Hi, Claire

I guess anything can be a gift in that sense--including being hit on the head with a brick!
For me, having an operation with a 1 chance in 3 of another operation, and possibly in a position that can't be readily gotten at, sometime during the next 10 years or so, is not a gift.
I don't believe in God, nor in angels watching over me.
The One watching over me is me, with as complete a set of competent doctors as this indigent fellow can gather. Oh, yes, and also friends who I can share with!

best wishes always,
Mike
moochy_hope@yahoo.com