Acting on the often abused advice that it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness, he called his doctor's office yesterday to find the results of his recent ultrasound thyroid scan.

While he waited 'on hold' for the nurse to consult with his doctor, he tried to imagine the future without him.

Just then his wife entered and asked for the results. "Still on hold" he said and she exited, stage left.

How will he react to dire news?

Does he have six months?

Will they recommend radiation treatments?

Will the rest of his hair fallout?

Will that make him look more like Bruce Willis or Elmer Fudd?

How the hell long is this 'on hold' going to last?

Stephanie came back on the line to say the doctor had reviewed the results and didn't need to see him until his next six month appointment.

He hung up the phone and stopped composing his Eulogy...he stepped outside and tasted the salty tear that fell from his eye. The air smelled crisp and he welcomed Halloween...