One step forward, another step back. On the good-news front, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently clarified its guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain, acknowledging that the rigid interpretation of the 2016 policy has done more harm than good. Not only were chronic pain sufferers denied desperately needed medication, with a startling number turning to suicide, but the opioid overdose death toll was virtually unaffected and, in fact, continued to climb.

While out walking on a cold windy morning, I noticed a lone flower peeking out between the sidewalk bricks. I slowed my pace, admired the flower's tenacity, and then even stopped to snap a photo.

As my mind flashed to one of Paul's writings, I realized the source of my inspiration. You'll understand when you read "A Flower in Filth" -- written by Paul in 2011. As always, I did not correct misspellings.