I’m back, and I want to thank everyone for their patience. As faithful readers of my blog know, I lost my wife – my best friend, my soulmate, and the person who kept me grounded – of nearly 45 years, suddenly and unexpectedly on May 5 due to a sudden cardiac arrest. She was 71 years old. While she had been in gradually declining health for many years, I thought we still had at least a few more years together. She had even had a thorough medical evaluation the month before, and her doctor was very impressed with the overall control of her medical problems. I am so grateful for our time together from my late college years all the way through 5 years of retirement; the fact that despite her deteriorating health, Lynette had a great quality of life filled with much happiness all the way up to the end; and that she went quickly, without suffering, and at home.
Nonetheless, I have needed this time to pause from writing my blog. I still am grieving, but the main problem with respect to writing has been a lack of motivation, a lack of ability to focus for extended periods of time, and much more difficulty in organizing my thoughts, especially around complicated matters. None of these have ever been challenges for me in the past. Fortunately, as I process my grief, as I learn to adapt to my new life, and as I receive comfort and encouragement from so many friends, family, neighbors and colleagues, I also feel that all of these impediments to writing are gradually improving; improving enough that I can return to writing.
It is important to me that if I am going to spend the time and effort to write my blog posts, that they are high quality in the mind of the readers. To me that means they have to be understandable, they have to give you new information or at least new insights or perspectives, and they need to be of value to you in terms of informing your own health care decisions or those that you provide information and advice to.
While my perhaps “writer’s block” is understandable under the circumstances, what I have not lost is a sense of urgency to get back at it. There is more disinformation than ever, still coming from social media and the usual suspects, but now also coming from some of the highest levels of our government and public health agencies, that I feel the pressing need to get facts and truth out to my readers, especially as our children and grandchildren will be soon be restarting school and in 2 – 3 months we will be experiencing the onset of respiratory virus (so-called cold and flu) season here in the U.S.
So, I am back at work and just wanted to let you know that next week I will post a comprehensive review for the lay person as to what we know, what we think we know, and what you need to consider about COVID-19, including updates and my recommendations about the COVID-19 vaccines. I will follow that with reviews and recommendations about influenza and RSV, since these are the major respiratory virus threats we will be facing for which we have vaccines.
So, thank you for your patience for the past three months and look for new blog posts to resume next week.
Dr. Pate's blog 
Dear Dr. Pate,
Blessings for your continued journey, after your wife’s passing. By reading your words, we feel your grief too.
This is a short email of encouragement, and, heartfelt thanks for the education you provide to those of us who are your readers!
Peace, Jack
Jack Swaim 1540 East Rivers End Court Eagle, ID 83616 208-340-8955 (C)
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Thank you, Jack! What a beautiful note of encouragement and a reminder that I have many people thinking about me and supporting me during this very difficult time. That means a lot to me! Thank you so much!
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Dear Dr Pate,I offer my sincere condolences for your loss. Those of us lucky enough to have experienced a long marriage (or relationship with a partner/mate) can understand the void you must be feeling. I
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Thank you so much, Roberta!
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Dear David, This is a voice from your past – years ago
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Oh, Gerry! So great to hear from you! A long time ago, indeed! I have fond memories of the beautiful building I had the privilege to work in and see my patients at (with a beautiful view from my office of my alma mater!) and of your outstanding job at making sure everything was in working order, aesthetically pleasing, and safe. I hope you are well!
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Dr. Pate, I am so sorry for your loss and so grateful for the immense public service you perform! Best wishes to you and your family.
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Thank you so much, Beverly! And, thank you for following my blog!
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Sent from my iPhone
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So sorry for your loss. Glad you are getting back to writing this column.
Judi
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you so much, Judi! I am posting my article momentarily!
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So sorry Dr. Pate, only met her once way back when we worked together at St. Lukes, take care my friend.
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Thank you so much, Greg!
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Dear Dr. Pate – You know when people say, “I will pray for you” to convey they care but they do not actually pray for you? When God blesses me with thoughts of Lynette, you, and your family I whole-heartedly lift all of you up to Him. ❤️ Receiving your tenderhearted communications about your beloved Lynette and your grief journey are truly meaningful to me. Thank you for remaining present through your writings in the lives of those who care about you and your dear Lynette and family. Numbers 6:24-26 – Marianne Spohn
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This means a lot to me! Thank you, Marianne!
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Thank you, and I love that scripture verse.
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David, sadly I can relate to your feelings as I have many of the same ones. I’m so glad you have family close by and stay busy with your grandchildren. I find th
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Thank you so much, Carolyn! I find that the grandchildren make any problem I have fade away while I am with them!
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Carolyn, you are so right. As I talk to more and more folks, I realize grief and loss is something common to almost all my friends and neighbors – perhaps a reflection of my age and who I hang out with. But, your advise about staying busy and engaged with my grandchildren is so right. When I am with them, all the problems in the world fade away! Thank you for your kind note, your encouragement and for following my blog!
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So very sorry to hear of your loss, Dr. Pate, and I look forward to reading your work when you feel like writing again.
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Thank you, Jen! My masterpiece will be posted momentarily!
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Thank you so much, Jen! I have appreciated your own work, your interest in mine, and you following my blog – I am flattered.
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Dr. Pate
This happened to me a couple years ago after I lost my mom: writers block for monthly ACMS blog. I totally get it. Grace will abound to you as you take care your own heart and your ability will rebound in due time. Be kind to yourself!
Steve
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Thank you so much, Steve! I have discovered so many in my network of friends, colleagues, and neighbors that have similar losses, as you and I, and there reassurance that I am not losing my mind, that these are quite normal experiences, etc. has been so comforting and encouraging to me. I also know that one of my biggest fans was Lynette and she would be upset with me if I didn’t get back to it, and that helps.
Thank you for your kind note, your words of encouragement, and for following my blog!
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