Bruce the Valiant came out of his surgical procedure with flying colors, just as my sister Joan arrived to be with him as he awoke. Within a few hours he was off sedation, smiling through his discomfort, and asking for something to write with. Evidence of his dry humor warmed me. The ventilator was turned off so he could regain his own lung rhythm. The team of ICU doctors gave a thumbs-up go-ahead for tube removal. By the time I finish this entry and get back, the breathing machine will be history. Today’s progress exceeds our most daring hopes.