Been there; done that. That laconic response could signify a general lack of enthusiasm for the event and the location now under consideration. But even if the first-go-around was reasonably satisfactory, one might not see any particular advantage to a do-over. Consider our situation. Months ago, we had traveled all the way out to Ein Kerem two times, once for the pre-op appointment and again for the ‘ishpuz’ (where you’re technically admitted, even if you don’t stay there for several days), all with the best of intentions. We thought those formalities were over and done with and the procedure to eliminate the need for my catheter would take place without a hitch, except that a few days later, certain gentlemen – who shall remain nameless – started a war, causing us to spend quality time stretched out in Barbara’s office (a/k/a the mamad) instead of the hospital bed, as we had anticipated.

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Prelude

The four months between when your procedure was supposed to take place and when the folks at the hospital actually got around to yanking out your catheter, did it seem that the days went flying by, or did the time just drag on? Actually neither. These days, I get up in the morning, say my prayers, ending with the shir shel yom, so that I’m clear that it’s Monday, Tuesday, etc., in effect, a new day for me and a reminder that I recited that same psalm a week before, and what did I accomplish in those intervening seven days? I consider the day over and done with when I say goodnight to my wonderful wife, turn off my nightlight, and settle into bed. Whatever I did or didn’t do after I got up, it’s on me. Each day takes the same amount of time, so, as far as I’m concerned, there’s no faster or slower – just better spent or the opposite.

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