FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I just wanted to let everyone know about Connie. She suffered a stroke on August 13 while recovering from a triple bypass operation that she underwent the day before at West Houston Medical Center. Her condition was pretty bleak the first two days, but she regained consciousness on the 15th and is doing much better now. At first she couldn’t talk, but was able to communicate using her handwriting skills – which are still excellent. She’s talking now but still has some slurred speech and a lot of weakness on her left side. She is expected to stay in ICU for a few more days. Aimee flew down and we visit her every session we’re allowed (4 per day). We were all scared to death for those first few days, but now that she’s getting better we’re actually having a lot of fun watching her improve and compete with the nurses for control. She pulled the tube out of her nose 3 times before they gave up. Charles Brothers Houston, Texas