Evening all. First, to misquote Samuel Clemens, let me assure you the rumors of my demise are grossly exaggerated. I’m making very good progress down at the VA Medical Center in Richmond, and soon I will be back to the old grumpy, dog-on-a bone-Bob Carey that you all have come to know and (maybe not) love. My strategy is to ask so many questions about various Veterans Health Administration Directives and regulatory policy that the staff here beg the doctor to discharge me ASAP. I’ll keep you up to date on how that works.

But let me say, first and foremost, how much I appreciate the sacrifices of my sisters Judy and Lee, their husbands Ed and Terry, and their families, since my accident. They’ve put their lives on hold to come to DC and Richmond to help me out and take care of things I can’t do while I’m away. They’ve been absolute troopers, and they’ve taken a very heavy burden and worry off my shoulders. 

As well, my girlfriend Patti’s been a true light. For the Greek mythology fans, she feels like my Psyche and I grow to love her wisdom, tenacity, and kindness more and more each time I see it. She always says I should have been a lawyer, but seeing her ask questions of the care team — she is the true master cross examiner. And that is lovely to see in one’s own defense!

For the rest of you, whether Navy Shipmates, fellow ruggers, fraternity brethren, fellow high school miscreants, or my compatriot DC swamp rat hacks, thank you for tracking me down, chatting me up, sending me all those bottles of whisky (not — don’t do it…it'll get me kicked out), and just generally following up, I love you all. And for one special DC hack, thank you for trying so hard to get into the hospital that they towed your car!  I will let you remain unnamed, but that my dear, is a truly strong move.

I feel like it’s the Academy Awards, and the symphony is starting to play and the hosts are shuffling me off, so I’ll get off now. Again, thank you all.

— Bob