, but according to forecasters, a real soaker with thunderstorms lasting all day. Such precipitation is unusual for Florida. Sure, we have our share of hurricanes, but not your basic rainy day as experienced by northerners. Usually, it rains for about an hour before clearing up and the sun shines though.

I was really looking forward to the day as I wanted to catch up on some sleep and do some minor odds and ends around the house, maybe even read a book if I was lucky. As a child growing up in the north, I relished such days as we stayed inside and played cards or held marathon Monopoly sessions.

I heard thunder in the distance before sunrise, causing me to snuggle down further into bed instead of getting up, retrieving the newspaper, and having breakfast. The bacon and eggs could wait, my sleep couldn't. I had found the perfect spot and burrowed in deeper. An hour went by, then two; the thunder dissipated in the distance, but still no rain. So far, the weather forecasters were batting zero.

I slowly got up, and went for the paper. Outside, it was quiet with no sign of moisture. In fact, it looked like it was going to be a nice day. After breakfast, I performed a little cleanup and prepared myself for the day as it seemed obvious this was going to be a regular day. So much for my sleep and relaxation.

I then went to the supermarket and did the grocery shopping for the week. It's kind of nice going to the store early in the morning before the other patrons descend on it like a pack of locust. The shelves were amply stocked and few people were clogging the aisles. I finished the shopping in no time at all. Still, there was no sign of precipitation.

After dropping off the groceries at home, I decided to fill the car with gas and have it washed, usually a sure way to entice the rain gods. Again, nothing happened.

I returned home and seeing overcast but no menacing clouds, I decided to mow the lawn, another good way to attract rain, kind of like performing a rain dance. Alas, nothing happened. After edging, trimming, mowing and blowing, I was finally done and ready to relax. However, I first needed a shower as I had become sweaty and dirty.

So, what should I do for the remainder of the day? Go shoot some trap? Perhaps throw a fishing line off a pier or just go down to the beach. Or maybe hit a bucket of golf balls? I figured I would get in my newly cleaned car and just go and see where it took me. But just as the garage door opened...BOOM! The skies opened up and we were deluged with rain. Needless to say, I was disappointed.

So, what to do? I was clean, my chores were done and I was ready to have some fun, but now what? Before you could say, "Hurricane Elena," I found myself in bed under the covers, which is where I wanted to be seven hours earlier.

I thought, "ah, finally!" And I again snuggled down for a much deserved nap. But just before I lost consciousness, I heard the rain stop, sunshine began to come through the window, and the birds began to chirp again outside. It was then that I made a solemn oath never to listen to weather forecasters again. They lie.

First published: May 6, 2016

Keep the Faith!

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Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

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