For Andy

I understand that over the weekend the doctors will be taking off sedation and allowing you to come out of this long darkness, hopefully slowly and gently.

The only memory I have that would even remotely compare is from a long time ago, when I woke, from a minor operation that had nonetheless required total anaesthesia, to find before me the worried face of a nurse that had been shaking me and calling me loudly. "You gave me quite a scare, Blondie! I couldn't seem to be able to call you back!" he exclaimed as his features relaxed. As for me, however, I was as crossed as could be and felt like a persistent, irritating alarm had just woken me, way too early, from a deep, untroubled sleep and recalled me to a none too pleasant reality. So maybe, more than ever, this is the time you will need us to send your way as much light and color as we can, to help smooth the transition.

If, like me, you wake up none too pleased and your ears buzz, well, blame it on us, Andy! It's probably us saying over and over: "Come on, Andy!" "Wake up, Andy!" "We're waiting for you, Andy!" "Hurry up and get back to us, Andy!"