It's Hell Getting Old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know how many of you will remember the McManus twins. They were in my class in grade school.....1 to 8. Then at St. Francis for two years. When they decided to close it, they went to West Side for HS. We were friends then, and remained so over the years. Even tho, for a lot of years we never heard from each other. Barb married John Jansen and Beverly married Ed Stoller.

When I found Beverly about 6 years ago, she was in Connecticut. She was an artist specializing in Church art. About 4 years ago Bev died of cancer. It wouldn't have been so quick if she had gone to a doctor in time. Bev and Ed had 5 children. And after her death, I was able to acquire one of her pieces of art. And it's not a duplicate. I am so proud of that, and it holds a special place in my home.

Barb's husband John, became an FBI agent and they settled in Anchorage, Alaska office in the late 60's. They had two children, a son Gene and a daughter Theresa. About 7 years ago John had a really bad heart attack. He survived, but isn't in very good shape today. Both John and Barb are now retired and living outside Anchorage.

A couple of days ago I received an email from John. He said that Barb had collapsed at home on 4-3. Was rushed to the hospital. She had 4 emergency surgeries, 19 pints of blood and spent 28 days in the ICU. She had Pancreatitis as a result of a perforated ulcer the size of a quarter. Liver damage was present and she also had gall stones.

At some point her Blood Pressure went to zero. They brought her back. It dropped again. In one of the surgeries they sutured up her lesions and drained a large hematoma from her belly. She is now in her own room, is stable, but still critical. So, she's not "out of the woods." So, those of you who know how to pray, please say a prayer or two for Barb...and the family. They are the ones who have to watch this.

Then I called Barb (Haan) Virgin, who is on her way home from spending the winter in Florida. I found her in Tennessee. I called to tell her about Barb Jansen. Well, Barb Virgin tells me she had to have another stint installed this winter. Man, oh man, my friends and I are getting old. It's no fun. For those of you who arent' old yet, you are really lucky. When I was your age, I really didn't know how lucky I was. Count your blessings, y'all.

I think I've bent your ear enough for today. Till next time.