Playoffs

Playoffs are here. Live or die. For me, there’s far higher stakes than in the NBA Finals. I’m about to go into surgery at 11:30 a.m. that will try to clean out my wound from rollerblading. The goal is to stop the infection that has been steadily marching up my thigh and defeating every antibiotic tried.

Kind of like watching The Ultimate Sports game. Lots of changes of lead. It’s Rocky vs Apollo Creed all over again, an undefeated infection vs a scrappy old timer. Human interest story threaded through. Gambling everything I have that I will come out on top.

I have one of the best teammates ever, my wife Laurel. She has been there for me throughout this misadventure. She gave me a sponge bath last night, she helps me go to the bathroom to do number 2, she gets me my favorite snacks, she encourages me every step of the way, helped me to not overuse the drugs available, and to listen to my doctors and nurses.

Sitting in the hospital here for a week has turned me into an emotional basket case. I even have tears as I write this now thinking about how fortunate I am to have Laurel. She has helped me be become a better person in our four years together.

Knock on wood, place your bets, say your prayers, get whatever good luck charms you have and cheer for your favorite team.