I have spent a lot of time with too many people that have left me wondering about the fate of the human race. Sometimes I feel like I'm channeling Douglas Adams, and it doesn't often feel like a good thing.

Avi's surgery went incredibly well. The staff at the surgical center were lovely and kind and went out of their way to make sure that all of us -- everyone from Avadore to Rice and I to LD to the Spots -- were comfortable and well taken care of. They even bent their rule about only two people in visiting recovery at a time to allowing LD and the Spots to come in, too.

I was particularly touched by the RN who took the time to make Avadore a special slushie. (Which LD ended up drinking; Avadore stuck to the apple juice.)

Tonight, at about 9:30, LD split open the underside of his chin. A lot. Long and deep. So we called Rice's uncle (you may remember him -- the doc who told us he make house calls when we took Avadore in to his work for the ear infection). He showed up at our house, prepared to glue LD's gash, until he saw the size. At this point he said to meet him at his work. He put four or five stitches in LD's chin, and refused to charge us. This is no longer his practice -- he's an employee like everyone else. After declining payment, he also told us not to worry about paying for the supplies -- it was his pleasure and he'd pay for it.

Rice said if he ever needed computer help to let him know.

A trip to the ER (which would have been our only other option) would have cost about $500.00.

I have never really done anything for these people. In a society that is focused on "What's in it for me?" I am always touched when others go out of their way to take care of their fellow man.

And you all help with that faith. So many of you have reached out in kind, thoughtful ways that would have been incomprehensible to me at one time.