Mark Twain said, “Tell me about a person’s family, friends, and community, and I will tell you what his opinions are.” In the coming words, I’m sharing a personal story of the last few months that will shed light on my opinions—at least, according to Twain.  

In late May, during a routine scan, doctors found a lump the size of a lemon in my neck. Weeks later, after a follow-up scan, they determined the lump was on my thyroid.  A few more weeks and a biopsy later, they thankfully determined it was likely benign. Whew! Except, did I mention it was big? My doctor said these things typically get larger and that it needed to go. After avoiding any surgeries my entire life the procedure was scheduled—“yay!” for new experiences! 😉

As the Fall semester got rolling I let the college community know that I would be out of commission for 1-2 weeks in late September to have the uninvited guest removed. That’s where my family, friends, and community showed their true colors.

First, my wife, Lauren, could not have been more supportive through the entire process and surgery. She insisted I rest—even when email tempted me and my inability to sit still beat in my head and body like the haunting aspects of Edgar Allan Poe’s “A Tell-Tale Heart.” I won the lottery when I met her, that’s for certain. 

My mother-in-law, a retired pharmacist, helped me understand the surgery and the medications that might be necessary.  She’s one of the smartest people I know, and I am so lucky to have her in my life—especially when she makes a play-dough model of the surgery I was about to undergo! She and my father-in-law have huge hearts, and spent the week of my surgery with us to help make sure the load was manageable. Even my son made sure I did not talk so I could heal faster.

My friends were just as amazing. The sheer number of texts and emails checking in and wishing me well was a meaningful reminder of the amazing nature of the people I’m fortunate to have in my life.  

Then there’s the Butler community, especially CCOM. 

Mere moments after I shared the news with CCOM faculty and staff, the support poured in. Dr. Eileen Taylor pulled me in her office and shared that I was on her prayer list. Another faculty member shared their history with thyroid surgery that helped give me a clear understanding of what I was being thrust into. Dr. Margaretha Geertsema-Sligh checked in frequently. 

Knowing the dry humor but absolute passion of our Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) faculty, I didn’t know what was going to happen when Dr. Mary Gospel urged me into her office. There was no practical joke (this time) but she used a visual aid from her teaching tools to show me what was going to happen during and after the procedure. One of our newest faculty in SLHS, Dr. Rachel Arkenberg, a national expert on swallowing, took time to educate me on the issues with swallowing that can accompany the surgery and the importance of preventing infection—she even provided me with some specialized lozenges for a dry mouth.  

My Dean’s Office team also stepped up—ensuring students, faculty, and staff were still fully supported in my absence. Additionally, they also made a pact to just ignore most of my impatient efforts to get into the mix—forcing me to rest when I was supposed to. There were other folks and other moments, but this showed me what true community is about, and how blessed I am to be surrounded by such caring people, including experts in the field from which I needed information.

I’d be remiss if I did not also mention the offers of support from terrific folks outside of CCOM as well. From Jill McKinney, Craig Caldwell, Stephanie Hinshaw and others offering to drop off food, to the indomitable Lisa Brooks who lent an ear and checked in on me repeatedly, I could not be part of a better team of people. This is what makes the Butler community so special.

So, Mr. Twain, these are my family, friends and community.  My opinions? They are amazing, caring, thoughtful, supportive, and smart. I am so deeply grateful and fortunate that these are the people that help shape who I am—and who help shape our students and CCOM DNA every single day.

Thanks for reading and, for those who can make it, see you at Homecoming!