still breathing in and out

That's his line.
Whenever he calls me, he says, "I'm just checking in, to let you know I'm still breathing in and out."
He means it only halfway as a good thing.
Now, he's in the hospital.
Again.
His alcoholism is catching up with him.
After more than twenty years of abuse, his 52-year-old body is about had enough. Yellowed skin, ragged complexion, and he walks like a man at least twenty years his senior.
At least I know he is in a safe place now.
My thanks to his long-time friends, Sue and Barbara, for calling me about his rapid change in condition.
It's good to know he has such good friends, still.