This is Peter Griffiths’ last column, written four days before he died, on March 20.
When I was first diagnosed with this serious cancer in August 2005, my goal was to keep
writing my columns, to deal with
e-mail and the occasional phone call. But things have changed a lot for me a lot since then.
Three months ago I started to
realize that my energy was shrinking drastically.
Getting out of bed is a major task for me now. My world is restricted to my house and wheelchair and someone pushing it. This is quite different from even six weeks ago. I now need oxygen full time rather than just when I sleep. My mind does not work quickly and I cannot type on the computer. I have difficulty remembering.
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Given all of these factors, I have found it increasingly difficult to write a column and have decided I must retire from my 25 years of writing for this newspaper.
I will miss reaching out to my readers and I appreciate their loyalty over the years.
All the many cards, calls and e-mails from readers have made me feel honoured that I was able to serve such a need to these people during the years.
I began writing for the Western Producer in
January 1979. Memories of the letters I received from my many readers will stay with me.
It is with deep regret that I now have to say goodbye.
