|
Kurt E's passing
|
Zyme2-@aol.com
|
Dec 14, 2008 11:44 PST
|
Chuck,
Thanks for the WHIRL email. I hadn't heard of Kurt being ill in recent
weeks, so I assume this was a sudden event. Kurt and I continued a very stormy,
argumentative email relationship since the summer cross-country RAAM trip but
we cut off further discussion recently after some fiery discussion of ongoing
"support" for US troops in Iraq.
I knew of his ongoing diabetes, heart problems and sleep apnea issues, so
this comes as no surprise, especially since he steadfastly refused to alter his
diet or to exercise regularly in any fashion.
I will send a note of condolence to his wife Marti, who, despite Kurt's
aggressive, almost belligerent personality, was a very kind and sweet woman. When
I stayed at their place, we talked a bit about Kurt's anger management
issues which flared up frequently during the RAAM trip.
Do you know the exact cause of his death? I assume the attached biography
was from the funeral service. Did you attend?
Re my own life and times, I am still hoping to be able to join the RAAM
officials crew for the 2009 RAAM event, so I do hope that I'll be able to be in
the DC area in late June to join at least one WHIRL ride, and I'll bring my
own bike to make sure that will work!
I logged only about 1800 miles during 2008. I did 50 miles of the Santa Fe
century, and some longer distance rides with local 'bent riders. The week-long
400 mile-ish rides I did this year were the locally-organized Texas Caprock
ride in May and the CANDISC ride in August, both of which Bill Cook did, and
it was good to see him again. In both rides I rode pretty moderately, with
some growing pain both walking and riding, which eventually led me to see
several orthopedic doctors here.
I am right now recuperating from a total (left) hip replacement. The surgery
was done on Dec. 1. The cartilage had essentially all worn away at the femur
head/hip socket, and the operation was unavoidable. I'm doing pretty well
now, past the initial 2 weeks of pain, swelling and strong drugs and beginning
a course of rehabilitative physical therapy. And...still taking some of those
leftover strong drugs.
Luckily, Ann's been able to spend time at home to get me through this
period. If all goes well, by spring I should have better range of motion (one of
the reasons I couldn't easily fit either of Bill's bikes when I last saw you)
greater strength, and better balance. And, of course, the new bionic Ti and
space-age ceramic thigh parts will add an aura of invincibility to my already
overblown ego.
I do hope things are well with you and your family, and I send seasonal
greetings to all WHIRLIES and their loved ones.
Be well,
Ed
Edward Lifschitz
48 Calle del Sol
Placitas, NM 87043
505-205-5319
el5-@columbia.edu
**************Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and
favorite sites in one place. Try it now.
(http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp&icid=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom00000010)
|
|
 |
|
