[img]2962|right|Ken Ruben||no_popup[/img]An update for the many friends of Ken Ruben, who suffered a serious stroke two weeks ago today or two weeks ago Tuesday:

Lodged (temporarily) – since Monday – at Country Villa Mar Vista – he is more alert and somewhat more aware than in the days immediately after he was felled.

Progress, but…

His chipper personality gradually is resurfacing, although speaking has been elusive. Making himself understood continues to  frustrate him.

The transportation maven, on buses and covering the streets at all hours, has been one of Culver City’s leading purveyors of news. His radio never used to be farther than arm’s length.

Not now, however.

All of that was in his previous world.

With one side remaining paralyzed, yesterday’s most encouraging sign was that he was feeding himself – strictly soft foods — for the first time. For a righthander, he employed his left paw impressively.

Known for his nearly 20-hours-a-day of cell phone calling, Mr. Ruben inexplicably has disdained usage of his three cell phones lately.

When Yossie Greisman, Mr. Ruben’s rabbi, dropped by yesterday, he suggested a different form of communication, and Mr. Ruben seemed amenable. But maybe not. That is the reality of the world he inhabits. For now?

Let this be today’s final and unforgettable signoff:

Any person who can inspire and maintain fiercely loyal relationships with as many pals as he has heard from during the past fortnight may exhale with considerable satisfaction.

This man, Mr. Ruben, has passionately carved a favorable dent in the world that the rest of us admire, envy and should seek to emulate.