Duck Ponderings: Dr. Sweet, my doctor and friend

Throughout my life, growing up in the very small community of Lovett and then settling in the small but larger community of Hope, I have been surrounded by and connected to a lot of good people. Unfortunately, some are gone due to an unexpected twist of fate. 

Dr. Greg Sweet left us at the age of 59 despite a long battle, much love and care, and multiple prayers. As I watch a gorgeous sunset from an ocean boardwalk and work on this article, I so wish he could be around when returning for a much needed adjustment and to share my thoughts after seeing the recent remake of “The Lion King” and after reading another book by Mitch Albom while vacationing in Florida.

I am unsure exactly when Dr. Sweet became my chiropractor. (Before, I had an excellent one in Franklin.) I am sure of being immediately impressed with his skills as a doctor and how he would take time to chat with me and others, even with a very busy schedule.

There did not seem to be a topic Dr. Sweet could not discuss whether it be education, family, health, music, politics, religion, sports, or … The one subject close to his heart was obviously small communities. Like me, he didn't grow up here, but he certainly was involved and was an important member of the Main Street team. He was pleased to be a part of Hope continuing to turn its pages while fully aware that's not the case of many small towns. I still see his smile on Groundhog Day when we had our best crowd ever to find out Grubby's prediction.

Due to being one of the first businesses to sponsor an ad on HSJ Online, we gave him an OUT LIVE LIFE sign as a thank you. When presenting the sign to him, I knew he would immediately understand the reason for it. I was right. Even though I can't recall the exact words he stated, I will never forget a facial expression that also spoke for him. Soon, he proudly displayed the sign in his practice.

Undoubtedly, Dr. Sweet found many ways to outlive his life while on this earth. I am a better person for knowing him as I know many others are too. The communities which he had ties are also better. Now, he is a part of another special community and finding out those theological answers he searched for personally and with others.

I think one of the best ways to honor Dr. Sweet would be for each of us to find a way to help Hope. As expressed within Dr. Sweet's obituary, memorial contributions may be given to Main Street of Hope (Post Office Box 183; Hope, IN 47246). Possibly, you would like to volunteer for an event hosted by the committee. And, there are numerous other ways.

Being a Disney fan, I believe Dr. Sweet would agree with ending this tribute with a Walt Disney quote: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. If you can dream it, you can do it. All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”