What stood out this weekend

One of the world’s busiest airports asks for help in getting a little stuffed otter home.

On March 20, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visits Tupelo where he met with military members and spoke at a veterans’ organization fundraiser.

On April 20, the New York Times reports another questionable Signal chat, and Politico publishes an opinion piece from a former Pentagon spokesman who believes Hegseth could be on his way out.

USA Today shares on Easter an opinion piece from Ed Stetzer that Christianity may be making a comeback.

The Sunday night newsletter from Rick Gevers includes a link to what former network news correspondent Judy Muller went through when seeking breast reduction surgery.

Embarrassed to write that I knew nothing about this coffee roaster in New Orleans until Channel 4 reported on year 100 for the business in Bywater.

Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin spends more than an hour on The Pivot Podcast describing life before arriving in Oxford, what has changed personally since his arrival and a defensive lineman’s struggle with making a basket.

The next day, that lineman shows Kiffin and his teammates he has game when playing hoops.

A return to the anchor desk

Thanks for the kind words following my return to the anchor desk this afternoon. I’m still dealing with pain from the chemotherapy given during the surgery in December, and it makes sitting in a chair very difficult. You may see me standing more in the weeks ahead. I will always be grateful for everyone who has watched me throughout my 25 years at WTVA 9 News. It has been an honor, and I hope to continue as long as God allows.

A newsroom surprise

So I returned to work today after being away for a few months following cancer surgery, and I found this in my office. (It was in the window. I put it in my office chair for the photo for my wife.) It just goes to show the sense of humor my coworkers have — just one of the many reasons I enjoy being at WTVA.

Seriously, I’m back even though I still have pain from the chemotherapy during surgery in December. That pain makes it difficult for me to sit for extended periods of time. At some point, I’ll return to the anchor desk. But for now, I’m just happy to return to the place on Beech Springs Road that has been a part of my working life for 25 years.

A Sunday update

I apologize for not posting until now about how things are going. To be honest, I’ve been so tired after getting out of the hospital I just haven’t had the brain power to string a few words together.

Thankfully, my stamina is getting better by the day, so much so I plan to work from home later this week and return to the office the following week. I may even return to anchoring. All this comes while waiting for appointments elsewhere to get second opinions on how to proceed.

In case you are not aware, the doctor at UMMC did not finish the surgery because he found more cancer than expected in four locations: diaphragm, liver, rectum and stomach. His recommendation was for me to undergo chemotherapy to shrink those tumors before he resumes the surgery. He also encouraged me to seek second opinions on treatment.

Meanwhile, I continue to be humbled by the outpouring of support concerning my health from churches to cancer survivors and many, many more. There is no way to personally respond to everyone who has reached out. Just know the prayers and the words of encouragement are appreciated and do make a difference.

What’s next?

Thank you to everyone who has reached out about my health. The prayers, posts, phone calls, emails, messages and texts were totally unexpected but truly appreciated.

The plan is for surgery Thursday of next week at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. The surgeon plans to remove the mass near my appendix and any other cancer he finds. He will then apply some heated chemotherapy drugs in my abdomen. The surgery could take up to eight hours, and that will be followed by a weeklong hospital stay.

I actually returned to work late last week before having surgery yesterday for the doctor to see what he would be dealing with next week. I expect to be back at work tomorrow through early next week. For now, I feel good and ask that you continue with the prayers, good thoughts and good vibes in the next few weeks.