Smile
I swallowed a camera two months ago. Dr. Ravi made me do it.
OK, it was a medical test. To check for blood in my small intestine. Not a usual study, but for me part of a work up for a bout of “low blood” – anemia.
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Author: Tim Rumsey
The Last Time I Saw Mr. Positive
Notebook Recollections The last time I saw Carl Bentson, he was laying on his back on his front steps. Eyes
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A 1950s Gentleman-Type Doctor Exchange
I asked real estate sale guru-friend Steve Sprafka if he had any famous clients or notable sales recently.
“Eric Clapton bought two 1969 Fender twin reverb amps last year. He calls me sometimes.”
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Lunch with the one and only Mr. Positive
The fall weather is extra-ordinary today. 80°. Blue sky. Patches of atmosphere with the correct water content and altitude have been tricked into Cumulo-Nimbus white fluffs. Even the street folks look happy for this moment.
I’m walking to the Day By Day Café.
“Sit with me,” Carl says from a round metal outdoor table at the café as I approach.
Of course I will.
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Mr. Positive is Ill, Part Three
It is verified factual that Carl Benston – Mr. Positive – has had seven months of stage four esophagus cancer and six months of “no more cancer chemo.” So, it was awfully good to see him this lovely fall Sunday out in front of his St. Clair house at his umbrella table.
“How are you?” I asked.
“Good,” he answered. “A little tired. It’s too hot out to cut grass, 88.”
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Losing Brother Mark
August 1980. I was five years into my first real doctor job after interning one year at Minneapolis General Hospital. Family Doctor at West 7th’s Helping Hand Health Center across from Mancini’s, in the former Little Bohemian Bakery. 32 years young. One of my first patients of that day looked very, very fragile.
“I just lost my best sister to a heart attack one month ago,” said a 70 year-old distressed lady. “We were always close, and I didn’t get to say goodbye.”
“I’m really sorry,” I said.
“We talked every day and most evenings. I don’t know what I’ll do without her.”
I told her I knew exactly how she felt.
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Mr. Positive is ill, part two
OK, here’s what we know about neighborhood treasure Carl Bentson’s health and well-being from part one. He was diagnosed with stage–4 esophageal cancer at the end of February 2024. Not generally a good thing.
Since then he has completed five chemo sessions at Region’s cancer center. Best friend Karen drives him to cancer world appointments, treatments and pharmacy pick ups. Neighborhood all-stars Mark, Emil, Linda, Trent, Tracy and Chuck and Bill Quinn help with everyday stuff.
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Mr. Positive is ill
I’ve driven by Carl Bentson‘s St. Clair State Fair House every day for 30 years. Like so many others, I have to. To right-start my day. Triple points if Carl is sitting at his front yard card table and my honk gets a go-ahead wave. A blessing. Today will be OK.
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“Mr. Positive” Retires after 40 years at Bridgeview School
“Mr. Positive” Carl Bentson, 61, was honored with a sumptuous Mancini’s dinner on March 18 for his 40 years of
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