The update on Jason – 2/12/05 post – he’s in San Diego and has been since last Wed. He had problems with his lungs a few days ago and had to have one of them drained, over a liter of fluid in it. I won’t explain the procedure…ugh!!! It’s painful. I visited him in the hospital a week ago tonight and we talked about his plans – as well as he could with a raspy voice and a hard time breathing due to broken ribs and other things going on – and our plans to get together and play poker at my place again. I’ve talked to him every day – except two – since he called me with the devasting news. He’s expected to be in San Diego for another nine weeks or so.

I’ve received several emails from people on Jason’s behalf since the original post and I really appreciate their thought and concern. Life is so damn hard sometimes.

And it doesn’t seem to get any easier.

Melody Tashman came up behind me – while I was dealing a game – and put her arm around my shoulder, giving me a ‘buss’ on the cheek. It was quite emotional. It’s the first time she’s been ‘out’ since Mike died. Their lives entertwined with mine for years, Melody more so than Mike the first few years because we played in the same games at The Mirage. The last few years, Mike was one of our regular weekly NLH players and wonderful to have in any game. He had such great composure…he’s missed by all of us.

I did visit with Melody for a few minutes before I left for the weekend – away from the Poker Pit. It was sad. We both had misty eyes more than once.