This was now my second visit to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, this time to plot with the anesthesiologists on the far side of the campus just how this is going to work out given some hereditary conditions. It went very well. I’m very impressed. They’re very well organized. This is a teaching hospital, which means that the resident remembered accurately what he had read about my most obscure and rare condition. Kudos to him. Great.
Meanwhile, I always take a mnemonic picture, which I didn’t need anyway. But just in case.
Slaying “The Dragon” was especially fun on the way up, as I got behind a red Porsche with a super loud muffler and an altogether outrageous license plate message, perhaps a large shareholder of the company. He was going out of his way to be very loud and altogether too fast, but I was able to keep up with him for part of the way, the most curvy bits. Great entertainment. I slowed down when I saw a cop on the side. No need. I wasn’t even going the speed limit. Can anyone do the speed limit while slaying The Dragon? I’m guessing that’s impossible. The cops aren’t there to give out tickets, but rather to direct traffic when inevitable accidents occur. Meanwhile, I’m the luckiest priest in the world. This is truly paradise on earth.
Meanwhile, I fully realize that when I’m having waaaay toooo much fun, that’s when disaster strikes. But that’s when Saint Paul (Romans 8:28) says:
- “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Saint Teresa of Avila complained that she felt awkward when all things were going well. Did she displease the good Lord, you know, what with all things going well? I get that.
Maybe I’m just thinking what could happen with the surgery. Meanwhile, it doesn’t matter what happens. It’s all good, just like Saint Paul says.
ARISE! LET US BE GOING! 
Father we have no idea what you’re going through but be assured of our prayers
Everyday. Especially the Rosary .
I’m with Ms. Ashley. Asking your guardian angel to be on high alert on the day of your surgery. May The Dragon be slain one more time. Prayers go with you.
Yes, prayers for you every day, Father. You lead such an exciting life. Your guardian angel works hard. Thanks for the fun updates even on hard matters. Prayers for your health and everything else. God bless and keep you!
Prayers for you. May our Lady guide the hands of your doctor and then comfort you with a healing caress.
Having fun driving behind a deafening loud automobile? You are truly good natured, most of us would be grumbling at the lack of consideration and boorish attitude of such a driver. I am surprised that the driver wasn’t admonished – since it was a hospital after all.
The tail of the dragon is a road in NC. !!! When he finally had a straightaway he slowed up to make sure I hadn’t gone over a cliff! All good fun. Look at up!
Oh, the picture of the parking lot level confused me. I thought this was happening in the hospital parking lot. Me bad!