I am headed to my moms today to check on her. She is 87 and developed mitral valve regurgitation the end of Sept. and has no energy (due to the lack of oxygen) or short term memory. You can have a fair conversation with her but she wont remember you had it 3 minutes after. She still will beat the heck out of me playing gin! Her long term memory is still great. Her GP has told her that her heart is wearing out! She has beat cancer four times since 1971 and is the last of seven sisters. It is terrible when one of the pillars of your life starts to crumble. I know what Whip means with having patience. Hang in there Whip!