You may have noticed there was no newsletter last Sunday. We’ll resume regular broadcasts next Sunday. I’m sending this one today, because there’s some stuff going on that you need to know about now. But first, say hello to Doctor Bubbles. I say Doctor Bubbles because she has not left my side since I got home from the hospital on Sunday. I had to put this pillow next to my desk because otherwise she’d lay on the wheels of my desk chair, making it impossible for me to do things without running her over. Every 15 minutes or so, she tries to give me kisses and nuzzles and meows in concern.
I’ve had Bells Palsy twice in my life, once when I was around 13 I woke up and my face was dropped down and I had no idea what was going on (stayed out of school two weeks until it resolved itself, because, you know, teenagers). The second time came around thirty years later in 2014, I was sitting watching a TV with my wife, and I started to feel the numbness spread on the right side of my face, and I knew immediately what it was. That time I also got to experience the pain in my ear it sounds like you have. Second time resolved itself in a few weeks, though being an adult with bills and a mortgage and more maturity behind me, I continued working during that one. There was some minor residual paralysis each time, my smile is slightly crooked, and after the second time, my right eye waters frequently. I wish you a quick recovery and minor after affects. And I’ll be heading over to that Go Fund Me now.
I've been on a Keene binge these past few weeks, trying to take my mind off of some of the body blows that this year has dealt me and mine , and I've found that your non-fiction has been doing the trick quite nicely, so thank you for that. As I grow grumpier and grumpier with each passing day, you managed to make me laugh out loud twice today while reading End of the Road. I'm sorry to hear about this latest hurdle, and I wish you good luck and a fast, complete recovery. Stay strong, and try to find something to make you laugh.
I got the unprintable episode cued up for the next session of semi-consensual cardiac rehab exercise the doctors are wrangling me through to keep me healthy against my will. It'll be a nice escape.
I'm sending you all kinda of positive Erbal mojo and healing vibes, Brian. I've been through my own fair share of medical issues as I've gotten older. We're both 67 guys. I'll be thinking of you and supporting you any way I can.
Brian, as soon as I got to the point in your story when they diagnosed you with Bells Palsy I KNEW what would be going through your mind. The two things have no connection. I know it's easy to go there but don't or else I'll be forced to get Mary to slap some sense into you! Strangely enough my sister rushed her husband to the hospital two weeks ago because he thought he'd had a stroke but it was Bells Palsy too and I knew the same thought crossed her mind. I'm not sure if your doctors told you this already, but if the drooping doesn't fix itself in a couple of months you can get a few shots of botox. Seriously. They use that now to correct the drooping. So don't stress. And take care of yourself. xxoo
Warm thoughts and healing vibes heading your way.
I wish you a speedy recovery! Healing thoughts!
Remind any self-doubt that threatens to unnerve your resolve : you're Brian fucking Keene. Nothing stops that guy.
Just remember to set aside a mental cabinet. Collect all of the frustration and pain inside until the wood begins splinter. Then lock it up tight.
From the other side of this, you're going to have a hell of a main character waiting in there for a future book.
Strength, perseverance, and healing to you, friend.
I’ve had Bells Palsy twice in my life, once when I was around 13 I woke up and my face was dropped down and I had no idea what was going on (stayed out of school two weeks until it resolved itself, because, you know, teenagers). The second time came around thirty years later in 2014, I was sitting watching a TV with my wife, and I started to feel the numbness spread on the right side of my face, and I knew immediately what it was. That time I also got to experience the pain in my ear it sounds like you have. Second time resolved itself in a few weeks, though being an adult with bills and a mortgage and more maturity behind me, I continued working during that one. There was some minor residual paralysis each time, my smile is slightly crooked, and after the second time, my right eye waters frequently. I wish you a quick recovery and minor after affects. And I’ll be heading over to that Go Fund Me now.
I've been on a Keene binge these past few weeks, trying to take my mind off of some of the body blows that this year has dealt me and mine , and I've found that your non-fiction has been doing the trick quite nicely, so thank you for that. As I grow grumpier and grumpier with each passing day, you managed to make me laugh out loud twice today while reading End of the Road. I'm sorry to hear about this latest hurdle, and I wish you good luck and a fast, complete recovery. Stay strong, and try to find something to make you laugh.
All the best, Brian.
Dan
I got the unprintable episode cued up for the next session of semi-consensual cardiac rehab exercise the doctors are wrangling me through to keep me healthy against my will. It'll be a nice escape.
I'm sending you all kinda of positive Erbal mojo and healing vibes, Brian. I've been through my own fair share of medical issues as I've gotten older. We're both 67 guys. I'll be thinking of you and supporting you any way I can.
Brian sending pleasant and healing thoughts your way. Ila in Maine
Sending healing vibes. I can’t wait to meet you.
Healing vibes to you, Brian. Love Dr. Bubbles. It's amazing how some pets just know when you need that extra bit of watching.
Brian, as soon as I got to the point in your story when they diagnosed you with Bells Palsy I KNEW what would be going through your mind. The two things have no connection. I know it's easy to go there but don't or else I'll be forced to get Mary to slap some sense into you! Strangely enough my sister rushed her husband to the hospital two weeks ago because he thought he'd had a stroke but it was Bells Palsy too and I knew the same thought crossed her mind. I'm not sure if your doctors told you this already, but if the drooping doesn't fix itself in a couple of months you can get a few shots of botox. Seriously. They use that now to correct the drooping. So don't stress. And take care of yourself. xxoo
Brian, would love to see you guys. Finally climbing out of the gray. Lots of xxoo!