When you're in your Golden Years, things happen unexpectedly. Recently my week was hectic.

My husband woke up with a very uncomfortable pain in his belly. It took some doing, but I finally convinced him we should go to the emergency room at Saratoga Hospital.
It was the best course of action. He has had some major surgeries over the past 10 years and since then has battled bowel blockage and adhesions.
Fortunately, it wasn't a bowel blockage but a very scary diagnose: two lesions on his liver. Also, another Xray showed two gallstones and inflammation. He was put on  two strong antibiotics for the inflammation and an appointment was set up with an oncologist. And, also with a surgeon.
After several very worrisome days, we found out that the lesions on his liver have been there since 2004 and still look the same. The terrific oncologist was so thorough and told us he would contact the radiologist and the surgeon and they would put their heads together to see if they all agreed.
Thanks heavens, they all agreed with the oncologist. By the way, they were ordinary blood spots that not everyone have.
What a relief. We saw the surgeon and the ladder part of August the gallbladder will be removed.
The bottom line is, when you're our age things happen. And, it doesn't always mean the end is almost here.
So, before jumping to conclusions as we both did, wait to hear the final verdict. Also, if it was a negative diagnose, it doesn't always mean it is the end.
We both have lots of living to do.
Remember life is good no matter what. And, besides we are so fortunate to have such a great hospital and some of the best doctors right here among us.
The bottom line is live the best you can and enjoy the years you have left.

I had my day all planned. I made one of my husband's favorite dishes: stew beef in Italian sauce with fresh green beans and Italian bread for dipping.
The plan was to sit down and watch I'll Have Another make history. Maybe! The older I get and I'm nearly 80, I should know everything doesn't work out as planned.
But no need to fret. The day's plans still are the same: watching races from Belmont and then the long-awaited big race - the Belmont (the third leg of the triple crown) - without I'll have Another. My choice now is either Union Rags or Paynter. I'll know it won't be the same without someone going for the triple crown, but it's still topnotch racing.
I always get excited when these days come along - whether it be the World Series, the US Open Golf tourney (which, by the way, starts Thursday), or the Opening Day of Saratoga. I am a sports fanatic.
So now that I just finished making the bed, cleaning the bathrooms and stirring the stew beef that is simmering gently on the stove, I'll put on my face and sit down for a day of excitement - in my eyes anyway.
Sorry about I'll Have Another. I hope he heals quickly and can move on to his next step fathering lots of thoroughbred future champions. In the meantime let's all be thankful in our "Golden Years" that we're still here to enjoy what comes around, and around, and around.