Neil’s wife, Ruthie, called me about three weeks ago. Neil’s in the hospital and has been there over three months. He can’t speak, she said. I sent some flowers with a note.

I’m honestly afraid to call to see how he is doing.

Neil is one of the most honorable men in my life. For so many reasons.

He’s five years older than me.

I don’t want to hear he’s passed away. I just don’t.

Men like Neil are very few and far between.

I’ll have to write about my relationship with him one day soon. It’s a long story.