thanks, everyone, for your sentiments.

in my father's case, he had severe RA and the drugs he was on to treat the RA compromised his immune system which is why he died. my mother and I also contracted MRSA from my father and both colonized it. both of us also had outbreaks after surgery, but neither of us died from if (well, at least I don't think I died from it).

serious stuff, but obviously more dangerous to those with weakened immune systems.