My parents were married in 1950 and three and a half years later they had three children, my older brother Ralph, me, and my younger brother Charlie.  When Charlie was around two years old he developed a very high fever and was rushed off to the hospital.  The doctor told my parents he had polio. …

Note this essay is a companion piece to previous essay titled: “Human Pearls,” describing gallbladder surgery. I returned home from the hospital following my gallbladder removal feeling basically fine, but anticipating a few days of serious recuperation on the couch in front of the TV.  I heartily agree that TV is mostly a vast wasteland,…

Note:  The essay titled Adolf and Me is a companion piece to this essay describing the recovery process. When I walked through the emergency room doors on Tuesday morning, I realized that the next time I walked out, hopefully within 48 hours, I would be without a gallbladder and nursing 4 puncture wounds in my…