My dad is 89 years old.  He is active and self-sufficient.  What a difference a day makes at that age.

Today he had persistent shortness of breath and tightness in his chest.  Apparently, this has been going on for some weeks, especially when he walks.   These are the same streets and hills he has walked his adult life.

The doctor thinks it is his heart.  He is fine now.  He sounds fine over the phone.  We’ll see.  Some tests in the coming days.

I am still under the weather with the flu, so I have to wait to see him until the weekend.

I know I have joked in my blog about my father’s low threshold for discomfort and how much I know about his intestinal fortitude or lack thereof.  This is different. 

Dad is not panicked or kvetching.  And, he plans to think carefully about what, if any, procedures he would undergo.

My father’s heart pumps so strong with love, generosity and kindness.  Yet, it may also be a weakening muscle. 

Just keep it beating, Dad.