Her orthopedic surgeon said it was the worst knee he had ever operated on in over 26 years of practice. But thanks to his talent and diligence, it was a success. Total knee replacement!

The other day, after five difficult weeks of rehab, I took her back to my house to see the kids and hang out for a little bit.

She lit up a cigarette. Outside it was a little overcast, but otherwise a wonderfully quiet weekend morning.

There we were. The two of us. Sitting calmly as if we had always been the best of friends. During a light breeze, I thought to myself, damn. She’s changed. This is awesome. She’s relaxed. She’ll be moving around much better sooner than you know it, and you know? I could easily see us hanging out together and socializing like normal families do. Grabbing a brunch…, having a few laughs, shootin’ the shit…