Irving was just coming out of anesthesia after a series of tests in the hospital, and his wife, Sarah, was sitting at his bedside. His eyes fluttered open, and he murmured, “You’re beautiful.” Flattered, Sarah continued her vigil while he drifted back to sleep.

Later he woke up and said, “You’re cute.” “What happened to ‘beautiful?'” Sarah asked. “I guess the drugs must be wearing off,” he replied.