Tom, I am very sorry to hear about your increasing problems!
I do pray the very best for you in the coming days!
We have missed your presence.
Hope to hear you on the nets.
Best 73.
Lowell  W8QIY
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, August 16, 2013 7:59 PM
Subject: Update From KB8TYJ


> Hello, everyone.
>
> For a time, I debated sending this post, but have decided to go ahead with
> it, because I consider the folks on this list to be part of a great family
> that I have come to know over the past 12 years or so.
>
> If this is felt to be too "off topic" for some, please hit the good old
> delete button, and I promise I will not be offended.
>
> As many of you know, about a year and a half ago, I took the Acting
> Department Head position in the Department Of Social Sciences at Ferris
> State University.  When I took the position, I knew going in that it was
> going to be extremely demanding.  Not only would it be a 12-month 
> position,
> and would involve 50 to 60-hour work weeks, but it would involve running 
> all
> administrative functions for a department with approximately 30 faculty
> members, and 5 major University programs.
>
> By all counts from both administration and faculty members, I was a great
> success in the position, and met or exceeded all initial performance
> expectations.
>
> However, beginning in the late Spring of this year, I began experiencing
> some significant stress-related medical symptoms, and those symptoms
> steadily grew worse over the Summer.  Fortunately, the symptoms didn't 
> seem
> to aggravate my already-existing heart condition, but they became 
> important
> warning signs that I simply couldn't ignore.
>
> As a result, I have officially stepped down from the administrative
> position, and, with the authorization of my doctor, have taken a medical
> leave for the Fall 2013 semester.  Fortunately, I have ample accumulated
> sick time, so that this will not create a financial burden for my wife and
> I.  The plan is for me to take the Fall off, work on some other 
> professional
> projects, and then resume my full-time teaching in the Spring of 2014.
>
> I am nearing 60 years old, now, and still need to work a few more years
> before getting serious about retirement, so hopefully, this little hiatus
> will carry me through.
>
> I also am hoping that the time off will allow me to get more back into ham
> radio than I have been lately.  So, look for an increased presence from me
> on the list, and also on our week-end nets over the coming months.
>
> 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>