Thursday, October 31, 2019
Book-Willie
(Delete from page 147-He looked up..to Page 149 I had been down..)
He looked up at me with blood-shot eyes and exclaimed, " Hey, Smitty! What are you doin' out here on the street? "
"I work here," I replied. "And this isn't the street. You're in an office downtown."
"Oh," he said. His breath reeked of alcohol. His old clothes were tattered and he didn't smell too good. Squinting his eyes he asked, " Is that really you?"
"Yeah, Willie, it's me. Long time no see. What happened to you, man?"
"Don't matter," he said." Been in jail a while. Got kicked out of my place. My so-called girlfriend left me. Been livin' on the streets a while. Shit, what are you doin' here?"
"I told, I work here," I replied, still in shock. " What can I do for you, Willie? How can I help you?"
"Somebody told me you can get a voucher here for a couple of free nights at a 'luxery' local motel?" Is that true?"
"It's true, but our vouchers are gone for the month. "
"It's pretty cold outside," Willie surmised, rubbing his coat sleeve across his nose. and blowing into his hands ( even though it was warm in the interview room). "What month is it, anyway?"
"It's February," I solemnly replied.
"No wonder it's cold. You still got all the answers, Smitty! Hey, can you lend me a few bucks for a room? I'll pay you back as soon as I get paid..."
"Paid? You got a job, Willie?"
"Nah, I ain't got no freakin' job. Hey, you think I could work here?"
"I don't think so, Willie," I said softly.
"Oh, that's right You gotta finish school first. You can't quit like I did," he said, his voice trailing off, his eyes fixed on the table.
"So, what about a loan, pal?" he asked, still staring ahead. "I hate to ask you, Smitty. At least 'til I get my shit together."
"I can't, Willie. I don't have it," But you can't stay out there overnight. Not in this weather, and not in this town."
"What about the Salvation Army shelter on Main Street?" I suggested.
"Aw, fuck the shelter!" he said, raising his voice for the first time.
Startled, I warned, "Willie! Calm down, man! You don't want the security guard to throw you out of here, do you? What's wrong with the shelter?"
"Sorry, Smitty," he said, his voice almost down to a whisper. "I've been there before. Too many rules. They want you to look for a job, shit like that. And the food ain't exactly 'Burger King' quality. I ain't goin' to no shelter. I been there. Are you gonna help me or what?"
He started to get a little pissed. I was half-afraid he might snap on me. Then again, Willie would have to be pretty messed to do that. I always trusted Willie, and he knew it.
"Sure. I'm trying to help you. Let me call the shelter and see if they have room for one night. One night, Willie."
"I told ya, Smitty, I ain't going..."
"Then where the hell are you going to go?" I said, losing my cool.
Instead of punching me out, surprisingly and thankfully, Willie grinned. " Watch that language, Smitty!No swearin' in the office! You don't want the guard to throw ya out, do ya?"
I had to smile. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. At least it broke the tension a bit.
"Where am I going?" Willie repeated." I'll just find myself a nice spot on a warm sidewalk somewhere in town and sleep. Or not. Don't worry, man. I'll be all right."
If Willie was trying to lay a guilt trip on me, he sure was doing a good job.
"C'mon, Willie. One night. Go get something decent to eat. Get a shower. Come back here tomorrow and we'll talk. It's close to four and I gotta go soon. Please, Willie..."
"Aw, Smitty, you know I never took showers, anyway," he laughed. He saw I was serious and after a moment said. " Okay, Smitty, for you. One night. Only because we been buddies for so long. Go on and make your damn phone call."
"Cool. "I'll be right back, " I said, wheeling to the door before he could chaange his mind.
"Hey, Smitty!" he called back. "Remember the time I got you to smoke pot? You almost coughed up a freakin' lung!"
"Yeah, I remember," I said, shaking my head. "That was a lot of fun."
Wow. Getting back to my desk, I stopped for a second before picking up the phone. Wow, again. I was so sad seeing my friend like this. The same guy who encouraged me not to give up.
There was room at the shelter. That was luck, seeing how it was so cold and so late in the afternoon. Ideas swirled in my mind of helping Willie tomorrow. Calling around and finding him a job; helping to find a low-income apartment until he got back on his feet; maybe even encourage him to get back in school.
But when I returned to the interview room Willie was gone.
Maybe his pride got to him? Maybe he planned to sell the voucher or use the cash for something other than a room? Maybe he already had a warm place to stay for the night?
"Good old Willie," I whispered to myself, both angry and fearful for my friend,"You always were good at talking shit. "I'll pray for you, man."
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Book- Infusion.
(Place on page 323 before paragraph that begins with "Throughout the writing process..").
Two weeks after my visit with Dr Mona, I did have the infusion. Initially, it went well, with no side effects. However, the next morning I could hardly get out of bed. It felt like all 208 of my bones were broken. Bones I had never broken before now hurt. Bones in my face, bones in my neck and bones in my fingers all hurt. My back and rib cage area were especially sore. The only relief I had was to lie flat on my back and not move an inch.
I shouldn't complain. I had the infusion at Penn in Valley Forge, in the same department where people go for chemotherapy treatment. Holly and I sat in the lobby with cancer patients and cancer survivors. It was like when Holly was undergoing her radiation treatments a few years ago. Mostly older and middle-aged folks, with a sprinkling of younger people there too, some wearing hats and some not, all waiting their turn. It was a quiet waiting room. Some people read their own paperbacks and some nervously paged over magazines. The Home & Garden Channel on TV was background noise- nobody was really watching it.
Two people stepped up after their daily treatment and proudly rang the bell near the front of the room, signifying the end of their chemo treatments. The entire room applauded as pictures were taken by family and friends. It was kind of cool how strangers reacted to these brave folks. Everyone was linked together, as someday, their chance to ring the bell would come.
The receptionists called out numbers and names, directing patients to the rooms in the back where their nurse and treatment awaited. Most had been there before, smiling at the receptionist when their name was called.
"Gregory, number 12!" got our attention and we headed back.
We passed faces we had seen in the lobby, now hooked up to IVs, laying or sitting down on soft recliners, receiving their treatment. Some had been there for hours, while others were just beginning or ending. I was lucky. This infusion was a once a year thing, taking no longer than 20 minutes.
A young nurse named Brianna hooked me up to the IV as we talked Eagles football. Funny how an Eagles sweatshirt can also link total strangers. "Did you watch that game last Sunday?..."
Maybe if I knew how lousy I would feel the next day I would've gotten cold feet. Drip, drip, drip...the liquid dripped into my veins, this experimental juice that supposedly would make my bones stronger in time. Wouldn't old Dr. Nicholson love this? Treatment for OI had come such a long way.
This wasn't a cure. Far from it. A cure would have to come from the terrific Medical Genetics researchers out there who are working hard to eliminate OI from our lives. This infusion was simply a way of putting a techno-band-aid on the problem. If we can lessen even one fracture in a life, it's worth it.
So, this treatment was for me, as I hoped I would have less stress fractures in time, but I was also doing this for the OI sufferers to come, when I am long gone. Maybe this experimental juice won't be so experimental down the road, and the next generation will benefit from the tests being done now.
But I must admit, I wasn't thinking of being this noble fellow, helping children with brittle bones in the future, as I stared at my bedroom ceiling. More so, I felt like a guinea pig, feeling stupid for allowing Dr. Mona to talk me into this treatment, as I lay there in pain. I could almost feel my bones absorbing the fluid, the wetness seeping into my old, thirsty- dry bones.
Just transferring into bed was a challenge. I had suffered many broken bones in my life, but this felt different, like everything was cracking, snapping and crumbling, my joints and muscles aching loudly in pain as well.
"Damn," I mumbled to myself. "This sucks." I was angry because there are so few OI survivors who really know what this feels like. I know young doctors like Dr Mona only want to make my life better, and I would calm down tomorrow and come to that realization. For now, the only thoughts drifting in my mind were things like, " It's easy for her to say, 'Get this done.' or 'Let's try this.' "
"I'm the only one who knows how much it hurts'" I whispered as I fell asleep.
I slept for the next 11 hours without moving, wondering if life would ever get back to "normal." Normal for me was pushing my wheelchair pain- free. Normal for me was using my upper body strength to transfer my body into bed or into the car from my wheelchair. Normal for me would not be normal for most people.
When I awoke I felt better. Now the soreness was more in my shoulders and arms, not in my chest or back. Ironically, my legs, which took the brunt of my past fractures for over 60 years, felt just great.
In time I would begin to feel like myself again. Getting another infusion treatment in a year would be a bridge I would cross then. For now, I am happy to be "normal" once more.
Two weeks after my visit with Dr Mona, I did have the infusion. Initially, it went well, with no side effects. However, the next morning I could hardly get out of bed. It felt like all 208 of my bones were broken. Bones I had never broken before now hurt. Bones in my face, bones in my neck and bones in my fingers all hurt. My back and rib cage area were especially sore. The only relief I had was to lie flat on my back and not move an inch.
I shouldn't complain. I had the infusion at Penn in Valley Forge, in the same department where people go for chemotherapy treatment. Holly and I sat in the lobby with cancer patients and cancer survivors. It was like when Holly was undergoing her radiation treatments a few years ago. Mostly older and middle-aged folks, with a sprinkling of younger people there too, some wearing hats and some not, all waiting their turn. It was a quiet waiting room. Some people read their own paperbacks and some nervously paged over magazines. The Home & Garden Channel on TV was background noise- nobody was really watching it.
Two people stepped up after their daily treatment and proudly rang the bell near the front of the room, signifying the end of their chemo treatments. The entire room applauded as pictures were taken by family and friends. It was kind of cool how strangers reacted to these brave folks. Everyone was linked together, as someday, their chance to ring the bell would come.
The receptionists called out numbers and names, directing patients to the rooms in the back where their nurse and treatment awaited. Most had been there before, smiling at the receptionist when their name was called.
"Gregory, number 12!" got our attention and we headed back.
We passed faces we had seen in the lobby, now hooked up to IVs, laying or sitting down on soft recliners, receiving their treatment. Some had been there for hours, while others were just beginning or ending. I was lucky. This infusion was a once a year thing, taking no longer than 20 minutes.
A young nurse named Brianna hooked me up to the IV as we talked Eagles football. Funny how an Eagles sweatshirt can also link total strangers. "Did you watch that game last Sunday?..."
Maybe if I knew how lousy I would feel the next day I would've gotten cold feet. Drip, drip, drip...the liquid dripped into my veins, this experimental juice that supposedly would make my bones stronger in time. Wouldn't old Dr. Nicholson love this? Treatment for OI had come such a long way.
This wasn't a cure. Far from it. A cure would have to come from the terrific Medical Genetics researchers out there who are working hard to eliminate OI from our lives. This infusion was simply a way of putting a techno-band-aid on the problem. If we can lessen even one fracture in a life, it's worth it.
So, this treatment was for me, as I hoped I would have less stress fractures in time, but I was also doing this for the OI sufferers to come, when I am long gone. Maybe this experimental juice won't be so experimental down the road, and the next generation will benefit from the tests being done now.
But I must admit, I wasn't thinking of being this noble fellow, helping children with brittle bones in the future, as I stared at my bedroom ceiling. More so, I felt like a guinea pig, feeling stupid for allowing Dr. Mona to talk me into this treatment, as I lay there in pain. I could almost feel my bones absorbing the fluid, the wetness seeping into my old, thirsty- dry bones.
Just transferring into bed was a challenge. I had suffered many broken bones in my life, but this felt different, like everything was cracking, snapping and crumbling, my joints and muscles aching loudly in pain as well.
"Damn," I mumbled to myself. "This sucks." I was angry because there are so few OI survivors who really know what this feels like. I know young doctors like Dr Mona only want to make my life better, and I would calm down tomorrow and come to that realization. For now, the only thoughts drifting in my mind were things like, " It's easy for her to say, 'Get this done.' or 'Let's try this.' "
"I'm the only one who knows how much it hurts'" I whispered as I fell asleep.
I slept for the next 11 hours without moving, wondering if life would ever get back to "normal." Normal for me was pushing my wheelchair pain- free. Normal for me was using my upper body strength to transfer my body into bed or into the car from my wheelchair. Normal for me would not be normal for most people.
When I awoke I felt better. Now the soreness was more in my shoulders and arms, not in my chest or back. Ironically, my legs, which took the brunt of my past fractures for over 60 years, felt just great.
In time I would begin to feel like myself again. Getting another infusion treatment in a year would be a bridge I would cross then. For now, I am happy to be "normal" once more.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, WORLD SERIES
- No activity from the Eagles before the trade deadline. I get it that the Birds have an old roster. They need to build through the draft. Yet at the same time, there is a window open for another Super Bowl run, and reinforcements would have helped. This team still needs help in the secondary, on the defensive line, and at wide receiver.
Either the Eagles are going for it or not. GM Howie Rossman is telling the fan base "If we don't, we don't" along with awful Phillies President Andy MacPhail. What good are the draft picks if you don't make wise selections? Without Joe Douglas, who fled to New York and the Jets, is Howie being exposed as an inept general manager?
Howie is counting on injured players, like DeSean Jackson and Tim Jurragen, to return and make contributions. But were those players good enough to begin with ?
Jackson may be back this week vs the Bears. That's stupid, if true. With the bye coming up next week, why not keep him out yet another week to make sure he good to go for the rest of the sea son?
Speaking of the Bears, I think both ex Bears, Jordan Howard and Alshon Jefferies, will have big games this Sunday at the Linc. Chicago is having its own problems. The Eagles are finally home and I predict a blow-out win for Philly. Details tomorrow.
**************************************************************
There's nothing like a Game 7 in the World Series. Teams play all spring, summer and fall for a chance to get into the playoffs and the Fall Classic. Everything boils down to one game, winner-take-all.
That's the scenario tonight when Washington visits Houston. The series is tied 3-3, with every game being won by the visiting team. Will the trend continue or will a home team finally get to celebrate on their home field?
It's Max Scherzer for the Nationals tonight vs Zach Greinke for the Astros. I've been rooting for Washington all along. They are the wild card team out of the National League and the Nats winning their first ever World Series would be well deserved. They beat Arizona in the Wild Card Game, then defeated the mighty Dodgers and the cardinals to face Houston.
Winning a championship can be done as a wild card club, Andy MacPhail.
Houston after losing it's first two games at home, stormed back in this World Series, sweeping all 3 games in Washington. The Astros have the better club overall, but in a one-game playoff for the world championship, anything can happen.
My prediction is that a home team finally breaks through and wins. Houston will win tonight and be the champs. Baseball season will officially be over. Let the Hot Stove season begin!!
Either the Eagles are going for it or not. GM Howie Rossman is telling the fan base "If we don't, we don't" along with awful Phillies President Andy MacPhail. What good are the draft picks if you don't make wise selections? Without Joe Douglas, who fled to New York and the Jets, is Howie being exposed as an inept general manager?
Howie is counting on injured players, like DeSean Jackson and Tim Jurragen, to return and make contributions. But were those players good enough to begin with ?
Jackson may be back this week vs the Bears. That's stupid, if true. With the bye coming up next week, why not keep him out yet another week to make sure he good to go for the rest of the sea son?
Speaking of the Bears, I think both ex Bears, Jordan Howard and Alshon Jefferies, will have big games this Sunday at the Linc. Chicago is having its own problems. The Eagles are finally home and I predict a blow-out win for Philly. Details tomorrow.
**************************************************************
There's nothing like a Game 7 in the World Series. Teams play all spring, summer and fall for a chance to get into the playoffs and the Fall Classic. Everything boils down to one game, winner-take-all.
That's the scenario tonight when Washington visits Houston. The series is tied 3-3, with every game being won by the visiting team. Will the trend continue or will a home team finally get to celebrate on their home field?
It's Max Scherzer for the Nationals tonight vs Zach Greinke for the Astros. I've been rooting for Washington all along. They are the wild card team out of the National League and the Nats winning their first ever World Series would be well deserved. They beat Arizona in the Wild Card Game, then defeated the mighty Dodgers and the cardinals to face Houston.
Winning a championship can be done as a wild card club, Andy MacPhail.
