We always have choices, Bobert.

And you and others, and many of us who will need to follow a bit later also have the benefit of the significant advances that have been made in just the past 10 years in medicine and surgical procedures to joints needed for fine motor skills.

It also helps to remember that regardless of surgery, many of us ain't spring chickens anymore.

Go to sleep. Dream sweet. Azaleas starting to bloom. Hellebore babies waiting to be potted up and passed back to you. Guitar necks patiently waiting to be stroked or hammered, but only in good time.