Gazette - 1987

25.dec.87
Springfield, Illinois

Dragon (drag’ en) n. A fabulous creature sought by medieval knights for adventure and romance.

Susan and Jim: princess and knight in the 20th century. Vroom! I slay another dragon cloud in the prairie sky then descend to remove a cancer dragon from a patient with steel and light beams and electrical arcs; the modern sword and shield. I found Susan in a beautiful northern land said to be north of the 49th parallel. Susan’s parents arranged the grandest of celebrations for family and friends in Toronto: a beautiful autumn wedding complete with brass quintet, a queen’s ballroom and first night enchantment.

Journeying henceforth into Vermont, the forest was alight with dragon’s breath. Red, yellow and orange flames engulfed the branches of every tree. We bicycled with a fascinating group from across America, dining and lodging in Vermont’s country inns. Canterberry style.

We both enjoy a combination of the rustic and the modern, combining that in our new home. We found a beautiful all wood home which came complete with rabbits, squirrels, Midwestern birds and the occasional dragon. Some days we could imagine the black forest as we are surrounded by pine and birch trees. Plans are in the works for more flowers next year. Life is not all fantasy, we’re learning what it means to “mow the lawn or shovel the snow” each week. It’s all worth it especially when we have friends and family over to visit.

Susan is pursuing her education in a Master’s program in Health Services Administration at Sangamon State University. Her gait lab is always growing with two new ramps for walking, new software, and best of all additional staff. She is now collaborating with neurology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery and orthopaedic departments on various research projects. During the fall she presented new data on cerebral palsy to researchers and physicians in Boston: followed by a presentation on biomechanical tools to fellow kinesiologists in Canada.

I have continued my medical studies completing two years of general surgery internship. Then, flying a United jet to Alaska this spring I began my otolaryngologic studies for two months under David Beal. He is a graduate from the University of Chicago as are my previous chairman at Hershey Medical School and here at Southern Illinois University. Dr. Beal introduced me to a fascinating Norther world. Under his guidance I removed tonsils with a green laser, the KTP laser; lased blood vessels beneath the skin without injuring the skin over them; and placed the first cochlear implant in Alaska.

Hobby (hob’ e) n. An occupation, activity, or interest engaged in primarily for pleasure.

Our daily work is a hobby. I’m challenged and fascinated with micro, laser, and endoscopic surgery. There are many fine delicate surgical procedures performed today. Flying is also a hobby of mine and I’m always looking fro a way of combining my loves. As our ultimate combination, Susan and I would set up the first microgravity gait analysis lab on the first spacestation. Of course, if I had my way I’d probably be piloting the shuttle that went there. In the meantime I passed Instrument flight training this month and hope to put it to use by volunteering for lifeflight. In Alaska I logged time in a Super-Cub and a helicopter over rugged wilderness and plans are in the works to return there by air.

Until Susan’s lab is airborne, her favorite ground hobbies come to fruition in Aerobics at The Club, triathalon training, volunteer work, and the passionate knitting of Christmas gifts.

Stop in, visit our castle and perhaps we’ll take you out dragon slaying.

Best wishes to you and yours on this holiday season.