Good for morale

    Dad had an appointment at the heart clinic to have his pacemaker checked today. Lowman Home sent him via wheelchair and van, which made me a little nervous since he travels by ambulance and stretcher otherwise. But it went well. They needed me along to sign things, and I was glad to help.
    Midway through, in one of the waiting areas, a well-regarded local reporter from yesteryear named Clark Surratt introduced himself, though not by name. He was with the State newspaper (our daily) back when both the state and the newspaper were seeing better days; he was a kick-ass political reporter. He recognized Dad (or saw his name on the sign-in sheet, or both). He said he remembered Dad as a great interview, with excellent command of his facts, unlike the politicians he had to interview. And that Dad had a terrific reputation. It was good for morale.
    The appointment ran over two hours since he had to have his pacemaker checked, do labs, get an echocardiogram and see the doctor. Eventually his oxygen started to run low. So the woman from Lowman borrowed an oxygen cannister until she could get Dad back to the van. When we were done, I ran their cannister back up to the third floor, my first time running up two flights of stairs with an oxygen cannister.
    Doctor said his heart is weak, but not weaker. His labs were great except for the kidneys. So in other words, he might not be looking his best, but he's doing pretty well. So yay!