Houston after losing it's first two games at home, stormed back in this World Series, sweeping all 3 games in Washington. The Astros have the better club overall, but in a one-game playoff for the world championship, anything can happen.
My prediction is that a home team finally breaks through and wins. Houston will win tonight and be the champs. Baseball season will officially be over. Let the Hot Stove season begin!!
Monday, October 28, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES
The Eagles won a big game in Buffalo ob Sunday, dominating the host Bills 31-13. The game was played in rainy, windy weather, which turned out to be advantage Eagles. They stuck to the run game, featuring Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders, and piled up over 200 yards in rushing.
Turnovers were again big, as the Birds capitalized on a key Buffalo fumble late in the first half. Sanders broke a huge 65-yard sprint to the end zone early in the 3rd quarter and the rout was on.
QB Carson Wentz had a good day, even though his personal stats were down because of the weather conditions. In particular, Wentz ran the ball for key first downs. Wentz is using that part of his game more and more, which only expands his arsenal of weapons. It also shows he is healthy, as long as Wentz is wise about his running.
The defensive secondary played a better game, especially CB Ronald Darby. DT Fletcher Cox, LB Brandon Graham and the rest of the defense got continuing pressure on bills QB Josh Allen all day. Buffalo has a good defense, which is ranked 4th overall in the NFL, but they are weak on offense. They have good but not great play makers in Frank Gore and Cole Beasley.
Credit the Birds for coming together after a brutal week full of off the field nonsense. Maybe Orlando Scandrick's stupid remarks about the squad after he was cut may have motivated the team. It worked, as Philly showed life and kept their season afloat.
So, thanks to the Phillies, the Eagles played 3 straight road games in October. They finished the run 1-2, and now look forward to an entire month at home, starting with the Chicago Bears next Sunday at the Linc. Take at least 2 of 3 from the bears, Patriots and Seahawks and the Birds seem to be in good shape heading into the final 5 games, all of which seem favorable to win. I'm sure the Eagles have the cowboy game at home circled on the calender, which would be a nice Christmas gift for the fans, seeing how Dallas embarrassed the Birds just a week ago.
Until DeSean Jackson returns ( I would hold him out of the Chicago game. With the bye the following week, bring him back the new England week), Coach Doug Pederson would be wise to continue to stress the running game. Or maybe GM Howie Rossman will trade for a speedy wide receiver before the Tuesday trade deadline. Secondary help and another defensive tackle is also on the trade wish list.
Since Dallas had a bye, the Birds are now 4-4, a half-game behind the Cowboys in NFC East. Dallas travels to New York this week to face the struggling Giants. The Eagles just need to keep on winning and take care of business at home.
Turnovers were again big, as the Birds capitalized on a key Buffalo fumble late in the first half. Sanders broke a huge 65-yard sprint to the end zone early in the 3rd quarter and the rout was on.
QB Carson Wentz had a good day, even though his personal stats were down because of the weather conditions. In particular, Wentz ran the ball for key first downs. Wentz is using that part of his game more and more, which only expands his arsenal of weapons. It also shows he is healthy, as long as Wentz is wise about his running.
The defensive secondary played a better game, especially CB Ronald Darby. DT Fletcher Cox, LB Brandon Graham and the rest of the defense got continuing pressure on bills QB Josh Allen all day. Buffalo has a good defense, which is ranked 4th overall in the NFL, but they are weak on offense. They have good but not great play makers in Frank Gore and Cole Beasley.
Credit the Birds for coming together after a brutal week full of off the field nonsense. Maybe Orlando Scandrick's stupid remarks about the squad after he was cut may have motivated the team. It worked, as Philly showed life and kept their season afloat.
So, thanks to the Phillies, the Eagles played 3 straight road games in October. They finished the run 1-2, and now look forward to an entire month at home, starting with the Chicago Bears next Sunday at the Linc. Take at least 2 of 3 from the bears, Patriots and Seahawks and the Birds seem to be in good shape heading into the final 5 games, all of which seem favorable to win. I'm sure the Eagles have the cowboy game at home circled on the calender, which would be a nice Christmas gift for the fans, seeing how Dallas embarrassed the Birds just a week ago.
Until DeSean Jackson returns ( I would hold him out of the Chicago game. With the bye the following week, bring him back the new England week), Coach Doug Pederson would be wise to continue to stress the running game. Or maybe GM Howie Rossman will trade for a speedy wide receiver before the Tuesday trade deadline. Secondary help and another defensive tackle is also on the trade wish list.
Since Dallas had a bye, the Birds are now 4-4, a half-game behind the Cowboys in NFC East. Dallas travels to New York this week to face the struggling Giants. The Eagles just need to keep on winning and take care of business at home.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- FLYERS, SIXERS, EAGLES, PHILLIES
It's a big weekend for sports in Philadelphia. Here's a look..
- Tonight, the 1-0 Sixers play their first road game of the season, facing the Pistons in Detroit. The 76'ers are coming off a big win on Opening Night against the rival Celtics Wednesday in Philly.
Joel Embiid is questionable tonight with a sore knee,
The Sixers were overwhelming in their victory over Boston. Their shooting remains suspect, however. Gone is sharp-shooting guard J.J. Reddick. Who will take and hit a big 3-pointer when it's needed?
- Also tonight, the Flyers try to extend their current winning streak to 3 games when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in South Philadelphia. The Orange and Black are off to their typical slow start, with a record of 4-3-1. Goalie Brian Elliot has started and won those last two Flyer wins. Will the new coach stick with the hot Elliot or go back to youngster Carter Hart?
- The Eagles fly up to rainy Buffalo this afternoon, in advance of their big game vs the Bills on Sunday afternoon. The 3-4 Birds need this game to get back on the right track. This is the last of a 3-game road trip, the Eagles losing big in both Minnesota and Dallas.
Which Eagle team shows up tomorrow? The Super Bowl contender that gave Green Bay it's only loss of the year so far, or the club that embarrassed itself and quit last Sunday night against the Cowboys?
Buffalo is 5-1. Their only loss was a close one in upstate New York against the undefeated Patriots. True, the BIlls haven't beaten anyone of note. Their offense doesn't score easily. But they are aggressive defensively and play ball-control.
Beating the Bills in buffalo will be a huge task. It's supposed to rain in Buffalo on Sunday, but better than ice, snow and frigid cold later in the season. The Birds defeated the Packers in Green Bay earlier this season so they could do it.
Winning and evening their record at 4-4 would be huge, as a stretch of home games start after Sunday. Games against the Bears, Patriots and Seahawks will all be tough, followed by a winnable 5 games in late November and December.
- The Phillies will introduce new manager Joe Girardi on Monday at 1:00. Girardi has the city excited again. He brings instant respect to the dugout, as well as experience. He likes analytics but also has a "Baseball feeling" to his manager duties. He is a clubhouse disciplinarian, which has also been much needed in the Phillies' locker room.
All in all, the Girardi era should be a good one, starting on Monday when he meets the media.
- Tonight, the 1-0 Sixers play their first road game of the season, facing the Pistons in Detroit. The 76'ers are coming off a big win on Opening Night against the rival Celtics Wednesday in Philly.
Joel Embiid is questionable tonight with a sore knee,
The Sixers were overwhelming in their victory over Boston. Their shooting remains suspect, however. Gone is sharp-shooting guard J.J. Reddick. Who will take and hit a big 3-pointer when it's needed?
- Also tonight, the Flyers try to extend their current winning streak to 3 games when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in South Philadelphia. The Orange and Black are off to their typical slow start, with a record of 4-3-1. Goalie Brian Elliot has started and won those last two Flyer wins. Will the new coach stick with the hot Elliot or go back to youngster Carter Hart?
- The Eagles fly up to rainy Buffalo this afternoon, in advance of their big game vs the Bills on Sunday afternoon. The 3-4 Birds need this game to get back on the right track. This is the last of a 3-game road trip, the Eagles losing big in both Minnesota and Dallas.
Which Eagle team shows up tomorrow? The Super Bowl contender that gave Green Bay it's only loss of the year so far, or the club that embarrassed itself and quit last Sunday night against the Cowboys?
Buffalo is 5-1. Their only loss was a close one in upstate New York against the undefeated Patriots. True, the BIlls haven't beaten anyone of note. Their offense doesn't score easily. But they are aggressive defensively and play ball-control.
Beating the Bills in buffalo will be a huge task. It's supposed to rain in Buffalo on Sunday, but better than ice, snow and frigid cold later in the season. The Birds defeated the Packers in Green Bay earlier this season so they could do it.
Winning and evening their record at 4-4 would be huge, as a stretch of home games start after Sunday. Games against the Bears, Patriots and Seahawks will all be tough, followed by a winnable 5 games in late November and December.
- The Phillies will introduce new manager Joe Girardi on Monday at 1:00. Girardi has the city excited again. He brings instant respect to the dugout, as well as experience. He likes analytics but also has a "Baseball feeling" to his manager duties. He is a clubhouse disciplinarian, which has also been much needed in the Phillies' locker room.
All in all, the Girardi era should be a good one, starting on Monday when he meets the media.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, SIXERS, EAGLES
Busy morning in Philly sports, starting off with..
- The Phillies hired Joe Girardi as their new manager today. Girardi is a winner, having guided the Yankees to a world championship. He will bring discipline to the clubhouse and make sound decisions on the field during games. He is well respected in baseball.
After the disastrous news conference several weeks ago after they fired Gabe Kapler, the organization needed to do something positive for the fans. The Girardi signing will being fans back to the fold. Now that the Eagles are faltering and the Sixers just started their season, the Phils are in a position to win over the city- right before ticket sales begin for the 2020 season.
GM Matt Klentek needs to sign and trade for better players, specifically pitching help. The Nationals are proving that a wild card team can get to the World Series and win, mainly due to their pitching. Girardi will hire an experienced pitching coach who will make the young hurlers better.
Hopefully the new guy replacing Jonny Alvarez will draft better talent. Klentek knows owner John Middleton is in charge so Klentek will stay in his lane and make smart moves.
Team President Andy MacPhail is useless and might as well resign now.
There is hope now. Fans should get just as excited as they were last spring when Bryce Harper was signed. Playoffs or bust next summer!
********************************************************
The Sixers got off to a nice start last night by beating their rival, the Boston Celtics. They are calling it "bully ball", with newly-acquired Al Horford playing power forward/back-up center. The team is athletic and "long," meaning they are big at all positions. What they lack in 3-point shooting ( J.J. Reddick is gone) they should make up with stingy defense and superior rebounding.
This looks like a fun team to watch for the fans. Nice to know the 76'ers have a chance to win every night.
Coach Brett brown calls this his "best team ever." He has set himself up for a do-or-die season, which is exciting. Hopefully next spring the Sixers will not only be in the playoffs, they will be contending for the NBA Finals and championship.
It's a long season, but, like the Phillies, hope springs eternal.
************************************************************
The Eagles almost face a must-win game this Sunday in Buffalo against the 5-1 Bills. After the disgrace last Sunday night in Dallas, the team is reeling with a disappointing 3-4 record. They not only lost to their bitter rivals, the cowboys, the birds gave up. They flat-out quit. Nelson Agholor and his lame 4th quarter play summed it all up.
It's a game of need. Granted, the Bills are good at home. They have crazy fans. And they need this game too, to stay with the undefeated Patriots in AFC East.
But the Bills haven't player- or beaten- anyone good. They have played New England and lost to them in Buffalo.
Their defense is stout but their offense is average at best. Quarterback Josh Allen runs hot and cold, as he showed last week in their close win over Miami.
The weather will be typically chilly in upstate New York for October, but no snow. That's a break for Philadelphia.
The well-respected writer Ray Didinger is picking Buffalo, 20-17.I don't blame him. How can we trust this team after the lack of effort vs Dallas? They are a mess, both on the field and off, with Fletcher Cox's girlfriend problems and all the locker room turmoil.
Somehow I think the Eagles win. They are a desperate team, needing a win badly before returning home next week to face the Bears. Looks like WR DeSean Jackson won't play again, which is a concern. But somehow, someway, I think the birds win a low-scoring, close game.
Eagles 23 Bills 14
- The Phillies hired Joe Girardi as their new manager today. Girardi is a winner, having guided the Yankees to a world championship. He will bring discipline to the clubhouse and make sound decisions on the field during games. He is well respected in baseball.
After the disastrous news conference several weeks ago after they fired Gabe Kapler, the organization needed to do something positive for the fans. The Girardi signing will being fans back to the fold. Now that the Eagles are faltering and the Sixers just started their season, the Phils are in a position to win over the city- right before ticket sales begin for the 2020 season.
GM Matt Klentek needs to sign and trade for better players, specifically pitching help. The Nationals are proving that a wild card team can get to the World Series and win, mainly due to their pitching. Girardi will hire an experienced pitching coach who will make the young hurlers better.
Hopefully the new guy replacing Jonny Alvarez will draft better talent. Klentek knows owner John Middleton is in charge so Klentek will stay in his lane and make smart moves.
Team President Andy MacPhail is useless and might as well resign now.
There is hope now. Fans should get just as excited as they were last spring when Bryce Harper was signed. Playoffs or bust next summer!
********************************************************
The Sixers got off to a nice start last night by beating their rival, the Boston Celtics. They are calling it "bully ball", with newly-acquired Al Horford playing power forward/back-up center. The team is athletic and "long," meaning they are big at all positions. What they lack in 3-point shooting ( J.J. Reddick is gone) they should make up with stingy defense and superior rebounding.
This looks like a fun team to watch for the fans. Nice to know the 76'ers have a chance to win every night.
Coach Brett brown calls this his "best team ever." He has set himself up for a do-or-die season, which is exciting. Hopefully next spring the Sixers will not only be in the playoffs, they will be contending for the NBA Finals and championship.
It's a long season, but, like the Phillies, hope springs eternal.
************************************************************
The Eagles almost face a must-win game this Sunday in Buffalo against the 5-1 Bills. After the disgrace last Sunday night in Dallas, the team is reeling with a disappointing 3-4 record. They not only lost to their bitter rivals, the cowboys, the birds gave up. They flat-out quit. Nelson Agholor and his lame 4th quarter play summed it all up.
It's a game of need. Granted, the Bills are good at home. They have crazy fans. And they need this game too, to stay with the undefeated Patriots in AFC East.
But the Bills haven't player- or beaten- anyone good. They have played New England and lost to them in Buffalo.
Their defense is stout but their offense is average at best. Quarterback Josh Allen runs hot and cold, as he showed last week in their close win over Miami.
The weather will be typically chilly in upstate New York for October, but no snow. That's a break for Philadelphia.
The well-respected writer Ray Didinger is picking Buffalo, 20-17.I don't blame him. How can we trust this team after the lack of effort vs Dallas? They are a mess, both on the field and off, with Fletcher Cox's girlfriend problems and all the locker room turmoil.
Somehow I think the Eagles win. They are a desperate team, needing a win badly before returning home next week to face the Bears. Looks like WR DeSean Jackson won't play again, which is a concern. But somehow, someway, I think the birds win a low-scoring, close game.
Eagles 23 Bills 14
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
IN MY LIFE: MUSIC REVIEW- JUSTIN HAYWARD
I saw The Moody Blues for the first time two years ago at the Mann Music Center. Even though the sound was a bit distorted during the first part of the show, it was a magical concert. The Moodies don't tour together often now, and their fans turned out in volume.
Last night Justin Hayward, lead singer/songwriter of the band, appeared at Sellersville Theater for a sold-out show ( Hayward is also at Sellersville again tonight). This acoustic concert was prove to be even more magical.
Hayward came out with the beautiful "The Eastern Sun" as he played it alone, before being joined by excellent keyboardist/percussionist Julie Ragins and superb guitarist Mike Dawes. Despite having a cold ( plus the theater itself was noticeably chilly), Hayward breezed through his 90 minute set , veering between classic hits like "Tuesday Afternoon" and album cuts such as "Dawning is the Day."
