The past three weeks have been an unusual
journey for Joyce and me. We have received so much help from people in this
congregation, outside the congregation, and from family. Many (often on short
notice) pulled our “ox out of the ditch” as we renovated house flooring,
rediscovered possessions at the church building, hauled, and reorganized our
house to absorb my office.
To say the past month has been an adventure is an understatement! Some asked if
56 years of preaching is short. “Yes!” It is amazing how much of it will fit in
garbage bags! My oldest son (Jon) is the family historian. He spent 4 days
helping us reorganize. He said, “Dad, you have no idea how hard it is on me to
throw this stuff away!”
I thought I would conclude my regular bulletin articles by answering some of the
common questions asked us.
“When will you officially retire?” On June 3, I will be 70 years old. Retirement
begins June 4. We will take some vacation time immediately.
“Do you plan on staying in Fort Smith?” Yes! We plan to be an active part of
West-Ark for the foreseeable future. Only family sickness in Crossville would
alter our plans.
“What is happening to you health-wise?” The simple way to explain what is
happening is this: The part of my brain that controls muscle coordination is
shrinking. It expresses itself in balance, reaction to air temperature, and (in
my case) speech issues.
“Are you getting better?” The actual condition is so rare there is no known
treatment. True improvement of the condition does not exist. I rarely have any
pain; I just have frustration. The objective (by doing “correct” things and
taking no chances) is to make deterioration occur as slowly as possible. That is
working! The irony is this: the better I feel, the less I should do. Go figure
that one out! Truly, “Looks are deceiving!”
“Do you think you will enjoy being retired?” I have no idea—even if I succeed in
not driving Joyce crazy! She is the one who deserves major sympathy! We both
appreciate the many, many kindnesses and encouragements!
David Chadwell
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Link to other Writings of David Chadwell