It Could Be Worse

I’ve Been Busy

The past few weeks have been crazy. I have come face to face with my mortality. I was having several nagging problems; nothing to be too concerned about, but enough that I made a list and went to see my doctor. Unlike most patients, I rather enjoy visiting my general practitioner. She is a young, attractive blond and includes hugs as part of every prescription. Just what the doctor ordered. When she read my list of complaints, she immediately said, “Frank, you’re diabetic.” I never had been diabetic before, but a blood test confirmed her diagnosis. She advised me to get my blood sugar down to normal levels or she would sing at my funeral withing a year. Just what I wanted to hear. She has me taking five pills a day, four of which are about the size of a small Tootsie Roll, and taste like a lab experiment. I am also supposed to control my diet, which means not eating anything that tastes good. I quit smoking many years ago and am too old to chase women. With my restricted diet I can’t even drink beer. I have finally outlived all my vices.

I guess it could be worse. I could have contracted COVID. Up until last week, everyone I know who had the virus got over it in short order. That seems to be changing. Six of my close acquaintances, (I would say “friends” but I’m not sure our relationship is reciprocal.) but six people I know, approximately my age have tested positive. Three are at home, and three are in the hospital in critical condition. All six are fully vaccinated. None are as well-known or quite as old as General Colin Powell, but they add to the evidence making me wonder about the effectiveness of the vaccines. I get mixed messages from official sorces.

The Spokane VA Dental Clinic was closed for twenty months due to the pandemic. Government is the only agency that could stop providing needed medical services in order to protect patients’ health. When they reopened, I was at the head of the line. I hadn’t had a cleaning or dental exam for two-and-a-half years. Certainly not to my surprise, the dentist found I needed a crown and another appointment for routine dental care. When I stopped at the desk to make my three appointments, I was informed I had to be tested for COVID 19 within 72 hours of each appointment, and the test had to be performed at the Spokane VA hospital. Vaccination status doesn’t matter. For me visiting the dentist involves a ninety-minute drive each way and arrangements for someone to be my wife’s care-giver while I am gone. So, to see the dentist, disabled veterans must drive an extra three hours per visit and include another day in their schedule because the VA doesn’t believe in the effectiveness of the vaccine.

It could be worse. I could work for the state of Washington like WSU’s football coach Nick Rolovich. He isn’t alone. I have a friend who works for the Fish and Game Dept. Part of his duties included netting deer from a helicopter. Several years ago, the helicopter crashed and broke his neck. He had severe migraines for a long time, and his doctor advises against the COVID shot. The Governor will not allow an exception. Nor will he allow exceptions for State police or teachers or employees of companies who have state contracts. According to this morning’s paper, about ten per cent of state employees will lose their jobs. I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I don’t think the shot is any big deal. I even got my booster this week. But I don’t like being forced. It is my body; it should be my choice. And I don’t like the Governor or any employer changing the terms of employment contracts. I haven’t seen Nick Rolovich’s contract, but I wager there is no mention of COVID 19 vaccinations.

Frank Watson is a retired Air Force Colonel and long-time resident of Eastern Washington. He has been a free-lance columnist for over 20 years.