My favorite songs were the rare "Forever Autumn" and the gorgeous ballad "Haunting." Hayward was mostly business, with a little good-natured reminiscing with the fans. One could tell by the abundance of Moody Blues t-shirts that loyal fans were in the crowd. In fact, a woman at my table had seen the band consistently since the early 70s.
Hayward got to the songs his crowd really wanted to hear in brisk fashion, going into "Your Wildest Dreams" and "Question" with ease. Both songs had many fans on their feet.
Finally came Hayward's signature tune: the eerie "Nights in White Satin." Dawes was flawless on acoustic guitar, playing guitar in substituting instead of flute. A standing ovation followed the iconic song, well-deserved.
The encore were two more moody stalwarts: "The Story In Your Eyes" and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere." A well-done, satisfying setlist! Hayward was in fine form, especially for 73 years old.
Opening was Dawes, who did four instrumental songs from his two albums. Dawes is so good (named "Acoustic Guitarist of the Year in both 2017 and 2018 by Guitar World), it's a wonder he is not better known in the music world. Well, maybe in the music world he is known, but he should be better known by fans. If he keeps playing like he did solo and backing up Hayward, he will get his just dues.
Last night Justin Hayward, lead singer/songwriter of the band, appeared at Sellersville Theater for a sold-out show ( Hayward is also at Sellersville again tonight). This acoustic concert was prove to be even more magical.
Hayward came out with the beautiful "The Eastern Sun" as he played it alone, before being joined by excellent keyboardist/percussionist Julie Ragins and superb guitarist Mike Dawes. Despite having a cold ( plus the theater itself was noticeably chilly), Hayward breezed through his 90 minute set , veering between classic hits like "Tuesday Afternoon" and album cuts such as "Dawning is the Day."
My favorite songs were the rare "Forever Autumn" and the gorgeous ballad "Haunting." Hayward was mostly business, with a little good-natured reminiscing with the fans. One could tell by the abundance of Moody Blues t-shirts that loyal fans were in the crowd. In fact, a woman at my table had seen the band consistently since the early 70s.
Hayward got to the songs his crowd really wanted to hear in brisk fashion, going into "Your Wildest Dreams" and "Question" with ease. Both songs had many fans on their feet.
Finally came Hayward's signature tune: the eerie "Nights in White Satin." Dawes was flawless on acoustic guitar, playing guitar in substituting instead of flute. A standing ovation followed the iconic song, well-deserved.
The encore were two more moody stalwarts: "The Story In Your Eyes" and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere." A well-done, satisfying setlist! Hayward was in fine form, especially for 73 years old.
Opening was Dawes, who did four instrumental songs from his two albums. Dawes is so good (named "Acoustic Guitarist of the Year in both 2017 and 2018 by Guitar World), it's a wonder he is not better known in the music world. Well, maybe in the music world he is known, but he should be better known by fans. If he keeps playing like he did solo and backing up Hayward, he will get his just dues.
Monday, October 21, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES
Some random thoughts on the Eagles' embarrassing loss to Dallas..
* The Eagles looked fat and sassy, like they haven't gotten over their Super Bowl victory two years ago. They also look old and slow. They are one of the oldest teams in the NFL. They lack speed, both at wide receiver and in the secondary.
* They have now lost to Dallas 4 times in a row, and haven't beaten them since they won the Super Bowl. Worse, Philly quit. This team has no heart. Unacceptable!! The fans care and yet the players don't???
* They allowed LB Jordan Hicks to walk. Granted, it seemed like he was always hurt but..he does lead the league in tackles. He is playing great for Arizona.
* Taking Derek Barnett and Sidney Jones early in the draft looks like a mistake. Worse yet, they could've had Delvin Cook at # 14 instead of Barnett. The speedy Cook is one of the best running backs in football.
* Agholor has always been a head case. They need to cut him and send a message. Promote Greg Ward from the practice squad or trade for another wide receiver.
* In the biggest game of his career, Carson Wentz again was brutal. So was that stupid suit he was wearing post-game. Last season he was still recovering. This season? I think he is motivated to win, but he has gotten paid..so??
* Interesting question that weekend overnight host Steve Trevelise posed: If you could get Nick Foles back, would you, and would you then trade Wentz for at least two # 1's ???? Was it stupid to let go of a guy who has won a Super Bowl for a guy who has the potential to win a Super Bowl?
* Time to bring DE Chris Long back, even for his leadership in the locker room?
* Even in the Super bowl, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz' defense have up tons of yardage and points.Does Lurie and Rossman make a change in the off-season? Would Seth Joyner take the def. coordinator job if offered to him?
* Is the championship hunger still there?
* The soft December schedule won't mean a thing if the Birds don't start winning now.
* Since Flether Cox got paid he is not showing up. Coincidence?
* The Phillies could win back the city by hiring Joe Girardi this week.
Like most fans, I'm disappointed. But Dallas has a tough schedule to close, whereas the Eagles can go on a run. Beating Dallas in December will show a lot as to what this team is msde of.
Winning in Buffalo next Sunday is a must!!! Go down 3-5 and you almost need to run the table,.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, PHILLIES, WORLD SERIES
The Eagles face the dreaded Cowboys in Dallas tonight on Sunday Night Football. Injuries will still hamper the Birds, as DeSean Jackson and Darren Sproles are out. That dramatically reduces the speed on offense.
The secondary continues to be a concern. Jalan Mills and Ronald Darby are expected back. If Amari Cooper plays for the Cowboys, the shaky secondary will be in trouble. How effective will Cooper be even if he does play?
The 'Boys have their share on injuries as well, including their two right offensive tackles are out. Expect Dallas to rely on RB Zeke Elliot. Turnovers will also be key as well as penalties. The Birds have an edge in the kicking game.
Dallas cannot afford to lose their 4th game in a row and drop to 3-4.But it's also a big game for Philadelphia. The Eagles can drop to 3-4 as well, this the 2nd of 3 straight road games. They still have the bears, Patriots and Seahawks upcoming. December is relatively winnable for the Eagles but what good is December if they lose now?
Getting into the playoffs and earning a bye - with home field advantage- is the goal. That won't happen if the Eagles lose a division and conference game like tonight.
The Birds must get off to a fast start. It will be interesting to see what Head Coach Doug Pederson does if he wins the coin toss. Will he defer like usual or take the ball and try to get the early lead?
I am not totally confident in the Eagles after the big loss in Minnesota last week. But they have won 4 of the last 6 games in Big D. They game is prime time and it may be Carson Wentz' biggest game so far in his career.The Eagles need to control the ball and don't allow the Cowboys to make huge plays.
Eagles 30 Cowboys 23
*****************************************************************
This is the week the Phillies should name their new manager. The candidates are Buck Showalter, Dusty Baker and Joe Gerardi. I like Gerardi but think they will ultimately hire Showalter.
That would be a mistake. Showalter is an old croanie from his Baltimore days with Andy MacPhail and Matt Klentek. He would do everything the front office wants. Plus if MacPhail and Klentek get fired at the end of 2020. then we are stuck with Showalter for several more years.
Gerardi is a baseball man who would use analytics as a tool but not allow it to overwhelm his gut Baseball sense.He would also be good in the clubhouse and be a disciplinarian if needed.
Baker would be okay. He is 70 years old and has the endorsement of Bryce Harper. Baker is a winner but wasn't able to get Washington into the World Series after winning NFC East two years in a row.
It should be the start of an active and interesting off-season.
******************************************************************
Houston finished off the Yankees 4 games to 2 in the American League Championship Series last night. The Astros move onto the World Series to face the red-hot Washington Nationals. Washington has won 17 of it's last 19 games, extending back to the regular season. But will they cool off after not playing for a week? Or did the rest do them good?
Meanwhile, the Astros come off a series where they handled the Yanks. Houston has been favorite to win the whole thing this season. Will the 'stros win their second world championship in 3 years?
An interesting aspect of this series is the great pitching. Garrit Cole and Justin Verlander vs Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg .
Usually the hot team wins in the end but Houston is a powerful squad. They had everything- power, speed, defense and, of course, pitching. They also have home field advantage.
Make it the Astros on 7 games.
The secondary continues to be a concern. Jalan Mills and Ronald Darby are expected back. If Amari Cooper plays for the Cowboys, the shaky secondary will be in trouble. How effective will Cooper be even if he does play?
The 'Boys have their share on injuries as well, including their two right offensive tackles are out. Expect Dallas to rely on RB Zeke Elliot. Turnovers will also be key as well as penalties. The Birds have an edge in the kicking game.
Dallas cannot afford to lose their 4th game in a row and drop to 3-4.But it's also a big game for Philadelphia. The Eagles can drop to 3-4 as well, this the 2nd of 3 straight road games. They still have the bears, Patriots and Seahawks upcoming. December is relatively winnable for the Eagles but what good is December if they lose now?
Getting into the playoffs and earning a bye - with home field advantage- is the goal. That won't happen if the Eagles lose a division and conference game like tonight.
The Birds must get off to a fast start. It will be interesting to see what Head Coach Doug Pederson does if he wins the coin toss. Will he defer like usual or take the ball and try to get the early lead?
I am not totally confident in the Eagles after the big loss in Minnesota last week. But they have won 4 of the last 6 games in Big D. They game is prime time and it may be Carson Wentz' biggest game so far in his career.The Eagles need to control the ball and don't allow the Cowboys to make huge plays.
Eagles 30 Cowboys 23
*****************************************************************
This is the week the Phillies should name their new manager. The candidates are Buck Showalter, Dusty Baker and Joe Gerardi. I like Gerardi but think they will ultimately hire Showalter.
That would be a mistake. Showalter is an old croanie from his Baltimore days with Andy MacPhail and Matt Klentek. He would do everything the front office wants. Plus if MacPhail and Klentek get fired at the end of 2020. then we are stuck with Showalter for several more years.
Gerardi is a baseball man who would use analytics as a tool but not allow it to overwhelm his gut Baseball sense.He would also be good in the clubhouse and be a disciplinarian if needed.
Baker would be okay. He is 70 years old and has the endorsement of Bryce Harper. Baker is a winner but wasn't able to get Washington into the World Series after winning NFC East two years in a row.
It should be the start of an active and interesting off-season.
******************************************************************
Houston finished off the Yankees 4 games to 2 in the American League Championship Series last night. The Astros move onto the World Series to face the red-hot Washington Nationals. Washington has won 17 of it's last 19 games, extending back to the regular season. But will they cool off after not playing for a week? Or did the rest do them good?
Meanwhile, the Astros come off a series where they handled the Yanks. Houston has been favorite to win the whole thing this season. Will the 'stros win their second world championship in 3 years?
An interesting aspect of this series is the great pitching. Garrit Cole and Justin Verlander vs Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg .
Usually the hot team wins in the end but Houston is a powerful squad. They had everything- power, speed, defense and, of course, pitching. They also have home field advantage.
Make it the Astros on 7 games.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Book-ending
Through out the writing process of this book I always felt that "somebody up there " was watching out for me. That "little voice inside" encouraged me during the days when I felt a little down and through the nights I was in pain, to keep on going. Someone was there to guide me when I had difficulty finding the right words or phrase, or when my memory faltered. I really believe that I was meant to write my story for a reason. But why?
I wanted to highlight certain people in my life who were special to me. My parents are the real heroes of this book. Their love continues to shine. My siblings and other family , my friends and so many others who were and still are important in my story- they deserve to be mentioned. And, of course, Holly herself, who continues to be my angel.
I'm far from the best writer in the world. A professional writer may have told my story much better. But I knew, deep down inside, I could be the only one to write it. Was it important enough to put down on paper? Was I up to the long hours in front of the PC, writing and rewriting, editing and not writing at all, staring at the keyboard for inspiration ? Would anyone even care to read it, or was I merely writing for myself, to ease my soul ?
I wrote with urgency as I know I have more than doubled my life expectancy. Not that I plan on checking out anytime soon but I am getting older, my health concerns are mounting, and how much longer can I beat the odds of survival?
I wished to leave something for my family down the road to remember me by. Perhaps a future relative will pick up the book and find out they had a great uncle or distant cousin named Greg who had this rare condition, kept fighting to the very end, and who wasn't such a bad guy. They need to know that OI is genetic and extremely rare, but can only be passed on if I fathered children. Even then, there would be a 50% chance of my kids having the defective gene.
No need to worry. I don't have children, and don't plan to have any, as much as I love kids.
Hopefully someone will find a cure for OI in the not-too-distant future. I wouldn't want anyone to endure what I have, especially as a child.
I did want to leave a first-person account of what it is like to have OI. There are mountains of educational research out there, especially since the Internet was born in the 1990s. Terrific websites, devoted to OI awareness and treatment, are easy to find. But first-person accounts are few and far between. Many afflicted children never grow old enough to tell their story.
Only a few of us know what it is like to deal with OI. How does it feel to constantly break bones? More commonly, what is it really like to be in a wheelchair and see life from my particular point of view?
So, I felt it was my duty to write this book, to help others in need , now and down the road.
Another reason for writing this memoir is to give others hope. Without hope there is nothing. One can have OI and cope with it, as long as one never gives up.
My mom and dad have always been a strong presence in my life. I feel them even more so now. During the recent months I believe they have actively sought to remind me of their love, as if I would ever forget them.
By chance I came across old Army pictures of Dad, taken in his uniform, just before leaving for somewhere in Europe to gallantly fight in World War II. I found graying photos of Mom, both when she was young and vibrant with my oldest brother Jim, and later in life, while she was still healthy, looking so graceful and full of life, even in her later years. I stare at the pictures as they stare back at me, as if we are communicating to each other: I miss you.
We were renovating the house this year and as we cleaned out a closet in Mom's old room we unexpectedly found my parents' wedding photo. It's in the book, in an early chapter. This surprise would've been wonderful enough to find, however in the same box, on the very bottom, there was my mother's wedding dress. To me it was like finding a precious artifact,, a priceless treasure, a family relic that was meant to finally see the light of day.
Now slightly yellowing with age, nonetheless perfect, it is the exact wedding gown Mom was wearing in the unearthed photo, taken on February 14- Valentine's Day- 1942. My folks had to be hopeless romantics, like me. My heart melted when I touched the soft fabric and remembered how much she loved me.
I can only imagine what this gown meant to my mother. How she kept it for 71 years until she died. Memories of a happy time in her life, as if the dress she had saved and cherished came alive out of the photo to remind me never to forget her.
Before a recent doctor appointment at Penn, I checked into registration, like usual. When they asked me to verify the emergency contact, I was ready to recite Holly's info. Instead the girl looked at me over her computer screen and said "Ann Smith."
Mom's name. How did Mom become my emergency contact? I had only been going to see Penn doctors for three years. Mom was gone six years. Why would I give anyone her information, knowing she had passed?
Maybe the info had somehow been transferred from the Children's Hospital database, where I spent my time as a child? But that didn't make sense. I stopped going to CHOP once I turned 18, which was in 1974. Were computers even around then? My father was still alive in 1974. Why wasn't he listed as an emergency contact too? How did the systems cross?
There is probably a logical explanation for the mix-up, not a "Twilight Zone" episode. Still, coincidences have happened like this while I wrote the book. Or maybe it's just because they have been on my mind so much and I noticed these strange experiences more with increased awareness.
My parents live in my heart and soul. That's all that matters.
Finally, I had a difficult time deciding how to end this book. I thought long and hard about it, knowing the beginning and ending is always important. Then fate stepped in again .
As you know, music has played a huge part in my life. I read where one of my favorite artists of all-time, the late, great Jim Croce, is being honored soon by the state of Pennsylvania. His old barn near Reading, Pa., where he wrote many of his classic songs, such as "Time In A Bottle" and " Bad, Bad Leroy Brown," will have a blue historical marker nearby.
Croce died in a tragic plane crash on September 20, 1973, leaving behind a wife (Ingrid) and a little boy ( A.J.) He was only 30 years old.
Jim ( a Philadelphian) was a brilliant singer/songwriter who was just coming into his own when he died. He recorded his last album, titled "I Got A Name," only weeks before his death. The final song of Jim Croce's final album is called "The Hard Way Every Time." It sums up my life and my story perfectly.
