Sadly, so many of us – me included – take our community for granted. We focus so much on our differences, petty grievances, professional competition.
Because it happened in a very public place, and because a lot of people have been checking in to see if I am okay, here is an update about what happened to me at the beginning of Tuesday’s Biddeford City Council meeting.
Before we begin, let me say that I am so appreciative and somewhat overwhelmed by the many calls, emails and text messages from people who were worried about me and offered their support to me and Laura.
What happened?
I recall not feeling very well when I first arrived at City Hall, roughly 20 minutes before the start of the meeting.
I was feeling stressed, a bit nauseous and short of breath. My heart was racing. I had missed the prior council meeting because of vacation, and was keenly interested in a story that I had been “sitting on” for several weeks, waiting for important details.
I collapsed shortly after the Pledge of Allegiance. I don’t remember what happened next, but found myself lying in the hallway and surrounded by a group of folks who were telling me to “relax and just breathe.”
Only moments later, I was loaded into an ambulance and transported to the hospital in Biddeford, where I underwent several tests and spent a few hours waiting for those test results.
What caused my collapse?
Unfortunately – almost 48 hours later – I cannot give you a definitive answer to that question. I have follow-up appointments this week with my primary care doctor and my neurologist, who has been working with me for a few years to track and address frequent and ongoing balance issues and involuntary tremors.
Although, I am scheduled to receive a heart monitor, the doctors have pretty much ruled out a heart attack, although that’s what it looked like, according to witnesses.
The likely culprit is connected to at least one of my medications, combined with some poor personal choices I made earlier that day. That, combined with some stress, created a sort of “perfect storm” event.
Poor choices? Stress?
One very important lesson I learned Tuesday is that I really need to get serious and start taking better care of myself — do a better job of managing my meds, sleep no less than six hours per day, improve my diet (sugar and caffeine intake), lose some weight and adopt a better work-life balance.
The medications I take allow me to live a productive and fulfilling life, but they also require a good diet, adequate sleep and proper dosage management.
In short, I need to accept that I am no longer 32 years old. That train left the station more than three decades ago
In just a few weeks, I will become a grandfather. I owe it to my grandson, my wife, my kids, family, friends – and even Biddeford Gazette readers – to make some long overdue changes.
Overwhelming gratitude for an amazing community
Sadly, so many of us –
me included – take our community
for granted. We focus so much
on our differences, petty grievances,
professional competition.
I have a theory about the value and importance of living in “a community”
Invariably, when bad things happen – a tornado, flood, wildfire or any kind of tragedy – the initial news coverage shows neighbors scrambling to help neighbors. Everyone is focused on pitching in and helping. Communities always seems to rally in time of need.
Suddenly, there are no Democrats or Republicans. There are no distinctions about religious or cultural backgrounds. No arguments on social media – just people helping people, suddenly reminded of our shared humanity and vulnerability.
Sadly, so many of us – me included – take our community for granted. We focus so much on our differences, petty grievances, professional competition.
Biddeford is lucky. I am lucky
I am not suggesting that my medical event was a community tragedy, but it did drive home how much I take my neighbors, city services, emergency responders, friends and others for granted.
Let me assure you that Biddeford has top-tier professionals working as our emergency first responders. We (I) forget that these outstanding men and women are always just a phone call away – 24/7, 365 days a year.
It wasn’t just the professional service or the amazing equipment. It was about an amazing level of personal caring, a deeply held commitment — based on the concept of neighbors helping neighbors. We also have an outstanding hospital and top-notch medical providers right here – in our own back yard.
A closing shout out
Sadly, I did not get the names of so many of those who helped me on Tuesday, but I do want to publicly acknowledge a few folks who took the time to make sure I was okay.
Deputy Fire Chief Steven Kiesman was one of the first people to notice I was having difficulty. Not only did help me out of the room, he stayed by my side until the ambulance crew arrived and then followed up the next day with a text message, asking how I was feeling.
Police Chief JoAnne Fisk, Public Works Director Jeff Demers and Fire Chief Larry Best all stayed by my side until I was transported to the hospital – their professionalism was outmatched only by their personal caring for my well-being.
Many others who witnessed the event sent notes of encouragement, support and offers of assistance, including Josh Woulfe, publisher of the Biddeford Buzz.
Josh took the time to make sure that my hat, my travel mug (a treasured gift from my daughter-in-law) and my reporter’s notebook (ironically full of blank pages) remained with me when I was wheeled out by the paramedics.
Josh remained in touch throughout the rest of the evening to ensure that I was okay, asking if there was anything I needed – a really nice gesture that just reinforces my earlier point – we are blessed to live in such a great and connected community. I am blessed to live in such a great community.
Thank you to all of you. Your kindness has made all the difference.
I will not forget it.
RANDY SEAVER | Biddeford
.
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE
“Keeping You Connected to Biddeford”
Editorial Standards & Policies
© 2026 Biddeford Gazette, Inc. All Rights Reserved
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 