Thank you for this. This absolutely reminds me of my dad, who has survived two heart attacks and was recently diagnosed with diabetes, yet continues to smoke.

He's also in California and I had to leave work 5 years ago the last time he had a heart attack to see him in the hospital.

I'm fortunate, because I've been given so much extra time with him; but I definitely take it for granted.

I will call him tonight.

@1 That sounds familiar, since my Dad had diabetes, too. FWIW, he was thrilled with the staff at Kaiser, so I believe he got the best care possible (and while he was unconscious, his friends played music for him). I didn't get the two years I was expecting, but I was grateful for one. Best to you and your Dad.

@1 and 2, I guess I'm lucky my dad's doctor announced he'd had his last cigarette in the hospital after his heart attack. He still hasn't done any exercise, but at least he's stopped smoking. I certainly remember getting the call while getting off the ferry to Orcas.

Love this, Kathy. It's sad but it's how we experience the art we care about. In not always ideal, but certainly fascinating and thought-provoking ways. (Your writing is always fiercely clear and heart-provoking too.)

@3 I admire that. My Dad tried over the years, but he couldn't do it. Even after they put him on oxygen, he was still smoking. @4 Thanks, Chris! I have a story about a terminally ill cat and Mean Girls, but I think I'll save that one for another day.

@5 I've not seen your name in the bylines before and I assume it's because you've posted on Line-Out until the recent merger into Slog.

Anyway, I look forward to reading your old posts and look forward to your future musings. Your non-review-review of these films made me so much more interested in watching them. I like a good story; and reading how these movies make you feel after seeing them, and when thinking about them is far more important that any critical dissection of the film could ever provide.

I talked to my dad for a good hour today, and it was really nice. I'm sorry you aren't able to do the same, but I truly and honestly thank you for reminding me that I still have that option, every day, until I don't anymore.

Thank you.

@6 You're absolutely correct; I've been writing for Line Out since 2011. Your Dad is lucky to have you. My Dad and I did not always have the best relationship--and that's an understatement--but I'm an only child and he was my only Dad. He was never abusive, but he scared me at times. It took me a long while to realize that he sometimes felt the same way about me.