The melody is hauntingly beautiful. I prefer to listen to the live, acoustic version of the song, done so simply by Jim on guitar, with his music partner Muary Muehleisen ( Maury, only 24, also perished in the crash along with Jim and four others) accompanying him on acoustic guitar.
The lyrics echo my life as Croce looks back on his own life. He endured "more than a couple of falls" and while "chasing what I thought were moonbeams" he had "run into a couple of walls."
Jim weighs the failures and successes of his life,writing "if you don't bend, well, those are the breaks." You have to take the bad with the good. He manages to balance both the good times and the bad while living life to its fullest, with vigor and passion, with few regrets.
The song means so much more when one considers Jim's fate soon after writing "The Hard Way Every Time."
And in the end, while "looking back at the faces I've been," Jim considers, all in all,"I wouldn't a done it any other way."
Me too. The broken bones ultimately made me a stronger person. The happiness, joy and love in my life overshadowed the pain. So it's true- I wouldn't have done it any other way.
(Place at end of epilogue)
I wanted to highlight certain people in my life who were special to me. My parents are the real heroes of this book. Their love continues to shine. My siblings and other family , my friends and so many others who were and still are important in my story- they deserve to be mentioned. And, of course, Holly herself, who continues to be my angel.
I'm far from the best writer in the world. A professional writer may have told my story much better. But I knew, deep down inside, I could be the only one to write it. Was it important enough to put down on paper? Was I up to the long hours in front of the PC, writing and rewriting, editing and not writing at all, staring at the keyboard for inspiration ? Would anyone even care to read it, or was I merely writing for myself, to ease my soul ?
I wrote with urgency as I know I have more than doubled my life expectancy. Not that I plan on checking out anytime soon but I am getting older, my health concerns are mounting, and how much longer can I beat the odds of survival?
I wished to leave something for my family down the road to remember me by. Perhaps a future relative will pick up the book and find out they had a great uncle or distant cousin named Greg who had this rare condition, kept fighting to the very end, and who wasn't such a bad guy. They need to know that OI is genetic and extremely rare, but can only be passed on if I fathered children. Even then, there would be a 50% chance of my kids having the defective gene.
No need to worry. I don't have children, and don't plan to have any, as much as I love kids.
Hopefully someone will find a cure for OI in the not-too-distant future. I wouldn't want anyone to endure what I have, especially as a child.
I did want to leave a first-person account of what it is like to have OI. There are mountains of educational research out there, especially since the Internet was born in the 1990s. Terrific websites, devoted to OI awareness and treatment, are easy to find. But first-person accounts are few and far between. Many afflicted children never grow old enough to tell their story.
Only a few of us know what it is like to deal with OI. How does it feel to constantly break bones? More commonly, what is it really like to be in a wheelchair and see life from my particular point of view?
So, I felt it was my duty to write this book, to help others in need , now and down the road.
Another reason for writing this memoir is to give others hope. Without hope there is nothing. One can have OI and cope with it, as long as one never gives up.
My mom and dad have always been a strong presence in my life. I feel them even more so now. During the recent months I believe they have actively sought to remind me of their love, as if I would ever forget them.
By chance I came across old Army pictures of Dad, taken in his uniform, just before leaving for somewhere in Europe to gallantly fight in World War II. I found graying photos of Mom, both when she was young and vibrant with my oldest brother Jim, and later in life, while she was still healthy, looking so graceful and full of life, even in her later years. I stare at the pictures as they stare back at me, as if we are communicating to each other: I miss you.
We were renovating the house this year and as we cleaned out a closet in Mom's old room we unexpectedly found my parents' wedding photo. It's in the book, in an early chapter. This surprise would've been wonderful enough to find, however in the same box, on the very bottom, there was my mother's wedding dress. To me it was like finding a precious artifact,, a priceless treasure, a family relic that was meant to finally see the light of day.
Now slightly yellowing with age, nonetheless perfect, it is the exact wedding gown Mom was wearing in the unearthed photo, taken on February 14- Valentine's Day- 1942. My folks had to be hopeless romantics, like me. My heart melted when I touched the soft fabric and remembered how much she loved me.
I can only imagine what this gown meant to my mother. How she kept it for 71 years until she died. Memories of a happy time in her life, as if the dress she had saved and cherished came alive out of the photo to remind me never to forget her.
Before a recent doctor appointment at Penn, I checked into registration, like usual. When they asked me to verify the emergency contact, I was ready to recite Holly's info. Instead the girl looked at me over her computer screen and said "Ann Smith."
Mom's name. How did Mom become my emergency contact? I had only been going to see Penn doctors for three years. Mom was gone six years. Why would I give anyone her information, knowing she had passed?
Maybe the info had somehow been transferred from the Children's Hospital database, where I spent my time as a child? But that didn't make sense. I stopped going to CHOP once I turned 18, which was in 1974. Were computers even around then? My father was still alive in 1974. Why wasn't he listed as an emergency contact too? How did the systems cross?
There is probably a logical explanation for the mix-up, not a "Twilight Zone" episode. Still, coincidences have happened like this while I wrote the book. Or maybe it's just because they have been on my mind so much and I noticed these strange experiences more with increased awareness.
My parents live in my heart and soul. That's all that matters.
Finally, I had a difficult time deciding how to end this book. I thought long and hard about it, knowing the beginning and ending is always important. Then fate stepped in again .
As you know, music has played a huge part in my life. I read where one of my favorite artists of all-time, the late, great Jim Croce, is being honored soon by the state of Pennsylvania. His old barn near Reading, Pa., where he wrote many of his classic songs, such as "Time In A Bottle" and " Bad, Bad Leroy Brown," will have a blue historical marker nearby.
Croce died in a tragic plane crash on September 20, 1973, leaving behind a wife (Ingrid) and a little boy ( A.J.) He was only 30 years old.
Jim ( a Philadelphian) was a brilliant singer/songwriter who was just coming into his own when he died. He recorded his last album, titled "I Got A Name," only weeks before his death. The final song of Jim Croce's final album is called "The Hard Way Every Time." It sums up my life and my story perfectly.
The melody is hauntingly beautiful. I prefer to listen to the live, acoustic version of the song, done so simply by Jim on guitar, with his music partner Muary Muehleisen ( Maury, only 24, also perished in the crash along with Jim and four others) accompanying him on acoustic guitar.
The lyrics echo my life as Croce looks back on his own life. He endured "more than a couple of falls" and while "chasing what I thought were moonbeams" he had "run into a couple of walls."
Jim weighs the failures and successes of his life,writing "if you don't bend, well, those are the breaks." You have to take the bad with the good. He manages to balance both the good times and the bad while living life to its fullest, with vigor and passion, with few regrets.
The song means so much more when one considers Jim's fate soon after writing "The Hard Way Every Time."
And in the end, while "looking back at the faces I've been," Jim considers, all in all,"I wouldn't a done it any other way."
Me too. The broken bones ultimately made me a stronger person. The happiness, joy and love in my life overshadowed the pain. So it's true- I wouldn't have done it any other way.
(Place at end of epilogue)
Book- Blob
( Delete line on page 317 starting with
holly started to laugh..")
( Place following on page 317 after "joked.")
I'm sure Dr. Mona used the piece of fat as a teaching tool. I , on the other hand, planned to use it as a pigskin.
Carson Wentz ( me) tossing a perfect spiral to Zach Ertz ( Holly) in the corner of the end zone for the game- winning score! Touchdown Eagles!! Holly spikes the fat on the office floor; it splatters everywhere as we celebrate the touchdown! "Philly Special Part 2!!" The Birds win yet another Super Bowl!!!
I opened my eyes, snapping out of my daydream as Dr. Mona herself whisked into the room.
holly started to laugh..")
( Place following on page 317 after "joked.")
I'm sure Dr. Mona used the piece of fat as a teaching tool. I , on the other hand, planned to use it as a pigskin.
Carson Wentz ( me) tossing a perfect spiral to Zach Ertz ( Holly) in the corner of the end zone for the game- winning score! Touchdown Eagles!! Holly spikes the fat on the office floor; it splatters everywhere as we celebrate the touchdown! "Philly Special Part 2!!" The Birds win yet another Super Bowl!!!
I opened my eyes, snapping out of my daydream as Dr. Mona herself whisked into the room.
Mary Jane
(Place on page 76 - new paragraph after "sweeter to achieve").
After several weeks of riding together, Willie swung by for me like any other crisp autumn morning. We turned the block from my house and he holds out a little greenish-looking cigarette for me to try.
"Wanna drag?" he offered.
"No thanks. I don't smoke cigarettes," " I replied, staring at the lit thing like it was a King Cobra. . "I've never smoked before. Hey, What's that funny smell?" I took a few sniffs of the repulsive air before he explained.
"It's not a cigarette, Smitty. It's weed. Take one puff and see if you like it. Don't be a drag...take a drag!"
"Weed?," I repeated. I remember the term from my brothers ( not that they ever used it). I also knew the weeds in the backyard were pretty annoying.
"C'mon, man!" Willie insisted. "Just one puff. Who knows? You may like it! If you don't , no big deal. At least you tried, right?"
He had a point there. I was out and about in the world now. I'm sure all the younger college kids smoked weed. Why not be cool?
"Okay, I'll try it," I reluctantly agreed.
"That's it! Go slow, man," Willie advised as he passed the cigarette, or, whatever the hell you call it, over to me. I had no clue what I was doing so I put the weed between my quivering lips and inhaled big time.
'Whoa!" Willie glanced at me as he drove the van. "You sure you never smoked before?"
Immediately I started coughing and wheezing, wheezing and coughing. It tasted awful, and I felt a burning sensation on my tongue and down my throat. The van seemed to spin. I imagined hearing the song "White Rabbit" on Willie's radio.
Willie started laughing until I began spitting up green crap all over his van."Hey, watch that, Smitty! I just had the inside cleaned yesterday! Do you wanna drink?" he asked, holding up his half empty can of beer.
I waved off his brew, still hacking away. We stopped at a local Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru where Willie ordered me a drink.
"What kind do you want?" he asked as the attendant waited to take the order thru the intercom.
I couldn't talk yet, only hack. "Anything!" I choked out.
"We'll take an orange juice,"he ordered. "Don't worry, Smitty...I got it," he said, paying at the window.
All the way to West Chester I sipped on the juice and coughed. Willie just shook his head. I guess he thought I was a real nerd. Better a live nerd than a dead one. I learned my lesson and never smoked pot again.
30 years later most states have legalized marijuana for medical use. I'm sure it works great for those who need it. If I ever use it for pain I'm sure I will have flashbacks to the 80s when I first smoked weed and lived to tell about it.
After several weeks of riding together, Willie swung by for me like any other crisp autumn morning. We turned the block from my house and he holds out a little greenish-looking cigarette for me to try.
"Wanna drag?" he offered.
"No thanks. I don't smoke cigarettes," " I replied, staring at the lit thing like it was a King Cobra. . "I've never smoked before. Hey, What's that funny smell?" I took a few sniffs of the repulsive air before he explained.
"It's not a cigarette, Smitty. It's weed. Take one puff and see if you like it. Don't be a drag...take a drag!"
"Weed?," I repeated. I remember the term from my brothers ( not that they ever used it). I also knew the weeds in the backyard were pretty annoying.
"C'mon, man!" Willie insisted. "Just one puff. Who knows? You may like it! If you don't , no big deal. At least you tried, right?"
He had a point there. I was out and about in the world now. I'm sure all the younger college kids smoked weed. Why not be cool?
"Okay, I'll try it," I reluctantly agreed.
"That's it! Go slow, man," Willie advised as he passed the cigarette, or, whatever the hell you call it, over to me. I had no clue what I was doing so I put the weed between my quivering lips and inhaled big time.
'Whoa!" Willie glanced at me as he drove the van. "You sure you never smoked before?"
Immediately I started coughing and wheezing, wheezing and coughing. It tasted awful, and I felt a burning sensation on my tongue and down my throat. The van seemed to spin. I imagined hearing the song "White Rabbit" on Willie's radio.
Willie started laughing until I began spitting up green crap all over his van."Hey, watch that, Smitty! I just had the inside cleaned yesterday! Do you wanna drink?" he asked, holding up his half empty can of beer.
I waved off his brew, still hacking away. We stopped at a local Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru where Willie ordered me a drink.
"What kind do you want?" he asked as the attendant waited to take the order thru the intercom.
I couldn't talk yet, only hack. "Anything!" I choked out.
"We'll take an orange juice,"he ordered. "Don't worry, Smitty...I got it," he said, paying at the window.
All the way to West Chester I sipped on the juice and coughed. Willie just shook his head. I guess he thought I was a real nerd. Better a live nerd than a dead one. I learned my lesson and never smoked pot again.
30 years later most states have legalized marijuana for medical use. I'm sure it works great for those who need it. If I ever use it for pain I'm sure I will have flashbacks to the 80s when I first smoked weed and lived to tell about it.
college
(Place on page 75 after "So I went for it.")
I took the entrance exam and thought I did okay, although I struggled with the Math section ( no surprise there). I waited anxiously until the results came in.
I honestly couldn't believe I had passed. Maybe I was looking for a way to gracefully back out before I got in this crazy dream too deep? Oh well, I probably would not have done well anyway. A total waste of time. Maybe it is better just to stay at home after all. It was so stupid to begin with...
But no. I passed the exam, registered at the community college and was accepted. Now what?
I took the entrance exam and thought I did okay, although I struggled with the Math section ( no surprise there). I waited anxiously until the results came in.
I honestly couldn't believe I had passed. Maybe I was looking for a way to gracefully back out before I got in this crazy dream too deep? Oh well, I probably would not have done well anyway. A total waste of time. Maybe it is better just to stay at home after all. It was so stupid to begin with...
But no. I passed the exam, registered at the community college and was accepted. Now what?
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Epilogue Pt. 2
( Place in Epliogue after "you're probably right" paragraph..)
Dr. Mona asked how was my breathing. I know this concerned all my doctors. Since I have limited lung capacity due to my short stature, OI and scoliosis, they worried about conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and different kinds of infections potentially being fatal.
>It depends," I said. "Sometimes good, sometimes not."
She suggested buying a breathing device that would keep my lungs clear. She also recommended singing, which apparently is good for the lungs as well.
"Cool," I replied. "Maybe I'll try out for 'American Idol,'" I kidded.
She warned that because of the progressing scoliosis, my breathing may be affected as my body changes. I was afraid of that as I know how sometimes it really is harder to breathe on days my back hurts more.
Dr. Mona asked how was my breathing. I know this concerned all my doctors. Since I have limited lung capacity due to my short stature, OI and scoliosis, they worried about conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and different kinds of infections potentially being fatal.
>It depends," I said. "Sometimes good, sometimes not."
She suggested buying a breathing device that would keep my lungs clear. She also recommended singing, which apparently is good for the lungs as well.
"Cool," I replied. "Maybe I'll try out for 'American Idol,'" I kidded.
She warned that because of the progressing scoliosis, my breathing may be affected as my body changes. I was afraid of that as I know how sometimes it really is harder to breathe on days my back hurts more.
EPILOG
(Place at end of book. Page 314)
Epilogue
October 2019
I'm sitting with Holly in an office at Penn, waiting for the Endocrinologist to see me.This is my second time seeing her, after being introduced back in the spring. I have seen so many new doctors in the last few years. A Medical Genetics physician, my Pain Specialist, a Cardiologist, along with my normal team, consisting primarily of my Urologist and Family Doc. Most are young. I think how this all started, when the distinguished older gentleman named Dr. Nicholson took care of me.
But that's life. Everything goes in cycles. Even the building I'm in is so different. Sparkling new, with brightness and multitude of windows letting light inside, even on such a cloudy, windy afternoon in autumn as this. This gleaming building of glass is so alive with hope and brightness compared to the gray, dark fortress of stone which was the old hospital in Philadelphia which no longer exists. One's mood is uplifted by the vast openness and vivid colors of the future, especially compared to depressing, narrow corridors and drab colors of the past.
I must admit that I am nervous today visiting Dr. Mona. I did all she asked to prepare for this appointment: new blood work to satisfy the many different tests she wished to check; another urine collection (always fun); and completed all paperwork that was due.
