SUZIE IS HUNGRY!

Great news. Suzie is now eating solid food three times per day.

I visited at 5 PM on Monday afternoon, just in time for dinner. Suzie's nurse Persia was helping her eat soup, beef souffle, apple sauce and tapioca pudding. The pudding was a big hit, as was the cranberry juice that Suzie drank through a straw. Actually guzzled would be a better word.

"Very perfect food," Suzie raved.

Persia told me that Monday was the first day that Suzie ate solid food at all meals. Her appetite was great, and she even asked for corn, which unfortunately was not on the menu. But Persia promised to make a special request.

Suzie's mom and aunt also came in during dinner, and spoke to her in Korean. Suzie repeated Korean phrases back to them, which made them both very happy.

I asked Suzie if anyone from MJM had been by to visit.

"Pat and Lauren," she said.

"And Janine?" I asked.

"Janine Panico," Suzie said.

I told her about my trip to Boca Raton with Danusia last week for MJM, and how Sarah Palin had made a campaign stop at our hotel. (I also explained who Palin was, in case Suzie hadn't heard about America's favorite hockey mom.) Then I mentioned that Danusia had yelled "Go Obama!" at McCain supporters who were lined up along the road to the hotel.

"Go Obama!" Suzie yelled back at me. So I guess we know who she supports.

It had been more than a week since I last saw Suzie, and I found her to be much more responsive than on my last visit. She showed off her strength by giving my hand a few big, hard squeezes, and she was clearly enjoying eating food again. Each time Persia would give her something new, Suzie thanked her. She even fed herself a bit.

I talked a bit more about work and, before I left, I asked Suzie if she remembered my name. In all my visits she has never greeted me by name.

"Betty?" she said. Her mom and aunt laughed and so did Suzie.

I leaned over and whispered in her ear.

"Will!" Suzie said in a raised voice, her eyes wide, as if it was all coming back to her.

That was a great moment.

Looking forward to seeing all of Suzie's NYC crew tonight at 7 PM at The R Bar, 218 Bowery, between Prince and Spring Street. (R/W to Prince, 6 to Spring, F/V to Second Ave.)