Many readers may have noticed the absence of a column last week; if not, then keep in mind that reading every week will ensure you're as up to date on store openings and closings, industry economics and workforce news as, well, I am.

I was out of town, and not by choice. I was flown into Omaha, Neb., strapped to a gurney with an IV full of saline pumping into my weary little veins. Once there, I was transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center intensive care unit, where a team of medical surgeons descended on me and kept me hostage for six more days.

An artery in my leg had dissected. It was painful and slightly terrifying, exacerbated by the fact that I have a rare genetic disorder, diagnosed at birth, that makes surgery on my fragile tissues an incredibly dangerous option. That same disorder, called Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome for those Google-happy readers, is what makes me prone to arterial dissection, in case anyone is wondering why an otherwise healthy 27-year-old woman has to be flown two states away for medical treatment.

Over the week I was in the hospital, the dissection neither got better nor worse, a good indication that it'll heal on its own without turning into an aneurysm or something equally unpleasant.

And so I'm back, after having pushed the doctors to just let me get out and go home, let me get back to Bismarck where Ihave things to do, people to meet with, articles to write and friends in more complicated situations to think about. At 30, a good friend of mine, Celeste Keller, is recovering from a benign sciatic tumor in her lower back; her grace and optimism in dealing with her own medical problems is uplifting and inspiring.

Not surprisingly, I have friends and doctors in Bismarck to thank. Keller, despite her having to spend time in Mayo last week, continued to send me supportive text messages. And Downtowner's Association Executive Director Dawn Kopp (happy birthday!) made sure she knew exactly what was going on and continued to meticulously update my other friends, right down to exactly what artery was dissecting and where Iwas at any given time.

My co-workers sent their well-wishes, too, and my bosses kept them informed. A co-worker's wife made a dish on my behalf for a United Way potluck I'd intended to participate in; knowing her amazing track record, I'm confident that she did an excellent job.

And my doctors here in Bismarck were wonderfully supportive and acted quickly. Dr. Sherry Stein at Medcenter One had the foresight to not let me leave the hospital until Igot the results of my CTscan; Dr. Edward Fogarty escorted me around the hospital, and was key in calming my nerves. And the cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Timothy Pansegrau, identified the dissection and made the decision that the problem was beyond his scope of expertise, which is truly admirable in a doctor, particularly a surgeon.

Finally, my boyfriend, Rod Austin, was at my side the entire time, having jumped in his car the minute my plane was in the air, driving the nine hours to Omaha, not knowing what in the world was going on but determined to be there just the same. That's worth more than I can describe.

And my family, who live in Omaha, was there at all hours, taking shifts and making sure Iwas comfortable when they were not there. My sister's stubborn determination to stay with me kept her from her job, school and band practice, a break that she probably needed.

On my return, I received a flood of well-wishes. And, as any returning business reporter would expect, a flood of rumors about new, "themed"restaurants, as well as business openings and closings.

While I have yet to confirm anything on the record about a new restaurant, it is sadly true that the Stringbean Coffee in Eckroth Plaza officially closed for good on Oct. 19. Some people had thought they were only renovating, but sources confirm that the coffee shop, which opened a little more than a year ago, will not be reopening. Claire's, a nationwide accessories and jewelry chain, will be opening a 1,280-square-foot store in early November at Pinehurst Square Shopping Centre, in the same strip as Old Navy.

I know there was much more business news while I was gone, and I'm still trying to catch up. Feel free to e-mail me and let me know what you know, so we can let everyone else know. Thanks again to everyone in the Bismarck-Mandan community, friends, acquaintances and co-workers, who offered their support. It's good to be home.

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@;bismarcktribune.com.)