So why am I nervous? My blood work in the spring was good. I had elevated my water intake and was concentrating on raising my calcium too. I added weekly salmon to my diet ( also great for increasing Vitamin D, which she also requested); I was now drinking more milk ( preferably chocolate); I liked most diary products, especially ice cream ( probably too much so, but ice cream is a pleasure in life I just can't ignore)' I couldn't do much cheese or yogurt ( unless yogurt pops...sort of like Popsicles, count).
I began taking vitamin D supplements, which I actually like. Chewable gummy bears are always good. I feel like eating more every morning and have to stop myself from overdosing on vitamin D. Funny, gummy bear withdrawal.
Dr. Mona was treating me to strengthen my brittle bones, but she was also focusing on preventing more kidney stones. She asked me to start taking 500mg of some kind of horse pill every morning to increase my citric acid level. When Dr. Rose was my Urologist he suggested the same thing, only spiking my water with a squirt of lemon juice to give it an extra zing of taste.
I always had trouble swallowing pills, especially big ones. I had to crush everything, even going back to my days at Children's Hospital. Otherwise count on major gagging and the pill not going down the pipe. I'm still embarrassed by that: here I am, 62 years old, soon to be 63, spitting out pills like our dogs Bud and Katie., even tiny baby aspirins that should be no problem on the back of my tongue and with a gulp of juice.
However now I have a legitimate alibi: since I was diagnosed with Barrett's Disease of the Esophagus. Dr. Rock, my Gastroenterologist, recommended that I have all my pills ether crushed or substituted for liquids or capsules, if possible. I even have a struggle with capsules.
So now I had another reason to go along with personal gagging.
Also, the last time I saw Dr. Mona, she recommended I think about having an infusion done once a year to make my bones stronger. This new procedure hasn't been approved yet by the FDA so I had some concerns that I wanted to discuss with her. Plus I had another worry on my mind concerning the event.
She had mentioned having a Bone Scan done down the road. I probably had one done somewhere in my past but I honestly couldn't remember. One procedure and one test seemed to jumble with another test and another procedure. I just can't keep track anymore.
So, I have a lot on my plate as we wait and wait and wait. These are the new treatments and techniques used for OI patients in 2019. There is still the ol' pins and rods surgeries that I had so long ago, designed to keep the weak lower leg bones from curving and from breaking so easily. They still cast fresh fractures but now there are more funky and decorative casts to choose from.
Now I'm beyond any kind of surgery, even for my progressive scoliosis in my back. Oh, I could consult with a spine doctor and go through operations to straighten my back. Right now everything is rotating to the left. I fear someday I will resemble the Elephant Man, with the trunk of my body all distorted and deformed.
But unless my life is in jeopardy I don't want anything extraordinary done. Everything is quality of line now. Surgery is great for younger people with Osteogenisus Imperfecti. Whatever it takes to live a long, pain-free and unbreakable future. For yours truly, these new treatments- like the proposed infusion- are my options to make life more stable.
Life really does go in cycles! I think about how it was when I was an infant, then as a little kid, all the way to my teenage years. Broken bones and more broken bones. Emergency Room visits and hospital stays were my life. And when I didn't fracture I was healing until the next break occurred.
Then in my middle-aged years, from early 20s to 50 or so, everything solidified. I no longer snapped a bone by merely turning over in my sleep or sneezing too hard. Now it took a real fall, and those were few and far between, thank God.
But now here we are, entering the autumn of my life, and I'm beginning to sustain more fractures with each passing season. Only now, they don't happen with such fury, so devastatingly fast, the crunching of my bones and that all-too-familiar knifing pain. Now they sneak up on me in the disguise of stress fractures. I mistaken them for arthritis sometimes, an achy throbbing in my old bones. They often happen in the spring and fall, when the weather changes or during a particular rainy time of the year. I can "feel it in my bones," literally.
Yet many times it isn't arthritis at all ( which I have plenty of anyway), but a stress fracture, often in the thigh and femur area, where there is additional stress from sitting and transferring. These go away in a few weeks but they frequently don't treat them with casting, especially when the cracks occur in the ribs or the back.
Treatment is generally heating pads, pain meds and pain patches ( although patches are expensive and often not covered by insurance).
So it's a matter of waiting it out with many sleepless nights and painful mobility, which wears one down and makes one feel even crappier.
If any of these new procedures can help, why not try? Plus participating in certain experimental treatment may not only benefit me but those to come in the future. If I can help lessen fractures for those after me, why not ?
As we continued to wait, my eyes scanned the small waiting room. It was painted in ugly army green and gray, surprising since the outer part and lobby area of the medical building was so cheerful. The usual medical equipment hung on the wall or sat on the cabinet: purple latex gloves, different instruments, like blood pressure cuffs, jars of gauze and tongue depressors. A computer was on, hooked up to a small desk. Pretty standard stuff.
Holly nudged me and pointed to a yellow blob near the sink. "Remember that?" she asked.
How could I forget? I couldn't believe when Dr. Mona revealed what it was, to satisfy our curiosity: a five pound piece of fat. It looked like the famous Blob in the 1950s horror classic of the same name, which oozed around my hometown of Phoenixville, especially the historic Colonial Theater. Only this hunk of blob was yellow.
"Hey, until she gets here, like tomorrow, let's play touch football with the fat," I joked. Holly laughed as Dr, Mona herself whisked into the room.
"So how's it going?" she asked me as we shook hands. I had forgotten how pretty she is- tall and thin, dark eyes and long dark hair pulled back.
She brought my recent blood work up on the screen and seemed pleased. Same with my urine output. I passed that exam, drinking extra water on collection night to make sure I met the quota.
She continued to scan the screen, reviewing my electronic records as she asked, "So tell me what happened regarding the pills?"
"Oh, I couldn't take those. I would have to crush them and you said 'no crushing allowed'."
"That's right," she said. "No crushing. So why didn't you take them?"
"Well, Dr. Rock said I needed to crush all my pills since she found I have Barrett's. Plus I have this little pocket in my upper esophagus that sometimes catches food and pills." I left out the part how I was a real wuss and couldn't swallow pills of any kind.
"They were big," she acknowledged. "That's okay." I felt vindicated and my manly pride was still intact.
" So how's your calcium intake going?"
"Great," I said, perking up."I'm eating salmon every week.."
"Hun, she said 'calcium'," Holly gently interjected.
"Oh, of course." I had to get the fact that I was eating fish every week in there somehow.
"Well, eggs, milk with cereal twice a week. Chocolate milk, of course. Lots of ice cream. I mean, ice cream."
"Cheese?" she inquired.
:"Sorry, no cheese. I was never a fan. I make up for it in ice cream," I insisted.
I was amazed to find out that Dr. Mona had actually ordered that I do eat salmon, but canned salmon, plus the bones. Holly and I looked at each other, perplexed. Bones? We don't let our dogs eat bones. Yet she wants bones to be added to my diet?
Luckily she let that one go. Overall Dr. Mona was happy. Next came the meaty part of the visit.
"Have you had any more fractures since I saw you last?" she wondered.
"No," I answered honestly. "Just the usual aching from seasonal arthritis. Why?"
"Well, your recent blood work shows your phosphorous levels are high. They were high last time, and even higher now. We may have missed a recent fracture."
Was that the reason why my legs hurt so much this spring, and even now, into fall? Have I been going along with fractures and didn't even know it? Maybe I couldn't tell the difference anymore between arthritis and stress fractures? That possibility made me feel cold.
"You're probably right," I mumbled, staring at the floor.
"So, I think now we can move on with scheduling the infusion I talked to you about last time. But I've heard you have concerns?" she began."I pretty much know what they may be from my other patients."
"I do have concerns," I admitted. "Can you please review the whole thing again?"
Dr. Mona came closer on her stool and looked me straight in the eyes. She once again explained how it was an experimental procedure and how it was used for people with osteoarthritis and more common maladies. It had been tried on OI patients with success. In fact 50% of the cases reported less fractures during a long period of time after treatment. It was given by IV once a year, a 30-minute dose of Reclast (Zoledronic Acid) Some side effects were flu-like symptoms, jaw swelling or pain, and in even rarer cases, stress fractures in the femur areas of the legs.
That puzzled me. Something that is supposed to make bones stronger may actually cause fractures?
After she explained everything about the infusion treatment, she asked if there were anymore concerns.
I hesitated. This was important, so I needed to be open about my fears. Over the past few years I became even more fearful of being lifted. As I became quiet, Holly, my angel, spoke for me.
"Greg is afraid to be lifted onto a table.," she softly said.
"Why are you afraid, Greg?" Dr. Mona asked, her voice lowering.
"Oh, I've had some bad experiences being lifted," I said, my voice cracking. It was true. Being lifted wasn't my favorite thing in the world. My bones ached from age and wear. Depending on who was doing the lifting depended how gently it was done- or not. No matter how much I tried to explain before the lift, often lifters would grab at the wrong area of my legs. Usually it was one person behind me, under my arms, and another person in front, holding onto my legs. I'm still very light of weight, maybe 100 pounds, so all it takes is 1-2-3 and up we go. But during the lifting anything can happen, from cracks to full=blown fractures, as I close my eyes tightly, my heart pounding, trying to relax, fearing the next fracture, not wanting to experience that feeling again."Try not to think about it. Try not to think about it," I kept saying to myself during the lift..
My eyes starting misting with tears. I bit my lip, trying not to cry. I looked at Dr. Mona and whispered, "Too many fractures."
"I know," she said. I could see her sink as she stared at me.
"Can it be done in my chair?" I asked, hoping she would say yes, fearful she would say no.
"Of course," she replied. I sighed in relief. "Actually it's better if you stay in the chair. We often do the intravenous infusion in the chair. No problem."
Suddenly I saw Dr. Mona in a new light. She really understood and she cared.
So it was decided to go ahead with the infusion. Since she knew how fearful I was about being lifted, she asked me to only consider the bone scan for now. "It may not be needed if your phosphorous levels are back down. Don't worry about it, okay? We will work around things."
She smiled and I felt so much better.
It was time to go. So many exciting things were on the calender soon. A concert, a fall Apple Festival, an Eagles football game, and my birthday.
"Let's go home," Holly said as we gathered the paperwork.
"Good idea," I agreed. "You know, between the flu shot earlier this week and today, I'm gonna need some extra TLC," I said, laughing, as we headed for check-out and then for home.
Epilogue
October 2019
I'm sitting with Holly in an office at Penn, waiting for the Endocrinologist to see me.This is my second time seeing her, after being introduced back in the spring. I have seen so many new doctors in the last few years. A Medical Genetics physician, my Pain Specialist, a Cardiologist, along with my normal team, consisting primarily of my Urologist and Family Doc. Most are young. I think how this all started, when the distinguished older gentleman named Dr. Nicholson took care of me.
But that's life. Everything goes in cycles. Even the building I'm in is so different. Sparkling new, with brightness and multitude of windows letting light inside, even on such a cloudy, windy afternoon in autumn as this. This gleaming building of glass is so alive with hope and brightness compared to the gray, dark fortress of stone which was the old hospital in Philadelphia which no longer exists. One's mood is uplifted by the vast openness and vivid colors of the future, especially compared to depressing, narrow corridors and drab colors of the past.
I must admit that I am nervous today visiting Dr. Mona. I did all she asked to prepare for this appointment: new blood work to satisfy the many different tests she wished to check; another urine collection (always fun); and completed all paperwork that was due.
So why am I nervous? My blood work in the spring was good. I had elevated my water intake and was concentrating on raising my calcium too. I added weekly salmon to my diet ( also great for increasing Vitamin D, which she also requested); I was now drinking more milk ( preferably chocolate); I liked most diary products, especially ice cream ( probably too much so, but ice cream is a pleasure in life I just can't ignore)' I couldn't do much cheese or yogurt ( unless yogurt pops...sort of like Popsicles, count).
I began taking vitamin D supplements, which I actually like. Chewable gummy bears are always good. I feel like eating more every morning and have to stop myself from overdosing on vitamin D. Funny, gummy bear withdrawal.
Dr. Mona was treating me to strengthen my brittle bones, but she was also focusing on preventing more kidney stones. She asked me to start taking 500mg of some kind of horse pill every morning to increase my citric acid level. When Dr. Rose was my Urologist he suggested the same thing, only spiking my water with a squirt of lemon juice to give it an extra zing of taste.
I always had trouble swallowing pills, especially big ones. I had to crush everything, even going back to my days at Children's Hospital. Otherwise count on major gagging and the pill not going down the pipe. I'm still embarrassed by that: here I am, 62 years old, soon to be 63, spitting out pills like our dogs Bud and Katie., even tiny baby aspirins that should be no problem on the back of my tongue and with a gulp of juice.
However now I have a legitimate alibi: since I was diagnosed with Barrett's Disease of the Esophagus. Dr. Rock, my Gastroenterologist, recommended that I have all my pills ether crushed or substituted for liquids or capsules, if possible. I even have a struggle with capsules.
So now I had another reason to go along with personal gagging.
Also, the last time I saw Dr. Mona, she recommended I think about having an infusion done once a year to make my bones stronger. This new procedure hasn't been approved yet by the FDA so I had some concerns that I wanted to discuss with her. Plus I had another worry on my mind concerning the event.
She had mentioned having a Bone Scan done down the road. I probably had one done somewhere in my past but I honestly couldn't remember. One procedure and one test seemed to jumble with another test and another procedure. I just can't keep track anymore.
So, I have a lot on my plate as we wait and wait and wait. These are the new treatments and techniques used for OI patients in 2019. There is still the ol' pins and rods surgeries that I had so long ago, designed to keep the weak lower leg bones from curving and from breaking so easily. They still cast fresh fractures but now there are more funky and decorative casts to choose from.
Now I'm beyond any kind of surgery, even for my progressive scoliosis in my back. Oh, I could consult with a spine doctor and go through operations to straighten my back. Right now everything is rotating to the left. I fear someday I will resemble the Elephant Man, with the trunk of my body all distorted and deformed.
But unless my life is in jeopardy I don't want anything extraordinary done. Everything is quality of line now. Surgery is great for younger people with Osteogenisus Imperfecti. Whatever it takes to live a long, pain-free and unbreakable future. For yours truly, these new treatments- like the proposed infusion- are my options to make life more stable.
Life really does go in cycles! I think about how it was when I was an infant, then as a little kid, all the way to my teenage years. Broken bones and more broken bones. Emergency Room visits and hospital stays were my life. And when I didn't fracture I was healing until the next break occurred.
Then in my middle-aged years, from early 20s to 50 or so, everything solidified. I no longer snapped a bone by merely turning over in my sleep or sneezing too hard. Now it took a real fall, and those were few and far between, thank God.
But now here we are, entering the autumn of my life, and I'm beginning to sustain more fractures with each passing season. Only now, they don't happen with such fury, so devastatingly fast, the crunching of my bones and that all-too-familiar knifing pain. Now they sneak up on me in the disguise of stress fractures. I mistaken them for arthritis sometimes, an achy throbbing in my old bones. They often happen in the spring and fall, when the weather changes or during a particular rainy time of the year. I can "feel it in my bones," literally.
Yet many times it isn't arthritis at all ( which I have plenty of anyway), but a stress fracture, often in the thigh and femur area, where there is additional stress from sitting and transferring. These go away in a few weeks but they frequently don't treat them with casting, especially when the cracks occur in the ribs or the back.
Treatment is generally heating pads, pain meds and pain patches ( although patches are expensive and often not covered by insurance).
So it's a matter of waiting it out with many sleepless nights and painful mobility, which wears one down and makes one feel even crappier.
If any of these new procedures can help, why not try? Plus participating in certain experimental treatment may not only benefit me but those to come in the future. If I can help lessen fractures for those after me, why not ?
As we continued to wait, my eyes scanned the small waiting room. It was painted in ugly army green and gray, surprising since the outer part and lobby area of the medical building was so cheerful. The usual medical equipment hung on the wall or sat on the cabinet: purple latex gloves, different instruments, like blood pressure cuffs, jars of gauze and tongue depressors. A computer was on, hooked up to a small desk. Pretty standard stuff.
