Say a prayer, light a candle, intone a mantra, think healing thoughts ... whatever you choose, please do it for Paul K., my former boss and good friend. He's only 59.

He had a heart attack over the weekend. This morning, starting just about now, he is having bypass surgery. Though blessed with a sturdy, athletic body, he has not taken care of it (he considers any physical weakness to be 'wimping out') and now, to our great sorrow, he is paying the price.

He has never been able to acknowledge, as he has aged along with the rest of us, that he is getting older. I know it sounds crazy, but he still thinks he can play pickup basketball with the guys after being sedentary all week. Knee injuries and gout have been treated as unacceptable weaknesses, being overweight as something to be bemoaned, but not dealt with.

We, his friends, we all tried to tell him, but he was absolutely determined not to listen. I'm not surprised at the timing of the heart attack--the stress of school startup this last week has been fierce.

So last weekend, his heart gave him final notice: If you won't pay attention, then I'll make you pay attention. He drove himself to the ER.

I will be thinking of him all day. If you would add your thoughts to mine, keep the beads hot, and hope for the best. Thanks.