Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Heartfelt Concerns Appreciated

“What happened to you? Your lip’s all swollen.”

That question was asked us a handful of times last Thursday.

Then another wondered: “What did you do to deserve that back hand?”

One knowing our background even queried: “That horse buck you off, kick you or bump you in the mouth with his head out of orneriness to get even?”

“No” was our forced response to each of the seemingly concerned inquiries. A “yes” reply to any, or all, would have been much better than the real reason.

Obviously, most apparent, our mouth truly was red, festered and larger than normal with flaky skin accumulated in the corners, and all covered with greasy salve.

Until about 15 years ago, we didn’t realize our skin was so susceptible to hazards of the sun. T-shirts and caps were often typical summer riding apparel. Not once did we consider suntan lotion, that was for girls; what if we sunburned?

Then, a lingering big red spot on our forehead brought several recommendations to see a skin doctor. We did, and found out that there were precancerous specs all over our face, and even our arms. Fortunately, numerous overbearing shock-lights eliminated the forehead blemish, and aerosol freezing destroyed the hazardous blimps.

Unbelievable to acquaintances, doctor’s orders were followed there forward: long sleeved shirt, hat, and always suntan lotion, along with sunglasses protecting eyesight.

Still, destruction had already been done, and skin grafting surgery repaired malignant hangie-down part of our left ear that was taken off. Still, last fall, we had the “Blue Light” for continued sarcoma invasion on our cheeks.

Very diligent in following precautions, a regular checkup included a lip probe verifying an unhealed black sore was another perilous appearance.

If anything about such can be positive, they didn’t do surgery, and a costly chemotherapy paste was applied. That’s what caused the uglier lip.

The following day, several genuinely-caring co-workers enquired: “How are you doing today?” Others: “Does your lip hurt? It still looks a little sore.”

Outward appearance is nearing typical, and our prayers are that the problem is gone.

Reminds us of First Peter 5:1: “I have concern for you as a member of God’s flock.” Knowing, Second Timothy 2:17: “Because the disease will devour and spread like gangrene.” Yet, Job 23:10: “He appreciates the attention given by others.”

+++ALLELUIA+++

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