Holly nudged me and pointed to a yellow blob near the sink. "Remember that?" she asked.
How could I forget? I couldn't believe when Dr. Mona revealed what it was, to satisfy our curiosity: a five pound piece of fat. It looked like the famous Blob in the 1950s horror classic of the same name, which oozed around my hometown of Phoenixville, especially the historic Colonial Theater. Only this hunk of blob was yellow.
"Hey, until she gets here, like tomorrow, let's play touch football with the fat," I joked. Holly laughed as Dr, Mona herself whisked into the room.
"So how's it going?" she asked me as we shook hands. I had forgotten how pretty she is- tall and thin, dark eyes and long dark hair pulled back.
She brought my recent blood work up on the screen and seemed pleased. Same with my urine output. I passed that exam, drinking extra water on collection night to make sure I met the quota.
She continued to scan the screen, reviewing my electronic records as she asked, "So tell me what happened regarding the pills?"
"Oh, I couldn't take those. I would have to crush them and you said 'no crushing allowed'."
"That's right," she said. "No crushing. So why didn't you take them?"
"Well, Dr. Rock said I needed to crush all my pills since she found I have Barrett's. Plus I have this little pocket in my upper esophagus that sometimes catches food and pills." I left out the part how I was a real wuss and couldn't swallow pills of any kind.
"They were big," she acknowledged. "That's okay." I felt vindicated and my manly pride was still intact.
" So how's your calcium intake going?"
"Great," I said, perking up."I'm eating salmon every week.."
"Hun, she said 'calcium'," Holly gently interjected.
"Oh, of course." I had to get the fact that I was eating fish every week in there somehow.
"Well, eggs, milk with cereal twice a week. Chocolate milk, of course. Lots of ice cream. I mean, ice cream."
"Cheese?" she inquired.
:"Sorry, no cheese. I was never a fan. I make up for it in ice cream," I insisted.
I was amazed to find out that Dr. Mona had actually ordered that I do eat salmon, but canned salmon, plus the bones. Holly and I looked at each other, perplexed. Bones? We don't let our dogs eat bones. Yet she wants bones to be added to my diet?
Luckily she let that one go. Overall Dr. Mona was happy. Next came the meaty part of the visit.
"Have you had any more fractures since I saw you last?" she wondered.
"No," I answered honestly. "Just the usual aching from seasonal arthritis. Why?"
"Well, your recent blood work shows your phosphorous levels are high. They were high last time, and even higher now. We may have missed a recent fracture."
Was that the reason why my legs hurt so much this spring, and even now, into fall? Have I been going along with fractures and didn't even know it? Maybe I couldn't tell the difference anymore between arthritis and stress fractures? That possibility made me feel cold.
"You're probably right," I mumbled, staring at the floor.
"So, I think now we can move on with scheduling the infusion I talked to you about last time. But I've heard you have concerns?" she began."I pretty much know what they may be from my other patients."
"I do have concerns," I admitted. "Can you please review the whole thing again?"
Dr. Mona came closer on her stool and looked me straight in the eyes. She once again explained how it was an experimental procedure and how it was used for people with osteoarthritis and more common maladies. It had been tried on OI patients with success. In fact 50% of the cases reported less fractures during a long period of time after treatment. It was given by IV once a year, a 30-minute dose of Reclast (Zoledronic Acid) Some side effects were flu-like symptoms, jaw swelling or pain, and in even rarer cases, stress fractures in the femur areas of the legs.
That puzzled me. Something that is supposed to make bones stronger may actually cause fractures?
After she explained everything about the infusion treatment, she asked if there were anymore concerns.
I hesitated. This was important, so I needed to be open about my fears. Over the past few years I became even more fearful of being lifted. As I became quiet, Holly, my angel, spoke for me.
"Greg is afraid to be lifted onto a table.," she softly said.
"Why are you afraid, Greg?" Dr. Mona asked, her voice lowering.
"Oh, I've had some bad experiences being lifted," I said, my voice cracking. It was true. Being lifted wasn't my favorite thing in the world. My bones ached from age and wear. Depending on who was doing the lifting depended how gently it was done- or not. No matter how much I tried to explain before the lift, often lifters would grab at the wrong area of my legs. Usually it was one person behind me, under my arms, and another person in front, holding onto my legs. I'm still very light of weight, maybe 100 pounds, so all it takes is 1-2-3 and up we go. But during the lifting anything can happen, from cracks to full=blown fractures, as I close my eyes tightly, my heart pounding, trying to relax, fearing the next fracture, not wanting to experience that feeling again."Try not to think about it. Try not to think about it," I kept saying to myself during the lift..
My eyes starting misting with tears. I bit my lip, trying not to cry. I looked at Dr. Mona and whispered, "Too many fractures."
"I know," she said. I could see her sink as she stared at me.
"Can it be done in my chair?" I asked, hoping she would say yes, fearful she would say no.
"Of course," she replied. I sighed in relief. "Actually it's better if you stay in the chair. We often do the intravenous infusion in the chair. No problem."
Suddenly I saw Dr. Mona in a new light. She really understood and she cared.
So it was decided to go ahead with the infusion. Since she knew how fearful I was about being lifted, she asked me to only consider the bone scan for now. "It may not be needed if your phosphorous levels are back down. Don't worry about it, okay? We will work around things."
She smiled and I felt so much better.
It was time to go. So many exciting things were on the calender soon. A concert, a fall Apple Festival, an Eagles football game, and my birthday.
"Let's go home," Holly said as we gathered the paperwork.
"Good idea," I agreed. "You know, between the flu shot earlier this week and today, I'm gonna need some extra TLC," I said, laughing, as we headed for check-out and then for home.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Book- Mom
( Start on page 260- end on page 363)
Memories of summer evening car rides for ice cream, our trip to Lourdes, the cross-country journey to California in our station wagon, the simple every day joy of her sense of humor, her kindness and her compassion flooded my sense at that moment. She always had such a good heart.
To think her life ends here.
That little voice inside said to start talking. We always believed at the nursing home that people in a coma can hear you. Never assume they can't. So I started whispering softly to Mom, like we were talking during l on one of my breaks at the Center.
I never did get a chance to say goodbye to Dad. I wasn't going to let that happen again.
"Hi Mom," I started. "It's Greg. I'm here. I came over after work.
"Mom, in case no one explained to you.you had a stroke. That's why you can't open your eyes or talk. But I know you can hear me. Squeeze my hand if you can hear me."
No response.
"I know you can hear me, " I repeated, wanted to believe it was true. "I know it must be frustrating not to be able to open your eyes. You are in there, I know it. I know you can hear me. I'm not just talking to myself..." My voice trailed off as I tried not to cry.
"Mom, I'm doing okay at home. Louie is a little better since you saw him. There's no need to worry. We'll be all right. If you are hanging in there because of me, it's okay to let go."
Those words were so hard to say because I wanted her to open her eyes and be the mother I loved for so long.
"If anyone is going to Heave, it's you. I don't want you to suffer. You don't deserve that.
" You know I love you for taking care of me all my life. I know you sacrificed so much for me. I won't let you down. I'll never forget you. I'll miss you, Mom. If you need to leave this world, please let go...for me."
In that instant Mom let out three quick gasps, the first noise she had made with me there. I was startled but didn't think anything of it. Just another involuntary noise they said would happen from time to time.
I continued holding her hand, silent now until I began telling her how hot it was outside and things we would chat about every day.
At that moment the nurse returned, glancing in the room on her way back to her station. She stopped and came in, mumbling to herself. "Let me check her. Her color looks different.'
She listened to Mom's heart touched her pulse and softly said "She has passed."
"She's gone?" I asked. It was still hard to believe, even though I had tried to prepare myself for this moment.
The nurse said to take my time with Mom while she alerted the doctor and the coroner. "I'll be back to wash her," she said, taking away all the tubes and machines.
Mom looked so peaceful without all the sighs and sounds around her.
I borrowed the cordless phone and called my sister. I told her that Mom had just died and she broke down. "I'm glad you were there with her. It was what she would've wanted."
Alone again, I gazed at Mom. It was the way it was supposed to be. She could've died anytime, right after the stroke or even next week. Instead she died while I was there.
The special bond between a mother and a special needs child.
She did hear me. "It's okay to let go..." All this time she did hear everyone. That was her final gift. She let me know in such a special way. She let me know that her love was everlasting.
Mom was the most caring person I ever met. The best wife, mother,sister, grandmother and friend. Tiny in stature, strong in her faith and her love for others. She was in Heaven with my father, reunited again.
"Mom," I whispered, "you are at peace now You did the Lord's work every day of your life. Now it's time for you to rest. You made it back home after all. I love you, Mom."
Memories of summer evening car rides for ice cream, our trip to Lourdes, the cross-country journey to California in our station wagon, the simple every day joy of her sense of humor, her kindness and her compassion flooded my sense at that moment. She always had such a good heart.
To think her life ends here.
That little voice inside said to start talking. We always believed at the nursing home that people in a coma can hear you. Never assume they can't. So I started whispering softly to Mom, like we were talking during l on one of my breaks at the Center.
I never did get a chance to say goodbye to Dad. I wasn't going to let that happen again.
"Hi Mom," I started. "It's Greg. I'm here. I came over after work.
"Mom, in case no one explained to you.you had a stroke. That's why you can't open your eyes or talk. But I know you can hear me. Squeeze my hand if you can hear me."
No response.
"I know you can hear me, " I repeated, wanted to believe it was true. "I know it must be frustrating not to be able to open your eyes. You are in there, I know it. I know you can hear me. I'm not just talking to myself..." My voice trailed off as I tried not to cry.
"Mom, I'm doing okay at home. Louie is a little better since you saw him. There's no need to worry. We'll be all right. If you are hanging in there because of me, it's okay to let go."
Those words were so hard to say because I wanted her to open her eyes and be the mother I loved for so long.
"If anyone is going to Heave, it's you. I don't want you to suffer. You don't deserve that.
" You know I love you for taking care of me all my life. I know you sacrificed so much for me. I won't let you down. I'll never forget you. I'll miss you, Mom. If you need to leave this world, please let go...for me."
In that instant Mom let out three quick gasps, the first noise she had made with me there. I was startled but didn't think anything of it. Just another involuntary noise they said would happen from time to time.
I continued holding her hand, silent now until I began telling her how hot it was outside and things we would chat about every day.
At that moment the nurse returned, glancing in the room on her way back to her station. She stopped and came in, mumbling to herself. "Let me check her. Her color looks different.'
She listened to Mom's heart touched her pulse and softly said "She has passed."
"She's gone?" I asked. It was still hard to believe, even though I had tried to prepare myself for this moment.
The nurse said to take my time with Mom while she alerted the doctor and the coroner. "I'll be back to wash her," she said, taking away all the tubes and machines.
Mom looked so peaceful without all the sighs and sounds around her.
I borrowed the cordless phone and called my sister. I told her that Mom had just died and she broke down. "I'm glad you were there with her. It was what she would've wanted."
Alone again, I gazed at Mom. It was the way it was supposed to be. She could've died anytime, right after the stroke or even next week. Instead she died while I was there.
The special bond between a mother and a special needs child.
She did hear me. "It's okay to let go..." All this time she did hear everyone. That was her final gift. She let me know in such a special way. She let me know that her love was everlasting.
Mom was the most caring person I ever met. The best wife, mother,sister, grandmother and friend. Tiny in stature, strong in her faith and her love for others. She was in Heaven with my father, reunited again.
"Mom," I whispered, "you are at peace now You did the Lord's work every day of your life. Now it's time for you to rest. You made it back home after all. I love you, Mom."
Monday, October 14, 2019
Residents
(Please delete paragraph 3 on page 234 and add the following instead)
There was Ralph, who thought we had worked together, building the nursing home long ago. "We did a hell of a job," he would say, sizing up the light fixtures.Some may say I should've oriented him to the present. Poor fellow was lost in his own world, the sad result of Dementia. Why should I make him angry and even more frustrated? He really believed we had worked together just as I believe the sky is blue. So Validation Therapy worked best for him.
There was Mrs. Pipp, 97 years old and still flirting. She always liked my dimples and often commented "If I was sixty years younger!." as she batted her eyes. She reminded me nearly once a week that she was a distant cousin of the old time ballplayer Wally Pipp. Pipp was best known for losing his starting first base job to the immortal Lou Gehrig. "He was before my time," she said with a wink in her eye. "Now that's old!"
Meghan was only in her twenties but was with us for care after a tragic car accident. And Jake was a die-hard Eagles fan, who shared stories of greats like Chuck Bednarik and Norm Van Brocklin and Greasy Neale whenever I visited.
But perhaps the resident I most fondly remember from my Center days, someone who I still try to visit, is a guy named Pete.
I remember admitting Pete. He was one of my first admissions when I started working on the unit. We were undergoing major renovations and I recall doing the initial paperwork, such as signing admission forms, doing a Social History and going over Residents Rights with Pete's father as construction workers drilled and sawed outside the office.
Pete was only in his 40s. He sustained significant brain injuries from substance abuse over the years. Pete did everything from alcohol to hard-core drugs like cocaine. The abuse basically fried his brain. He was left with a major short-term memory deficit.
His father tried looking after him but Pete was a wanderer and often ended up lost in the neighborhood, oblivious to traffic. Since his dad was up there in age and dealing with his own health issues, reluctantly Pete was admitted to our facility.
When I first met Pete I expected him to be this angry guy who might try to wander out of the building, fighting every inch of the way. Instead I met the nicest, most gentle guy I have ever met in my life.
Picture Pete as a young Brad Pitt. He was that handsome. He was old-school polite, thanking everyone over and over again, from the nurse who distributed his pills to the dietary girl who brought his lunch tray. "I taught him well,' his father said with pride.
Pete was an auto mechanic in his day, and a damn good one. He still liked to talk about cars, according to his dad, but he couldn't remember much about those times. He once held down a job, drove to work every morning and tried to support his family like any other guy his age. But now it was as though those days never existed. So much had happened since.
Instead of wandering, it was a chore getting Pete to leave his room. He tended to isolate himself, as he did at home, and it would be a challenge to motivate him and offer him activities to keep busy. It had to be hard, living so close to people who were forty, fifty years older, with not much in common. We tried to match a good roommate with Pete, and after several tries, we finally hit on Oliver, also a younger guy, with muscular dystrophy. They got along well. Actually, Pete got along with everyone.
Pete was content with laying on top of his bed, watching television all day. His father brought him in an old black and white set. I was amazed it was still working. Like I said, they were old-school.
Every time I wheeled by his room to make my rounds Pete would greet me with a big, "Greg, my man! How ya' doing?" We would shake hands as if we hadn't seen each other in years. Even though Pete suffered from short-term memory loss he always remembered my name. I would continue my rounds, making the loop around the unit. As I passed by Pete's room once again (Pete had the bed by the door; Oliver was happy near the window), he noticed me, sat up in bed as he extended a hand. "Greg, my man! How ya' doing?"
He had absolutely no memory that we had spoken only five minutes earlier. It was like the movie "Groundhog Day."
He didn't care for newspapers or reading. He liked to talk, especially about music. Heavy Medal was his favorite, but you would never know it by his clean-cut looks. Pete could tell you anything you ever wanted to know about rock groups like "Iron Maiden", "Whitesnake" or " Black Sabbath." I thoguht "Whitesnake" was a reptile, so I nodded and replied, 'Oh, yes, I heard something about Ozzy Osbourne and live bats."
I remembered he liked cars, and I tried to keep up with his conversation. I still didn't drive, so when he mentioned old hot rods he loved to restore, or talked about carburetors, I was the one without a clue.
Occasionally Pete would venture out of his room to the unit for meals. The staff noticed how kind he was to the older adults, often helping them wheel through the maze of wheelchairs and walkers to the dining room. He never got upset with residents who were confused or crying for no apparent reason. Instead he would console them with a friendly smile or a pat on the shoulder. "You'll be okay,' was his typical answer. "Don't worry about it."
It was like having St. Francis of Assisi on the unit.
