“It’s the shits”

What a bit of serendipity! Sam was napping when I arrived this morning (looks like Tuesday mornings are gonna be my most reliable time to visit). While we were waiting for Michael to come get him up, he asked how I was doing. In general? Fine. But I can’t get over [the FP]. 🙁 He said, “And that’s the shits.” Then added, “Put that in the weblog.” What cracked me up was that later I was reading him an email from Jennifer that was along the lines of supporting both me and the FP in this process, and you know what she had written? “It’s the shits.” ! Hilarious!
Our negotiation about how to use our hour today was funny too.

Sam started coughing while we’re deciding. “You sound like a horse,” I said. “Par for the course.”
Then he showed me the ICT/PIM quilt – again. I asked what his deal is with that quilt these days? He was worried I’d forgotten to mention it. I think he is really hoping that somehow, some of those former students are gonna get hooked into this and re-connect with him. If you have any means of putting out the word, please do!
We decided that I’d read him the entry I’d written for the weblog first. This was actually the first time he’s heard how I represent him online (I finally remembered to print it out). He approved: “I like your style.” Whew! It was gonna SUCK if he didn’t! 🙂
Then we dove right into the comments and emails. I’d told him we had a lot to talk about, and he said, “You do the talking.” I needed to clarify whether this was a request (indicating he didn’t want to speak much today), or a statement of fact (that I typically “do the talking”). He said, “Fact.” Uh oh! 🙂
Four of you had made comments to the last blog: Ruth, Phil, Dave, and Jennifer. Sam says he misses all (each) of you. Ruth, you had written “sigh” at the end of your wish to drink and philosophize together. Sam repeated it, “Sigh.” Kinda sweet, huh? Dad (Dave), the joke you sent (about GW’s Apache name, “Running Eagle”) made Sam laugh pretty hard. He wants me to send it to Jennifer, but decided it’s not suitable for public consumption. (If anyone wants it, please send me an email and I’ll send it on.) Paul and Karen ~ Sam liked your joke too. The ones that got obvious chuckles were:
“Only in America…do we use the word ‘politics’ to describe the process so well: ‘poli’ in Latin meaning ‘many’ and ‘tics’ meaning ‘bloodsucking creatures.”
and
“If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?”
Rick – we really are waiting for an explanation of your work in Kabul (when you have time). 🙂 And Nona, where is Ali Ramada?
Dick, we’re wondering about you and Emily ~ and I’m so sorry I miswrote “Edith” last time. I actually know few of you in person so sometimes the names blur. I apologize. (And anyone should feel free to correct me if you notice a faux paux, please.) Drop us a line when you can? We are deeply hoping everything went alright with the surgery and that Emily is now recovering ~ at home?
Ana Elisa and family, Sam was thrilled to know everyone is ok. He was wondering why your dad doesn’t write, because he’s so good at computers, and then remembered that his English may not be as good as yours. Is that right? It’s pretty cool that so many members of your family visit your grandfather every day. He is one lucky guy!
Sam did get to make the trip to SIT and had a grand time. One other resident of Eden Park went with him, Jack (95 years old). They were going to meet some of Sam’s friends, and had a bit of glitch at the rendezvous as Sam & Co were in the international student center and the group they were meeting were waiting in the room that used to be the library. However, they did manage to hook up with Alvino and Bea Fantini, and Robin Bitters (who is married to David Timmons). They chatted for about an hour. Sam also met Steve Fitch (from accounting) and Suzanna (?) ~ he wasn’t quite sure he remembered her name correctly. He had seen her in NY a long time ago, and she’d traveled to Africa and some other places after graduating before winding up in London. Now she’s teaching English. Sam also remembered the nurse, Debbie Renzano (sp?) from his time there. It was a rainy day but Sam recalls the visit as quite nice. 🙂
He told me he still gets supportive comments from staff at Eden Park for the t-shirt that the FP found him for last year’s Xmas present. It says
‘Bushleague Seed Co. Texas Homegrown Dope”
“Planting instructions: using a silver spoon, plant in shallow hole. Protect from draft. Feed with loads of family and soft money.’
Did you know that Sam is editor of the monthly newsletter? His editorial this month, “A Failure of Leadership”, contains excerpts of a speech given by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy on May 6th entitled, “Prison Abuses in Iraq.” Sam has been exhorting his fellow residents to vote, and today we put a bumper sticker on his wheelchair that says, “Your Vote is Your Voice.” He has a pin, too. These are being distributed ~ free ~ by the Town of Brattleboro’s Town Clerk’s Office.
Barbara Dirks had brought by some old yearbooks from Yankton College. Sam graduated from there with his BA in Music in 1950. He also edited the yearbook that year. The “Greyhounds” were sent by Nancy Wittler, whose husband, Mel, died (recently? Sam was surprised by the news; he hadn’t known). Sam had so far only looked closely at the issue from 1952, which didn’t have pictures of anyone he knew, except for one person who he didn’t know well. He’s pleased to have them to peruse, though. Thanks Nancy! (If anyone has her email, please pass this on.)
While I was there, Barbara John popped in. She’s the volunteer whose given Sam some of the plants in his window. She was just on vacation to Maine and brought him back a stuffed lobster: “I couldn’t bring you a real one so I did the next best thing.”
The only other news is that Dr. Hoskins hasn’t followed up with Sam yet about those PSAs and shots….guess I’ll have to give his office another call. I noticed Pat was by to visit (you rock!)….and now I have to go be a grad student!