Going to ask you all once again to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. This time, though, it's not for me, but for my wife and our oldest son.

My wife's been having a lot of back pain recently and our doctor decided to have an MRI done. Appears they dedected what they described as "narrowing and compressio" of two of her lower vertebrae and have scheduled a meeting for her with a neuro surgeon for a week from today. Until then, she's confined to nothing but bed rest. We suspect that he'll want to do surgery and probably fairly soon.

Then, our oldest son (36) told us that he's done something to his arm to the point he can't hardly use it. Doesn't want to go to the doctor, so has wrapped it in an Ace bandage and wants to "wait it out." Not a good decision, I don't think, but then, what do parents know?

I'm reminded of a line from the show, Fiddler on the Roof, "I know, God, that we're your chosen people, but just once in a while, couldn't you choose somebody else?" I'm beginning to wish He'd make a few selections other than from our family.

Anyway, if you have the time and are so inclined, maybe I can borrow a few more good wishes from you.

Thanks ... and hugs ... Dicksbro