Pete's father couldn't take care of himself any longer so he was admitted to our assisted living section of the building. He settled into a comfy apartment on the first floor and I would escort Pete down to see his dad whenever he wanted. Sometimes they would have lunch together, and I would coordinate having Pete's tray delivered downstairs. Their meetings were met with mixed results. His dad was always glad to see Pete. "Are you behavin'?" Dad would ask gently. "Sure, Pop," Pete would reply. "You know I always do."
When I returned an hour later to take Pete back to North Six They would hug, the father with tears in his eyes. Pete was pretty oblivious to parting, looking forward to getting back to his room and his bed.
There were times, however, when I would make my rounds before leaving and I would gaze in and see Pete wiping his eyes as he stared up at the ceiling. He may have been thinking of his dad, or maybe his wife and two small children who had returned to Puerto Rico after Pete drifted into a coma from an overdose. Who knew if Pete would ever gain consciousness? Meanwhile his young wife took the children back to her homeland where her mother could help care for the kids.
Pete miraculously woke up one morning, to the delight of his dad and his two older sisters. No one could handle his confusion, plus his family, informed of his condition, decided to remain in Puerto Rico. So he entered the nursing home.
Sad on all accounts. If Pete hid his emotions and wept silently in his room, who could blame him? Not all of his memories were pleasant. Some things were better left forgotten.
On his bulletin board in his room, like most residents, Pete had a Bingo card which he filled in daily, a few greeting cards left over from his last birthday or Christmas, and several pictures of his children. He didn't see his kids for several years , but they wrote to him and sent the latest school photos. Pete rarely talked about his family. Either he didn't remember or he didn't want to remember. Not that he didn't love his family; his eyes would grow red when a nurse would comment, "Wow Pete, your kids are getting big!"
"Yeah, they are," he replied, smiling and staring at the photos which filled his board.
He loved his family. It was just easier not to think of them.
When Pete's father died a year later, Pete attended the funeral. His sisters commented how nice he looked in his new gray suit. They hardly saw him wearing anything but t-shirts and sweatpants.
Pete returned to the Center that afternoon and again seemed calm. The staff monitored him for signs of depression. He quietly grieved in his own way, politely refusing to see the staff psychologist. How much did he really remember and comprehend was anybody's guess.
His sisters assumed Power of Attorney and were good to their kid brother, finally upgrading his television to color ( which astounded Pete) and taking him home occasionally for visits. They worried he wouldn't want to come back but the Center was his home now and he knew it. There was never a problem.
Two things helped Pete come out of his room more often: video games and Milky Way chocolate bars.
Paulette, our Activities aide on the unit, thought an old Wii game system might be good exercise for the residents. So once a week one could find about ten or so residents playing video games like Bowling, Tennis or Golf on the Wii. The games were pretty simple to play, perfect for our more active residents. It was challenging and brought out the competitive juices in all. Maybe someone never played a round of golf before, or maybe they missed being in their weekly bowling league. Not only was it good exercise, it was fun.
Pete tried the games and grew addicted, this time in a good way. He became a master player at Wii, especially bowling, where he excelled at throwing perfect game upon perfect game. Pretty soon word got around the other units about Pete's 300 games and matches were set up between Pete and the best players through out the facility. All in good fun. And even if Pete lost a match he always took it in stride.
The lone Wii machine was shared by the units, so when it was our turn to host it on Six, Pete was in his glory. In fact, the nurses had to shut it down at 2 a.m. when Pete, sitting in his pajamas in the darkened dining room, was practicing by himself.
Pete never had a problem with his appetite. He generally ate whatever was sent up on his tray. When one sister brought him a box of Milky Way candy bars for his birthday ( his favorite ), we suggested he keep one or two bars in his bedside stand and allow the nurses to lock up the rest at the nurses station. Otherwise Pete would consume the entire box- we are talking eight chocolate bars- all in one sitting. It was an oddity about his condition after the coma- Pete tended to overdo most things in his new life, be it playing the Wii for eight hours straight or eating eight candy bars at once- he couldn't stop himself.
Generally once a week it was my pleasure for several years to take Pete to the facility Gift Shop to purchase a Milky Way. We would scan the entire snack section until he found the Milky Way bars. His face would light up, with a big grin on his face as he paid the cashier and we headed back to the elevator. Little things like that meant so much to Pete.
I learned a lot from Pete, as I had from Teddy years before. I admired his grace and kindness under difficult circumstances. Those emotions had nothing to do with his abuse or coma.That was Pete. His late father said his son, despite the substance abuse and various other problems in life, never failed to be a nice guy. I had a feeling he would always remain a kind soul with a good heart.
Years later, on my last day at the Center, I wheeled to his room to say goodbye. It would be hard to say so long to Pete, and I didn't want it to be a sad visit. So when I told him I was retiring he didn't quite get it.
"Oh, you're going on vacation?" he said, smiling. "Have a great time!"
"No, my friend, I'm retiring today," I said, probably feeling worse then he did.
"Well, have fun!: he answered with his typical cheerfulness. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Why fight it?
"Keep playing your Bowling," I said. "Heidi ( the daytime charge nurse on the unit) said she will take you down to the Gift Shop for your Milky Way every week."
He got a DVD player that Christmas from his sisters, so I would let him borrow a few movies from time to time. With the Wii and Milky Ways we didn't worry about Pete isolating himself in his room anymore.In fact, he was in the middle of watching an old Arnold Schwarzenegger action flick when I stopped by to bid my farewell.
"Okay, buddy," he said, paying more attention to the movie."I'll see you tomorrow."
I waved so long, slipping away, determined to visit when I could. Sad to think that Pete was young enough to spend the next thirty or forty years at the facility, maybe even in the same room. I lobbied the staff not to move him in the future unless it was an emergency. Keeping the same routine was important for Pete. Only I wouldn't be there any longer to fight for him.
Still, as I pressed the number 1 in the elevator for the final time and the door shut on North Six, I knew Pete would survive, taking things in stride like always. And I knew, whenever I could visit in the future, Pete would be there waiting.
So, my duties in Admissions soon faded away as I became the caseworker on Six, helping to care for Pete and many other residents for the next ten years.I could never ask for a better gig until that fateful day when I said bye to Pete and all my other friends, my last official day as a social worker.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES WRAP-UP
Bad loss for the Eagles in Minnesota on Sunday, a 38-20 drubbing at the hands of the Vikings. Minnesota has won it's last two meetings now against the Birds. It may not make up for the NFC Championship Game but Minnesota is slowly and painfully extracting revenge from our birds.
The secondary sucked big-time again. Rasul Douglas got burned twice. He's too slow to play corner. Why not play him at safety?
Sidney Jones looks like a bust. Another wasted high draft pick. That's the chance one takes selecting damaged goods. Will he ever get back the speed he possessed in college? He seems tentative and unsure of himself on the field. I hope GM Howie Rossman gets on the phone and looks for secondary help this week. Is Arizona star corner back Patrick Peterson available?
Miles Sanders messed up two early kick-offs . One he should've never got out of the end zone and gave the Eagles poor field position to start the game. The other was fummbled and eventually downed for a touchback. I like his explosiveness and speed, and he caught a big reception for a touchdown later in the game.
Another slow start by Coach Doug Pederson. His initial scripted plays aren't working. how much does he miss former offensive coordinator Frank Reich? I'm glad Pederson is rethinking deferring if he wins the coin toss. Maybe taking the ball will jump-start the inconsistent offense. Maybe a no-huddle quick offense would also help. And getting speedy Desean Jackson back this week or soon will pay dividends. The team needs speed, an issue they need to address in future drafts.
What happened to the wide receiver Ortega-Whiteside? he only has two catches for 16 yards so far this season. He dropped a potentially game winning score vs the Lions earlier this season.
More dropped passes yesterday. The refs made some bad calls, but none too earth shattering. Turnovers, penalties and dropped passes were all keys to winning that big game.
The fake field goal attempt at the end of the 1st half was a stupid call by Pederson. Even if Jake Elliot connected on his failed pass try to Dallas Goddard he had to either score or quickly get out of bounds. No inbetween. There was only 12 seconds left in the half, Not enough time for the team to ger back on the field and spike the ball to have one last shot at the end zone.
Linebacker Zach Brown made a statement about former teammate in Washington QB Kirk Cousins during the week which drew his former teammate's ire. Brown called Cousins a "weak link." Cousins threw 4 TDs yesterday. Minnesota is known for running the ball but Sunday they surprised the Birds by throwing often and long, taking advantage of the weak secondary. Brown needs to keep his mouth shut and just play. He refused to take questions about Cousins after the game, proving that the former Redskin can dish it out but can't take it.
The only saving grace was Dallas losing to the previously win less Jets 24-22. The Cowboys have now lost 3 straight after opening the season 3-0 vs bad teams. Both the Eagles and Dallas are 3-3 and play in Dallas on Sunday Night Football next weekend. Time for Carson Wentz to have the game of his life on the prime time stage. Will DeSean Jackson play for Philly and will Cowboy receiver Amari Cooper not play?
The secondary sucked big-time again. Rasul Douglas got burned twice. He's too slow to play corner. Why not play him at safety?
Sidney Jones looks like a bust. Another wasted high draft pick. That's the chance one takes selecting damaged goods. Will he ever get back the speed he possessed in college? He seems tentative and unsure of himself on the field. I hope GM Howie Rossman gets on the phone and looks for secondary help this week. Is Arizona star corner back Patrick Peterson available?
Miles Sanders messed up two early kick-offs . One he should've never got out of the end zone and gave the Eagles poor field position to start the game. The other was fummbled and eventually downed for a touchback. I like his explosiveness and speed, and he caught a big reception for a touchdown later in the game.
Another slow start by Coach Doug Pederson. His initial scripted plays aren't working. how much does he miss former offensive coordinator Frank Reich? I'm glad Pederson is rethinking deferring if he wins the coin toss. Maybe taking the ball will jump-start the inconsistent offense. Maybe a no-huddle quick offense would also help. And getting speedy Desean Jackson back this week or soon will pay dividends. The team needs speed, an issue they need to address in future drafts.
What happened to the wide receiver Ortega-Whiteside? he only has two catches for 16 yards so far this season. He dropped a potentially game winning score vs the Lions earlier this season.
More dropped passes yesterday. The refs made some bad calls, but none too earth shattering. Turnovers, penalties and dropped passes were all keys to winning that big game.
The fake field goal attempt at the end of the 1st half was a stupid call by Pederson. Even if Jake Elliot connected on his failed pass try to Dallas Goddard he had to either score or quickly get out of bounds. No inbetween. There was only 12 seconds left in the half, Not enough time for the team to ger back on the field and spike the ball to have one last shot at the end zone.
Linebacker Zach Brown made a statement about former teammate in Washington QB Kirk Cousins during the week which drew his former teammate's ire. Brown called Cousins a "weak link." Cousins threw 4 TDs yesterday. Minnesota is known for running the ball but Sunday they surprised the Birds by throwing often and long, taking advantage of the weak secondary. Brown needs to keep his mouth shut and just play. He refused to take questions about Cousins after the game, proving that the former Redskin can dish it out but can't take it.
The only saving grace was Dallas losing to the previously win less Jets 24-22. The Cowboys have now lost 3 straight after opening the season 3-0 vs bad teams. Both the Eagles and Dallas are 3-3 and play in Dallas on Sunday Night Football next weekend. Time for Carson Wentz to have the game of his life on the prime time stage. Will DeSean Jackson play for Philly and will Cowboy receiver Amari Cooper not play?
Sunday, October 13, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, EAGLES
We are doomed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now I know why they decided to have this the Phillies press conference on a Friday...so you can't comment until 3 days later..and even then it will be mostly Eagles on Monday.
Here's my take, as a loyal Phillies fan, on the sham they called a press conference..
- LIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Middleton..surprisingly clueless. He repeatedly lectured about what a CEO does ( boring..like we care)..but he doesn't ACT like a good CEO
A good CEO would have fired all of their asses ( I liked your suggestion of firing them live, on TV).
- The question re; the farm system had them all baffled. Awkward!!! Like Middleton was surprised by the fact there are only TWO players on the current roster from our farm system.
MacPhail made a stupid point about "players on the cusp" , close to the majors. That wasn't . the question or the point.
They totally didn't get it, or tried to pivot from the fact that our farm system SUCKS and isn't better than 4 years ago. Middleton is a jackass if he truly believes that "in all phases" the organization is better.
-Forget the new manager picking his own coaches or hitting/pitching coach. Klentek has final say.
- Who is the CEO here? Middleton talked like Klentek and MacPhail has pictures on him? WHY is he so fearful of the two morons?
- - Middleton "For the most part, Gabe handled the hustle issues well????" Are you kidding me?????????
- If Charley was that big of a positive in the dugout and with hitting why isn't he back? Why did pouting Klentek say when Charley was hired "It's only for six weeks" ????
- Analytics.."We have to keep pushing"...Great.. you finished in 4th place, behind the stinkin' Mets.. How's analytics working for us?
- "Growing pains? So, the Philadelphia Phillies key positions- manager and general manager- are on the job training positions? Tell the fans who are spending big money on tickets, jerseys, concessions, etc.. that it's on the job training.
- Once again, Andy MacPhail comes off like a pompous ass. He called "If we don't we don't" a mistake, but never really apologized and criticized the media for "hammering me over the head with it." ( continue to hammer away,.
I think we will end up in 2020 right back where we left off today. It's even scarier now..since we now know that the CEO ( remember that..he is the CEO) is a complete idiot and a buffoon.
One of the most ridiculous segments of the train wreck press conference was Middleton trying to fumble with his phone, trying to look up stats regarding his own farm system. It's true, as Howard Eskin brought up, the Phillies only had two players promoted from the minor leagues, Adam Heasley and Cole Irvin. I wouldn't even call Irvin a "prospect." His contribution to the 2019 Phils was minimal at best.
The farm system sucks, no matter what MacPhail says, as he spewed off numbers and useless facts like t the Phillies attendance was up and so were their TV ratings. Any mention of the minor leagues was avoided. They pivoted to talk of a bullpen that was "fourth best" in Baseball down the stretch? Truth is, when it counted the bullpen sucked. Gabe Kapler burned out the 'pen for two seasons. So it really is ridiculous for the front office to crow about the "fourth best" bullpen in Baseball and forget the starters who regressed all year.
Speaking of which, it was Klentek who hired the idiot pitching coach Chris Young The young starters hated his methods. Yet he still has a job in the organization!
Middleton is in a state of denial. Why? He has to see this mess is...a mess. Why is he so committed to Klentek and MacPhail?
The simple answer is Middleton won't admit to his mistakes. He hired these losers to begin with then, last spring he incredibly gave them contract extensions. Why?
Watching the front office approach the podium before the beginning of the train wrek, it looked like three dead men walking. Not likeable guys, I wouldn'y want to have a beer with any of them. That concerns fans. Can we trust these guys?
It troubles me that Klentek will hire the next manager. Will it be Buck Showalter, the same guy who worked with Klentek and MacPhail in Baltimore? I can't see a really legit guy, like Joe Girardi or Joe Madden, guys who want control and power, to succumb to an analytical guy like Klentek?
The Washington Nationals are only two games away from their first World Series ever. I'm far from a Nats fans, but I hope they make, if only to show the Phillies that a club who wins the wild card, once in the dance, can compete for a championship.
Time will tell who Klentek picks as his new skipper, pitching coach and hitting coach. Time will also tell if Middleton again steps up with "stupid money" in free agency. And time will tell if Klentek makes wise trades to improve to 2020 Phillies.
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The Eagles are in Minnesota, ready to take on the Vikings. Minnesota should win this home game but won't QB Kirk Cousins doesn't perform in big games against winning teams. The Birds needs to force turnovers and win this first game of three straight road games.
Eagles 20 Vikings 17
The farm system sucks, no matter what MacPhail says, as he spewed off numbers and useless facts like t the Phillies attendance was up and so were their TV ratings. Any mention of the minor leagues was avoided. They pivoted to talk of a bullpen that was "fourth best" in Baseball down the stretch? Truth is, when it counted the bullpen sucked. Gabe Kapler burned out the 'pen for two seasons. So it really is ridiculous for the front office to crow about the "fourth best" bullpen in Baseball and forget the starters who regressed all year.
