Bryson City Tales Read online

  Praise for Bryson City Tales

  With homespun warmth, my friend Dr. Walt Larimore tells stories that integrate the science and art of medicine. Walt is a brilliant lifelong learner who is patient-centered. Bryson City Tales portrays medical practice as something deeply personal, relational, and spiritual.

  Randy Alcorn, author of Deadline and The Treasure Principle

  What a delightful work! Bryson City Tales brims with the charm, color, and character of the North Carolina mountains and its unique folk. Dr. Larimore’s gifted storytelling makes us wince, gasp, laugh, and cry with these charming people and their “fresh out of training” doctor. A television script writer could only hope to do as well as this over-the-shoulder peek at real-life medical drama in a small town.

  Richard A. Swenson, M.D., physician, futurist, researcher, and best-selling author of Margin

  Walt Larimore has the gift. His fine book brings before the reader a vivid world inhabited by colorful people. We see the tragedy and triumph of their lives, and like a master, Doc Larimore employs the old show-business adage, “Make ’em laugh—make ’em cry!” If you are seeking a book that delights and informs, you need look no further than Bryson City Tales.

  Gilbert Morris, best-selling author of the House of Winslow series, the Appomattox series, and The Edge of Honor

  The title Bryson City Tales is a modest cover for a lot of personal true stories that illustrate some highly profound principles. How does a young doctor manage to integrate his background of high academic medical training and simple Christian faith into the hurly-burly of established human relationships in a mountain community? This sounds like heavy stuff, but it turns out to be light—almost hilarious—reading.

  Paul Brand, M.D., coauthor of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and The Gift of Pain

  I became an M.D. because doctors were my heroes growing up, and many of them still are—including Walt Larimore, M.D., the author of Bryson City Tales. Bryson City Tales shows the character, motives, surprises (awakenings), and disappointments of a first-year small-town family doctor. I loved it. I laughed. I cried. And, most important, my faith has been reinforced that there still are loving and caring docs out there.

  Paul Meier, M.D., cofounder of the Meier New-Life Clinics and author of fifty-two books

  Books by Dr. Walt Larimore

  10 Essentials of Highly Healthy People

  Alternative Medicine (coauthored with Dónal O’Mathúna)

  Bryson City Tales

  Bryson City Seasons

  Going Public with Your Faith: Becoming a Spiritual Influence

  at Work (coauthored with William Carr Peel)

  The Highly Healthy Child

  Lintball Leo’s Not-So-Stupid Questions About Your Body

  Why A.D.H.D. Doesn’t Mean Disaster (coauthored with

  Dennis Swanberg and Diane Passno)

  ZONDERVAN

  BRYSON CITY Tales

  Copyright © 2002 by Walt Larimore

  All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Zondervan.

  ePub Edition June 2009 ISBN: 0-310-86124-1

  Requests for information should be addressed to:

  Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

  * * *

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Larimore, Walter L.

  Bryson City tales : stories of a doctor’s first year of practice in the Smoky Mountains / Walt Larimore.

  p. cm.

  ISBN-13: 978-0-310-25670-0

  1. Walter L. Larimore. 2. Physicians—North Carolina—Bryson City—Biography. 3. Medicine, Rural—North Carolina—Bryson City. I. Title.

  R154. L267 A3

  610'.92—dc21

  2001008039

  * * *

  All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

  The website addresses recommended throughout this book are offered as a resource to you. These websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of Zondervan, nor do we vouch for their content for the life of this book.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

  Illustration by William Rozek

  * * *

  06 07 08 09 10 11 12 • 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5

  To Barb,

  the love of my life

  and to Bryson City and her people. These selected

  stories represent only asmall portion of all that could

  be told. These people, our “southern highlanders,”

  represent—at least once you come to know them—

  awarm and gentle people. They slowly took me in.

  They slowly welcomed me. They always taught me.

  This volume is, in away, my thanks to them—

  for who they are and for what they meant

  to me and my family.

  A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR

  Some of the characters revealed herein are real—they still reside in Bryson City—and Barb and I have had the pleasure of visiting with many of them over the last year. The vast majority, but not all, are still friends and still friendly. Others have moved to other towns, to other places. Some keep in touch with me from time to time.

  Other characters described in this tome are composites of real people and bear names that are purely fictional—primarily to protect the identities of those who formed the origin of the story itself. In many cases the name, gender, and age of patients have been changed to protect the confidentiality and privacy of my many patients who never planned or wanted to have their stories appear in the public square. Therefore, those readers who think they recognize a friend or acquaintance in these pages should consider it a most unlikely coincidence.

  Many of the most influential characters mentioned in this book have passed on and will have no opportunity to tell their side of the same story. Some, I suspect, would be pleased with what has been recorded about their impact on my life. Others, I’m sure, would protest—perhaps vociferously.

  Indeed, most (but not all) of the stories actually happened—although not all occurred exactly as they are written. Some artistic license was employed in the timing of certain events.

