It’s been almost 12 years since we opened the Voice newspapers.
From a single publication covering one county (Roscommon), we have grown to cover five counties and added extra websites to compliment UpNorthVoice.com. But our focus has always been on the positive people and events our unique corner of the world has to offer.
During that time, I’ve been able to experience things here that occur nowhere else, and everywhere else: Standing in the AuSable to catch pics of the chaotic start of AuSable River Canoe marathon; Alumni football games in Roscommon and Houghton Lake; and car shows in the snow in Fairview. I’ve taken photos of our West Branch and Tawas athletes at Ford Field; Small town fairs in Hale and Standish; and followed high school quiz bowls and bands as they did battle across the state
Too many parades to remember and so many photos I can’t count, except to say I wore out (didn’t break) a Canon DSL camera.
During this time, I’ve also shared with many of you my battle with cancer, And the untimely deaths of my mom and son. Tragedies all, but the kind of things that happen to each of us and help build character (so they say) or teach us patience and perseverance.
But as my dad said, “For everyone going out there’s another one coming in.” I mention this as we welcome our daughter’s first child, Leo Patrick.
It took all of these experiences to prepare me for the new “health” battle that’s reared its ugly head.
I was diagnosed with liver disease about two years ago. And despite following all the rules the doctors threw at me, the prognosis is not good. I’m almost finished with the process of applying for an opportunity to be considered for a liver transplant. It’s out of my hands and all I can do is wait, pray … and live.
It’s a weird disease in many ways, in that it can be an insidious little bastard. I may appear normal and, on some days, for the most part I will be. You would never even know, unless you looked very closely.
On other days, my body and mind are just compromised in ways that are tough to describe.
I’m sharing this now because some of you noticed I haven’t been doing the same amount of writing I used to. Or wasn’t at an event or meeting I would always attend. Or unfortunately, that the quality of my writing isn’t what it used to be.
I will do battle with this thing. I’ll take it to the mat. You know that. But the disease will ultimately win, and a transplant is necessary.
So, I must “leave” on occasion. And it’s because of this I’m asking for a hand.
We’ve added some great people to the Voice family these past few months, but they’ll need time to find their way around the community. Any assistance you can offer in the way of photos of your events or notes about things coming up would be helpful during this time.
I apologize for not explaining this sooner, but as determined and hard-headed as I can be sometimes, I do procrastinate. Which is why I’ve worked most of my life in a field that requires deadlines. 😊
And I’m looking at this disease is just another deadline in a lifetime of them.
I appreciate your prayers and support as we work through this new challenge. I will keep you in the loop.
Thank you for your support.
Mark
