No. 281: DAVID CARLE / Many would be traumatized and grief-stricken when told they had to give up the game, but the teen I talked to couldn't have a better perspective on his situation.

NHL teams wanted to talk to the Denver University coach. They should have known there'd be more than pro millions in play.

THANKS for your patience and kind notes and calls. I made it home Wednesday punctured like pin cushion (got used to using blood tests to tell the time), with a batch of new prescriptions, ready for another experiment with this ol’ flesh-shelled test tube. Just cork, shake and lower me over the Bunsen burner. Your messages of support during recent travails have been much appreciated.

Guess it’s fitting that on return I’m writing about a guy in the news who was still processing a not insignificant medical scare when I talked to him 17 years ago.