We have much to discuss.

My Dad had a mild heart attack on (of all days) Father's Day, and ended up spending over a week in the Heart Hospital here in Indianapolis. He's now the proud "owner" of a pacemaker, and is doing really well at home. He has to take it easy for the next couple of weeks ... and we'll all end up pitching in a bit around the house. I say it's the least we can do. Dad has never been the type to complain of feeling poorly, so hearing him say "I think I need to go to the ER" was a big shock. I can't even begin to put into words how relieved I am that there wasn't a need for a bypass. He had a triple bypass in 1992, and thankfully, it's held up remarkably well. There was slight damage to his heart from the attack (and the doctors think he might have had as many as three other small ones in the past few months), but the pacemaker is supposed to be the "big fix." He already says he feels better ... so that's a big "YAY!"

My Mom handled the whole thing really, really well. She was, of course, frightened and worried at first ... but when she saw how at ease Dad was and realized just how close the hospital was to my office (less than five minutes), she calmed down somewhat. It was very sweet to watch them interact when she was finally able to get down here. She insisted on giving her "baby" a big kiss before sitting down, and I don't think she let go of his hand the entire time she was in the room. They truly are bound ... and I think each would be lost without the other.

I will say I was reality-slapped with Mom's growing frailty while helping her get from her wheelchair to the hospital chair, etc. She's just so tiny now ... and I kept worrying that I was holding her arm too tightly or being too pushy. Her spirits are still flying high and her silliness is still a joy to behold. But it was a real eye-opener for me. Had something happened to Dad, there would have been no way for her to live alone in the house. She requires too much assistance. Wow. Unreal ... but, such is life. They've both lived very full, rich lives and I certainly can't complain about THAT. I am going to treasure each remaining moment I have with them and enjoy them for who they are. I love them both madly.

Anyway ...

Work contines to be good, but challenging. There are days when I think my head is going to explode from stress, but then there are days when I think it's a breeze. I would imagine that's a pretty decent average ... so I should keep counting my blessings and learn from the situations that bring me stress. That's what I'm trying to do, at least. Thank GOD for Jessica and Carie.

Tony won second place in the IndyFringe contest, and I couldn't be happier for him. The BIG news, however, is that The Alley Theatre here in town was so enamored with his piece that they're opening their season with it!!! YAY!!! It'll most likely be in September, and rest assured, I'll keep this blog updated with all pertinent info. I'm so proud of him. And so happy that he's being recognized, again, for his abilities. He's a lovely writer and this personal piece, in particular, sings with the voice of his wisdom and experience. Go, baby.

Speaking of singing ...
It's well-documented here that I love me some Patty Griffin. Her "new" (it's a number of months old now) CD Children Running Through is another stunning gem in her crown. She's such a fantastic songwriter with a pure, true voice that makes me feel warm all over. Stand outs are "Heavenly Day" and "Up to The Mountain (MLK Song)." The latter was sung by Kelly Clarkson on the American Idol Gives Back fundraiser episode. Kelly did a really striking version ... but the eloquent restraint Patty exhibits lifts her into the pantheon of truly amazing singer-songwriters.

I think it's lunch time. Or at least it better be...

Things that make me smile:

• The way Tolliver comes running into the kitchen like a kitten when he hears the food bag or can opener. It's adorable.
• How Tony turns into a strong black woman when Missy Elliott comes on the radio. Bitch even has a dance. Pretty fly for a white guy.
• The fact that Jessica calls decaf "pretend coffee."
• Carie's infectious laugh.
• The mental image of Meghan conversing with a trash heap.
• Jill asking a several hundred pound rhino, in her baby voice, "why are you so cute?"
• April's rapier wit and knowledge of all things afro-centric.
• Alcohol.
• The way music reaches in and grabs my soul. It is almost a religion to me ... there's nothing I believe in more, and nothing that gets to me quite as much. Don't get me wrong -- my relationship is fantastic and I adore my husband -- but that's a totally different thing, a very special connection. My relationship with music is transcendent. Music makes my heart beat. It makes my mind race. It soothes me. It is truly nectar of the gods.

That's enough silliness for now.