The times they have a-changed

My friend John isn't feeling well. Battling a tenacious spring cold took a lot out of him -- more than it should have -- and his energy still hasn't returned. He's feeling so run down that he isn't sure he still wants to get together Thursday night for drinks. Since John battles chronic heart trouble, this is very concerning.  I mean, John turning down a shot an a beer (or two)? It's unheard of! He's calling his cardiologist this week.

Here I am, just now sufficiently recovered from my months-long battle with c. diff that we can party like we used to, and now he's sick.

It makes me sad to think of how old we are. How we're talking about our hearts and guts and his cardiologist and my gastroenterologist.

I saw Facebook photos of my oldest friend, celebrating Administrative Professionals Day with her office staff and at a party at her cousin's home. I haven't seen her since last November, and was shocked by how much bigger she is. It doesn't help that she was wearing a matchy-matchy lime green pantsuit that made her look like two big scoops of sherbet. She, too, has long had heart trouble, so this additional weight gain really disturbs me.

What about me? In addition to gut trouble, I have high blood pressure and now wear a (gulp!) size 16. (For perspective: until I was about 40, I wore a 6 or 8.) I also know I should work out more. I must work out more. But I'm so slammed at work this week that I can barely squeeze in sleep. That's hyperbole, of course ... but not by much.

I'm trying to keep all this in its place. Yes, these are my friends. And yes, since I have no spouse or siblings (really), they mean a great deal to me. They are my comrades and my support system. So considering their frailties -- and my own -- frightens me.

But I have a big presentation on Thursday morning and this is Wednesday morning. The work's done but it's not yet letter perfect. I'm afraid I don't have time to completely feel this right now.