Rick’s Corner     

I suppose the rest of you saw this coming and out of politeness or concern for my health, chose not to mention anything. I respect your concern. There was no guarantee, after all, that anything would happen or that things would play out the way they did.

Unfortunately, something did happen. Even now it hurts me to say that last Wednesday I lost my cell phone. I know – it’s not as if there weren’t any clues. Ever since I’ve been here at M.D. Anderson, my phone cried out for attention. The timing was terrible. I had nothing to give, as all my attention is directed at getting healthy again.

And so now it’s just time to say it’s over. I said I lost my cell phone, but in truth it ran away, escaped if you will. I never once set the phone on a table or desk and then walked away from it. Never once.

Each time the phone turned up missing, it had snuck out of my pocket, hoping to go unnoticed long enough to cover its trail. And, at the risk of being labeled some sort of conspiracy nut, I find it curious that each escape attempt occurred at the clinic. Apparently there was a glamour or excitement there that I could not match. So be it.

I have managed to keep the same cell phone number, so you shouldn’t have a problem calling me. I, on the other hand, have lost my phone directory and so may have trouble calling you. If that is particularly troubling to you, feel free to send your number any time.

And as for those of you who are thinking, ‘Why should this new phone be any different?’, let me assure you that I have been proactive in this matter and paid extra for the ‘loyalty’ feature. I didn’t even know that the mobile phone stores offered such a feature, but they do.

For those of you who might like a similar cell phone, just ask for the ‘mercenary’ feature.

Rick