  Looking back over the decades at the events occurring at the dawn of my medical career, I suspect that similar accounts could have been recorded by countless other family physicians in rural America with, of course, some personal variations. This writing is intended to be more a record of this type of practice and the personal and professional growth it produces in almost any young physician than the full autobiography of a single one.

  CONTENTS

  Cover Page

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Acknowledgments

  Foreword

  1. The Murder

  Part One

  Rewind: First Stop in Bryson City

  2. The Arrival

  3. The Hemlock Inn

  4. The Grand Tour />
  5. The Interview

  Part Two

  Fast-Forward: Awkward Beginnings in the Smokies

  6. Settling In

  7. First-Day Jitters

  8. Emergency!

  9. The Delivery

  10. The “Expert”

  11. The Trial

  12. Shitake Sam

  13. Wet behind the Ears

  14. Lessons in Daily Practice

  15. White Lies

  16. The Epiphany

  Part Three

  Play: Making Bryson City Home

  17. Becoming Part of the Team

  18. Monuments

  19. My First Home Victory

  20. Fisher of Men

  21. Fly-Fishing

  22. Something Fishy

  23. A Good Day at the Office

  24. An Evening to Remember

  25. Another New Doc Comes to Town

  26. ’Twas the Night before Christmas

  27. A Surprising Gift

  28. The New Year

  29. The Home Birth

  30. The Showdown

  31. The Initiation

  32. Home at Last

  About the Publisher

  Share Your Thoughts

  Acknowledgments

  As I write these acknowledgments, the Swain County Maroon Devils have just won the 2001 North Carolina state football championship. I wish I had been there with them. I am so appreciative of the Swain County High School athletic department, coaches, and fans. Being allowed to serve as their team physician was one of the highest honors of my professional career. A special thank-you is due from me to Coach Boyce Dietz.

  The idea for this book started with an informal lunch at Zondervan in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Scott Bolinder, executive vice president and publisher; Lyn Cryderman, vice president and associate publisher; Cindy Hays Lambert, senior acquisitions editor; and several staff members were meeting with Barb and me to discuss a series of books on medical topics. During lunch, Lyn said, “Walt, tell us about your first year in practice.” I began to relate some of these stories. We laughed and our eyes got misty, and with some stories we were deeply moved. At the conclusion of our lunch, Scott, Lyn, and Cindy had decided to publish the “Tales.” Therefore, I must first and foremost acknowledge that the birth of Bryson City Tales is due to Scott’s, Lyn’s, and Cindy’s encouragement and affirmation.

  A special thank-you is owed Cindy Hays Lambert, who tirelessly worked with me during the development of this book. Cindy’s care, her coaching and direction, and her friendship and handholding during every phase of the growth of this “baby” were instrumental in the process of coming to a final manuscript. She single-handedly took the raw stories of a writing neophyte and assisted him in shaping the final work. Cindy, I appreciate what you have done—but most of all I appreciate who you are.

  The editors who labored over the final manuscript, Traci Mullins and Dirk Buursma, are owed my eternal gratitude for their loving care and molding of the Tales. My administrative assistant, Donna Lewis, unselfishly assisted in manuscript review and in many, many research arrangements. Thanks, Donna.

  Most of the places mentioned in Bryson City Tales can still be visited. I’m forever grateful for the lovely evenings, meals, and repose that Barb and I had (and that can still be had) at the Hemlock Inn, the Fryemont Inn, and the Frye-Randolph House (now called the Randolph House).

  I’m in debt to the trustees, administration, and staff of Swain County Hospital—which is still there (although the birthing suites and operating rooms are gone—the former shut down when Dr. Pyeritz and I left town, and the latter closed when Dr. Mitchell was buried). These men and women will always command my respect and thanks.

  Barb and I are so appreciative of the provision of our home in Bryson City. The house still stands—although I have no idea what happened to our bench. Last time we checked, it was no longer there. Dr. Pyeritz’s and my medical office still stands—as do at least two of the Christmas trees we planted there. The practice football field, the county football stadium, the Bryson City cemetery, the Road to Nowhere, the courthouse, Clampitt’s Hardware Store, and WBHN are all still there. Super Swain Drugs, Hardee’s, Dr. Bacon’s orchard, and Swain Surgical Associates are no longer there—but Na-Ber’s Drive-In is!

  Louise Thomas was still at the hospital—at least the last time I visited. To this very day, I appreciate her smile, laughs, and hugs—which are more precious now than ever. I pray that she and “Dr. Pat,” her lifetime love, will both see this work in print. I expect her to fuss at me over some of the stories I’ve told about her.

  I so appreciate Mr. Earl Douthit. He is now retired and still lives in Bryson City—in the same home described in the Tales. I acknowledge the expertise of Fred Moody—who still practices there. I want to acknowledge Bill and Ruth Adams—who can still be found tending their inn. Dr. Nordling has retired, and Dr. Sale left medicine to become a pastor in Bryson City.

