Paul survived the surgery. They kept him under, sedated, until this morning, so that his body could rest. I've never heard of that before--I don't know if that's a good sign, or a bad one. Emjay, can you enlighten me?

I'll be visiting N this morning at the VA, and then I'll see how Paul is doing. I know he won't be ready for visitors--except for immediate family--but I can send him a card, best wishes, and all that.

In the last 5 years it seems that all of us middle-aged people have suddenly gotten old. My friends and I have developed the issues that elderly people have to cope with. How did that happen, when I wasn't looking?

I'm too young for this.