A harsh reality and a difficult decision

If you're a Topic reader who doesn't know yet, I've been battling some health issues over the past year. I'm on oxygen nearly 100 percent of the time and will be for the rest of my life.As you can imagine, this limits where I can go, what I can do, and how long I can do it.

Home Country

Dud was especially quiet this morning, sitting in his usual seat at the philosophy counter of the Mule Barn truck stop. He was doodling with his napkin and a feed store ball-point pen.Doc looked over to see if he could make it out. He couldn’t. Bert adjusted his glasses and looked over.“Murder?

Stray Thoughts: The epidemic excess

When I was young, there were far less secondhand stores around. Why? Everyone just used all their possessions until they were worn out.Hand-me-down clothing was very popular among the “working poor.

Anesthesia: Biting the bullet is no longer necessary

Anesthesiology is the branch of medicine committed to pain relief and patient care before, during, and after surgery and other procedures. It has origins in ancient times but made large advances in the last two centuries.

Home Country

We wondered about the origin of the new sign down at the Read Me Now bookstore. Sarah McKinley has had the place for about five years now and has become a real asset to our valley. If you’re looking for a book, she either has it or you don’t need to read it.

Medications for treating substance use disorders

Substance use disorders like alcohol and opioid use disorders can be diverse, and every patient has a different story when it comes to their addiction.

PRESSED BETWEEN THE PAGES: Heartbreak and miracles

Growing up on the farm in the 1950s and 60s meant being around animals. Daily responsibilities required caring for cattle, hogs, sheep and chickens. For years we milked a cow. A dog and barn cats did their part in protecting the farm and animals..

Little Pasture on the Prairie

By Eliza Blue Thirteen years ago, almost exactly, I got the idea to start writing this column. I imagined it would be entertaining to the folks who lived in and around my tiny town, and it would give me a creative outlet since I was no longer touring full-time as a musician.

Home Country

When old Joe Gilliam began digging that hole in his front yard, out there close to the street, neighbors watched and wondered. When he got his grandson to help him carry the shade tree sapling from his pickup to the hole, people nodded.Mystery solved. Old Joe’s planting a tree.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: One Size Does Not Fit All: An Honest look at Roads and Financial Disparities Between Tribal Nations

There is a phrase often used in federal policy discussions: “one size fits all.” It sounds efficient. It sounds fair. But in Indian Country, it has never been either.