LuAnn, you always say “been worse”, never “I’m good”.

It’s all I can manage.

I’ve been sick for most of my life, sick in the body, sick in the mind, sick in the heart. I’m in pain, constantly. I’ve been sick enough I thought I would die. Thirty years ago, I probably would have.

I have a hard time lying when I don’t need to, and my dumb brain doesn’t see most social interactions, even the ones I have to have professionally, that matter as a point of pure materiality, as situations in which I have to tell this lie: “I’m good”, “Doing well”.

In truth though, I am alright. I wouldn’t say “good”, I don’t know how “good” it’s even possible for me to be. But for the moment, nothing is falling apart (I’ve known falling apart before), my life isn’t in danger (I’ve known danger before). I’m not “good”, but, I’ve been worse.