I'm meeting with Lola and her husband this morning at 11 to try to prepare them for her cancer care and give them some sense of what they're facing.

It's making me a little anxious. That's going to be a difficult talk.

Oh David, sending comforting and calming thoughts. It is excruciating for all of you, but it may also help in your healing to assist them.

My uncle died on Friday. He'd been in the hospital and had been released to a nursing home for rehab, so not really sudden but it's always sudden. I'm having complicated feelings because I didn't much like him as a person, but grieving for my aunt because they'd been married for 28 years. He didn't want a funeral and there was a family gathering yesterday, which I wasn't aware of ahead of time. I guess I'll try to focus on how we can best support my aunt now.

Sending out good vibes for all the Buffistas who have it rough right now.

I'm sorry, shrift.

I hate that so many people are now experts in going through crappy stuff like cancer or complicated issues with aging parents. Husband's and my parents are all still alive and in pretty good shape, but what would we do if one of them needed serious care right now? And we are far more fortunate than most people in terms of our flexibility and ability to react to situations like that.

Getting old is bullshit in so many ways. At least I can decide to have blueberry muffins for lunch.

I'm sorry, shrift. Condolences.

Matt's surgery went well -- just talked to the doctor. Will be able to see him when they get him to a room. Doc said he'd be in for two or three days... Matt thought he said it would be one night. That's a bummer, but, of course whatever it takes.

Thanks for the good wishes.

I’m sorry, Shrift. In related news, Bob’s dad passed this morning. He’d started hospice at home last week and deteriorated pretty rapidly. Fortunately, Bob went out there last Thursday and stayed so he was there. Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer about 2 years ago and did shockingly well with chemo for over a year. The last few months have been rough though.

Oh no shrift and Lisa. ((((())))))

Good news Jen, quick healing to him.

Meara, I don’t think earphones would fly, not sure why but I’ve never seen anyone use them at the office here.

Oh, I'm sorry, lisah. Condolences to you both.

I don’t think earphones would fly, not sure why but I’ve never seen anyone use them at the office here.

That is bizarre! People just listen to things without headphones? Torture! I’d say just wear some earbuds and see if anyone says anything. Say you need them to concentrate.