Speaking of which, it was Klentek who hired the idiot pitching coach Chris Young The young starters hated his methods. Yet he still has a job in the organization!
Middleton is in a state of denial. Why? He has to see this mess is...a mess. Why is he so committed to Klentek and MacPhail?
The simple answer is Middleton won't admit to his mistakes. He hired these losers to begin with then, last spring he incredibly gave them contract extensions. Why?
Watching the front office approach the podium before the beginning of the train wrek, it looked like three dead men walking. Not likeable guys, I wouldn'y want to have a beer with any of them. That concerns fans. Can we trust these guys?
It troubles me that Klentek will hire the next manager. Will it be Buck Showalter, the same guy who worked with Klentek and MacPhail in Baltimore? I can't see a really legit guy, like Joe Girardi or Joe Madden, guys who want control and power, to succumb to an analytical guy like Klentek?
The Washington Nationals are only two games away from their first World Series ever. I'm far from a Nats fans, but I hope they make, if only to show the Phillies that a club who wins the wild card, once in the dance, can compete for a championship.
Time will tell who Klentek picks as his new skipper, pitching coach and hitting coach. Time will also tell if Middleton again steps up with "stupid money" in free agency. And time will tell if Klentek makes wise trades to improve to 2020 Phillies.
********************************************************************************************************
The Eagles are in Minnesota, ready to take on the Vikings. Minnesota should win this home game but won't QB Kirk Cousins doesn't perform in big games against winning teams. The Birds needs to force turnovers and win this first game of three straight road games.
Eagles 20 Vikings 17
Friday, October 11, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES
Get yer popcorn ready! Phillies news conference today at 1pm. John Middleton with the pair of losers, Matt Klentek and Andy MacPhail. I'm sure they will discuss the Gabe Kapler firing but also their own situations.
How will MacPhail justify the "If we don't, we don't" stupid comment over the summer? How will Klentek walk back his recent endorsement of Gabe Kapler (" I think Gabe is doing a really good job!:). What excuse does Klentek make for now addressing pitching both before the season and at the All-Star break?
As Angelo Cataldi said on his WIP Morning Show today, wouldn't it be great if Middleton sat down and surprised everyone by firing both Klentek and MacPhail on live television? Seeing them escorting out of Citizens Bank Park by Security? Good riddens! That will never happen but it would be much deserved!
I want to hear explanations and will probably get a bunch of lies. But I also want plans on where the Phillies are going in the future. Will they be aggressive again spending money on free agents? Will the new manager have experience and be a disciplinarian? What message can MIddleton give the fans to give them hope?
How can I, as a loyal fan, trust Klentek not to repeat the same mistakes? Will he admit to his mistakes? Has he learned from his mistakes? Will there be more of a mix of analytics and old-school baseball?
Will this usually weak media ask hard questions or throw softballs to the three? This is a very rare opportunity to catch the hierarchy of the Phils all together. I'm hoping guys like Zelecki, Salsbury, Marcus Hayes and Howard Eskin ask probing, difficult questions.
The fans deserve to know.
How will MacPhail justify the "If we don't, we don't" stupid comment over the summer? How will Klentek walk back his recent endorsement of Gabe Kapler (" I think Gabe is doing a really good job!:). What excuse does Klentek make for now addressing pitching both before the season and at the All-Star break?
As Angelo Cataldi said on his WIP Morning Show today, wouldn't it be great if Middleton sat down and surprised everyone by firing both Klentek and MacPhail on live television? Seeing them escorting out of Citizens Bank Park by Security? Good riddens! That will never happen but it would be much deserved!
I want to hear explanations and will probably get a bunch of lies. But I also want plans on where the Phillies are going in the future. Will they be aggressive again spending money on free agents? Will the new manager have experience and be a disciplinarian? What message can MIddleton give the fans to give them hope?
How can I, as a loyal fan, trust Klentek not to repeat the same mistakes? Will he admit to his mistakes? Has he learned from his mistakes? Will there be more of a mix of analytics and old-school baseball?
Will this usually weak media ask hard questions or throw softballs to the three? This is a very rare opportunity to catch the hierarchy of the Phils all together. I'm hoping guys like Zelecki, Salsbury, Marcus Hayes and Howard Eskin ask probing, difficult questions.
The fans deserve to know.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, EAGLES, FLYERS
= Finally the Phillies fire Manager Gabe Kapler. He needed to go. Lack of discipline on the team. Bad in-game decisions. Stupid post-game comments. The players collapsed during the second half of both of his seasons.The bullpen was burned out. He needed to go.
GM Matt Klentek and President Andy MacPhail stay. They need to show results, as they only have one more year left on their contracts. Owner John Middleton once said that Baseball is a "results business." If he really believes that then both Klentek and MacPhail need to step it up.
But how much power do each have? Klentek "loved" Kapler so he didn't fire Gabe. Obviously Middleton did. So if the owner is undercutting his General Manager, how much power does Klentek have?
Same with MacPhail. He may have lobbied to temporarily save his own job, along with Klentek's job. But how much sway does MacPhail still have? His role ( whatever that is) must be diminished after his summer "If we don't, we don't" stupid comment.
Urgency and accountability need to arise, both on the field, the clubhouse and in the front office. Klentek should and probably will focus more on pitching this off-season.
The next manager ( Showalter? Madden? Girardi?) needs to be a better communicator and disciplinarian. Will he be another analytics guy . old-school guy or a mix?If Klentek has lost some power we will know for sure if the new manager has a different analytical viewpoint than Klentek.
Showalter makes sense since he is familiar to the front office in Baltimore. There will be more checks and balances with the front office. Klentek needs to be smart and aggressive to save his own neck.
First, re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto. Address the pitching staff, both starters and bullpen, find a third baseman, maybe make a risky move ( trade Rhys Hoskins for pitching?) and strengthen the bench.
I would think a new manager will be picked sooner than later. Baseball Winter meetings start soon. Once the first skipper is hired the others will fall in line.
By the way, ex-pitching coach Chris Young, who was awful, officially was relieved of his duties. Supposedly Young will remain in the organization in some sort of analytical job. The young pitchers on the staff, especially Eflin, Valasquez and Pivetta, balked at many of his suggestions ( or orders) as they all regressed in the 2019 season.
I would hate to lose the great Ricky Bottalico as an analyst, but he would make a good pitching coach.Let's see how much freedom the new manager has in picking his coaches.
Most of all, experience counts. Klentek can't hire young, inexperienced puppets anymore. We know that doesn't work and they end up in over the head. Guys who have a winning track record make sense. The focus must be "win now" and make progress. One can't blame injuries anymore. Another disappointing season and both Klentek and MacPhail will be looking for work at this time next year.
****************************************************************
I like the Eagles this Sunday, 20-17. Minnesota always plays well at home under the dome. The crowd noise will be deafening. The Birds will be walking into a buzz saw. If they don't turn over the ball and score early to take the Vikings fans out of the game, things may snowball as the Vikings players latch-on to the growing momentum.
Limited the penalties too. Stop the run as Minnesota has one of the best rushing games in the NFL. They will try to control the clock, possess the pigskin and limited the times QB Kirk Cousins has to throw.
Sunday starts the first of three road games for Philly, thanks to the Phiilies, who were supposed to be in the baseball playoffs by now. I think the Eagles will win 2 of 3 on this road trip. Sunday in Minnesota, next Sunday night in Dallas and the Sunday after in Buffalo. The Bills game will be tough and a loss, the last of the three.
Then the Birds have three home games in a row, starting in November. Again, I think they win 2 of 3. They beat the Bears, beat the Patriots then suffer a letdown and lose to Russell Wilson ( who always plays well vs the Eagles)and Seattle.
The rest of the schedule is pretty soft, a time when the Eagles can stockpile victories and coast into the playoffs with momentum.
Step 1 is Sunday afternoon with the Vikings.
NFL Picks- Week 6
I went 3-0 last week in my picks. Here are my selections this week:
Cowboys -7 (at Jets)
Browns + 1.5 ( vs Seahawks)
Saints + 1 ( at Jaguars)
*************************************************************
The Flyers have started 2-0 this NHL season. last night goalie Carter Hart was spectacular in the 4-0 shutout over the Devils. Now the club travels to the West Coast for three road games. If nothing else, the squad will be exciting this season. The combination of young players and established veterans , along with the emergence of hart, should make Philadelphia a playoff team.
GM Matt Klentek and President Andy MacPhail stay. They need to show results, as they only have one more year left on their contracts. Owner John Middleton once said that Baseball is a "results business." If he really believes that then both Klentek and MacPhail need to step it up.
But how much power do each have? Klentek "loved" Kapler so he didn't fire Gabe. Obviously Middleton did. So if the owner is undercutting his General Manager, how much power does Klentek have?
Same with MacPhail. He may have lobbied to temporarily save his own job, along with Klentek's job. But how much sway does MacPhail still have? His role ( whatever that is) must be diminished after his summer "If we don't, we don't" stupid comment.
Urgency and accountability need to arise, both on the field, the clubhouse and in the front office. Klentek should and probably will focus more on pitching this off-season.
The next manager ( Showalter? Madden? Girardi?) needs to be a better communicator and disciplinarian. Will he be another analytics guy . old-school guy or a mix?If Klentek has lost some power we will know for sure if the new manager has a different analytical viewpoint than Klentek.
Showalter makes sense since he is familiar to the front office in Baltimore. There will be more checks and balances with the front office. Klentek needs to be smart and aggressive to save his own neck.
First, re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto. Address the pitching staff, both starters and bullpen, find a third baseman, maybe make a risky move ( trade Rhys Hoskins for pitching?) and strengthen the bench.
I would think a new manager will be picked sooner than later. Baseball Winter meetings start soon. Once the first skipper is hired the others will fall in line.
By the way, ex-pitching coach Chris Young, who was awful, officially was relieved of his duties. Supposedly Young will remain in the organization in some sort of analytical job. The young pitchers on the staff, especially Eflin, Valasquez and Pivetta, balked at many of his suggestions ( or orders) as they all regressed in the 2019 season.
I would hate to lose the great Ricky Bottalico as an analyst, but he would make a good pitching coach.Let's see how much freedom the new manager has in picking his coaches.
Most of all, experience counts. Klentek can't hire young, inexperienced puppets anymore. We know that doesn't work and they end up in over the head. Guys who have a winning track record make sense. The focus must be "win now" and make progress. One can't blame injuries anymore. Another disappointing season and both Klentek and MacPhail will be looking for work at this time next year.
****************************************************************
I like the Eagles this Sunday, 20-17. Minnesota always plays well at home under the dome. The crowd noise will be deafening. The Birds will be walking into a buzz saw. If they don't turn over the ball and score early to take the Vikings fans out of the game, things may snowball as the Vikings players latch-on to the growing momentum.
Limited the penalties too. Stop the run as Minnesota has one of the best rushing games in the NFL. They will try to control the clock, possess the pigskin and limited the times QB Kirk Cousins has to throw.
Sunday starts the first of three road games for Philly, thanks to the Phiilies, who were supposed to be in the baseball playoffs by now. I think the Eagles will win 2 of 3 on this road trip. Sunday in Minnesota, next Sunday night in Dallas and the Sunday after in Buffalo. The Bills game will be tough and a loss, the last of the three.
Then the Birds have three home games in a row, starting in November. Again, I think they win 2 of 3. They beat the Bears, beat the Patriots then suffer a letdown and lose to Russell Wilson ( who always plays well vs the Eagles)and Seattle.
The rest of the schedule is pretty soft, a time when the Eagles can stockpile victories and coast into the playoffs with momentum.
Step 1 is Sunday afternoon with the Vikings.
NFL Picks- Week 6
I went 3-0 last week in my picks. Here are my selections this week:
Cowboys -7 (at Jets)
Browns + 1.5 ( vs Seahawks)
Saints + 1 ( at Jaguars)
*************************************************************
The Flyers have started 2-0 this NHL season. last night goalie Carter Hart was spectacular in the 4-0 shutout over the Devils. Now the club travels to the West Coast for three road games. If nothing else, the squad will be exciting this season. The combination of young players and established veterans , along with the emergence of hart, should make Philadelphia a playoff team.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
IN MY LIFE- UPCOMING SHOWS
2019 has been a great year for concerts. We have seen Hall & Oates for the first time ( a fine performance), Belinda Carlisle ( fun) and Willie Nelson/ Bonnie Raitt/ Allison Krauss ( all great, especially Allison).
Who knows what 2020 will bring in music, but soon there will be more shows to savor as the holidays near and beyond into the New Year. Here ia a brief outlook of what is coming up..
- Justin Hayward at Sellersville Theater (October)
The lead singer of The Moody Blues is doing an acoustic tour of smaller venues. We saw the Moodies a few summers ago at the Mann Music Center and they were great. I'm hoping to hear stripped-down versions of songs like "Nights In White Satin" and "Tuesday Afternoon."
- Ricky Nelson Remembered- Sellersville ( November)
The last time we saw the Nelson twins ( Matthew and Gunnar) they were terrific, doing songs by their iconic dad. Their personal stories were interesting, plus they hung around after wards to meet and greet their fans. Nice guys! I expect the same songs but they were so good it's worth a second visit.
- Sound & Sound Theater- Miracle of Christmas ( November)
I loved the last presentation from Sight & Sound (Jesus). We were so impressed with the spectacular show that we had to see their holiday event. We were astonished by the music, play, live animals ( camels, goats and horses included) sets and overall fantastic atmosphere. Can't wait to see the Christmas play, something for all ages.
- John Cleese - Parx Casino ( November)
Not sure what the former Monty Python member will do. Rumors are he will come out after a Monty movie or a Cleese film and take questions, do skits or reminisce.
- - B.J. Thomas- Sellersville (December)
Thomas doesn't tour much anymore. He's 77. So this show should be special. I'm sure we will hear classic songs like "Raindrops Keep Falling On my Head" and more hits. But since this show is only 3 days before Christmas, maybe we will hear some holiday tunes as well.
- Herman's Hermots- Sellersville (January)
A great concert to start the new year. We saw Peter Noone and the hermits exactly one year ago and they were fun. Noone is funny and really works the crowd. It's refreshing to hear old 60's classics from the British Invasion era.
Who knows what 2020 will bring in music, but soon there will be more shows to savor as the holidays near and beyond into the New Year. Here ia a brief outlook of what is coming up..
- Justin Hayward at Sellersville Theater (October)
The lead singer of The Moody Blues is doing an acoustic tour of smaller venues. We saw the Moodies a few summers ago at the Mann Music Center and they were great. I'm hoping to hear stripped-down versions of songs like "Nights In White Satin" and "Tuesday Afternoon."
- Ricky Nelson Remembered- Sellersville ( November)
The last time we saw the Nelson twins ( Matthew and Gunnar) they were terrific, doing songs by their iconic dad. Their personal stories were interesting, plus they hung around after wards to meet and greet their fans. Nice guys! I expect the same songs but they were so good it's worth a second visit.
- Sound & Sound Theater- Miracle of Christmas ( November)
I loved the last presentation from Sight & Sound (Jesus). We were so impressed with the spectacular show that we had to see their holiday event. We were astonished by the music, play, live animals ( camels, goats and horses included) sets and overall fantastic atmosphere. Can't wait to see the Christmas play, something for all ages.
- John Cleese - Parx Casino ( November)
Not sure what the former Monty Python member will do. Rumors are he will come out after a Monty movie or a Cleese film and take questions, do skits or reminisce.
- - B.J. Thomas- Sellersville (December)
Thomas doesn't tour much anymore. He's 77. So this show should be special. I'm sure we will hear classic songs like "Raindrops Keep Falling On my Head" and more hits. But since this show is only 3 days before Christmas, maybe we will hear some holiday tunes as well.
- Herman's Hermots- Sellersville (January)
A great concert to start the new year. We saw Peter Noone and the hermits exactly one year ago and they were fun. Noone is funny and really works the crowd. It's refreshing to hear old 60's classics from the British Invasion era.
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