  During 2001, Barb and I returned to Bryson City twice to do research for the Tales. Returning sixteen years after leaving was a bit anxiety provoking. How would we be received? Would we be remembered? Ever gracious, the men and women whom we had come to admire and love so much warmly welcomed us back.

  We owe the proprietors of the Hemlock Inn an immense debt of thanks. To John Shell, Mort White, and Lainey White, as well as to their staff at the inn, an immense thank-you for your assistance with our research and for providing your ever-gracious and warm hospitality and your prayers. Lainey is John and Ella Jo’s daughter. Ella Jo has passed away. I so wish I could have seen her face as she read these Tales. I can hear her laughter even now.

  Katherine has sold the Fryemont Inn and moved away. Nevertheless, we enjoyed visiting the inn. The meals there are as delicious as we remember.

  Others who unselfishly assisted with my research include Dean and Preston Tuttle; Diana Owle; Elizabeth Ellison; Dr. Paul Sale; R.P. and Sally Jenkins; Troy, Tammy, and Trey Burns; Debbie Wilson; the wonderful kids at The Gathering; Monty and Dianna Clampitt; Dr. David and Beth Zimmerman; Reva Blanton; John and Rita Mattox; Jon and Virginia Molinato; Margaret Iorio; Dr. Mike and Kim Hamrick. I appreciate their assistance. Last but not least, I appreciate the research assistance of the Swain County Chamber of Commerce.

  Rick Pyeritz, M.D., and Ray Cunningham, M.D., have also moved from Bryson City—but they still practice medicine. Ray and Nancy Cunningham are precious friends. Surviving my first year of practice would have been unbearable without their support and love. Rick Pyeritz was my partner, colleague, teacher, and confidant for seven years. He was our family physician. His love and care for the Larimores is forever appreciated and will never be forgotten. Rick remains one of my dearest friends.

  Drs. Bacon, Mitchell, and Mathieson, as well as Marcellus Buchanan, have all passed away. I wish I could thank them today for all they contributed. I also appreciate the contribution of “Walter”—who is still living near Bryson City on an undisclosed farm in a hidden hollow but is still as beautiful as the first day I saw her, although getting up in years.

  Last but not least, I love and appreciate Kate and Scott. Their original contribution to Bryson City Tales cannot be understated. Their permission to allow their dad to share their stories with you is recognized and deeply appreciated. I love them so very much. Of all the roles that the Lord has allowed me on this earth, other than being their mother’s best friend and husband, none is more precious to me than the role of being their daddy.

  Walter L. Larimore, M.D.

  Colorado Springs, Colorado

  Foreword

  by Gilbert Morris

  For most men the most dreaded words in the language are, “Did you take the trash out?” or “We have to talk!” For a novelist, however, the most dreaded words are, “Would you please read my manuscript and tell me what you think?”

  I get numerous requests of this nature, and being the good fellow that I am, I usually agree. One dear lady’s work was very bad, and I tried gen
tly to put her off. She kept badgering me to read more of her work, and finally after driving me nearly crazy, she asked, “Do you think there’s enough fire in my work?” I heard myself saying, “Lady—there’s not enough of your work in the fire!” This was unkind, and I had to do penance by reading the awful stuff and being extra nice to her.

  Walt Larimore’s work does not belong in the fire! It belongs in the library of every person who has had, is having, or will ever have medical problems (which means all of us!)

  I freely admit I have had problems with doctors. Others may tell lawyer jokes, but I tell doctor jokes. I have a mental file of horror stories about physicians who have failed me, and since I have a memory like a zebra, I never forget! When I sat down to read Walt Larimore’s manuscript, even before I read the first page I was preparing the speech I’d be forced to give to Walt. “Walt, stick to doctoring people, and let real writers handle the books.”

  Two aspects of Bryson City Tales gave me great pleasure: First, it gave me new insight into how doctors are made, and second, I simply enjoyed the fine writing.

  Like most people, I am somewhat frightened of doctors. They ask me to trust them, to put my life in their hands. They are powerful people, and as someone has once said, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” But in this book we see the human side of one man who is humbled by his own limitations. The curtain is drawn back, and we see behind the scenes of the drama. As Walt Larimore is thrust into the cosmos of a small southern town, he makes mistakes, he rushes in where angels fear to tread, he makes enemies. Living through the very human problems of a young physician trying to make it, just like the rest of us ordinary mortals, gave me fresh insight into the world of medicine.

  Bryson City Tales also pleased me because it is so readable. After having taught creative writing for twenty-five years and written quite a few novels, I have one criterion that I apply to writing: Is this book fun to read? I found out years ago that teachers, preachers, and writers had better do whatever they have to in order to entertain those who sit under them! And Walt Larimore has the gift. As a novelist, I harbor a hope that he never turns his hand to writing novels, for he has the talent for it—and I don’t need the competition! His fine book brings before the reader a vivid world inhabited by colorful people. We see the tragedy and the triumph of their lives, and like a master, Doc Larimore employs the old show-business adage, “Make ’em laugh—make ’em cry!”