We love you.

the Mudcatters

We do love you.

katlaughing

Dear Mr Catspaw

It has come to our attention recently, that you have had more than your share of threads allotted to you. As I am sure you appreciate, there is only a certain amount of BLUE CLICKY THINGS. They have to used sparingly and we are concerned at the present level of stock. Your help in this matter would be much appreciated.
Would you please hurry up and get well?

Love from all those in the BLUE CLICKY DEPT.

Connie

Kat

I do not have a number into the ICU waiting room and the nurse said she didn't believe therre was one. (Number, that is.) Karen is never in there as she stays with Pat. I hate to call and bother the nurses and tie up their phone so have promised that I will keep my calls to one a day. Karen will probably call me back and if there are any additions to the news, I will get them to you.

Kat, Banjer, Mick etal we appreciate your thoughts of sending not only prayers but financial help. I think that Pat would be upset but at this point even he would see this as an act of love. We are doing everything in the family that we can to help Karen. She needs to go back to work on Monday or her salary will stop. She is under a great deal of pressure and, of course, cannot discuss problems with her best friend, Pat. I would like so very much to say, thanks but we can handle this. However, there comes a time when one must face reality. This has been financially devestating to Karen and Pat and is beyond the realm of what her sister and I can do to help her. I know that any help you send would be received in the spirit with which it was sent and would be of immense help to them.

Now, as to the mechanics. Could it simply be sent to Karen at Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster? She does work there and maybe her mail could be held for her at the histology lab.

There's a song, which doesn't appear to be in the database:

Because this is an open forum to anyone who comes in, I would prefer giving you my POB number through message or email. I suppose we could send it to the hospital in Lancaster, as Clarence opined, but also wouldn't want to upset Karen's employer with a deluge.

Let me know what you all think, okay? Send me a message or email me at katlaf@coffey.com. And, I agree, 'Spaw can just add this to the list and get over it. I don't care how much litter he flings, I'd gladly clean it up, give him a big hug, and say "we're doing it anyway!"

kat

bbc

If you don't mind, could you take the time to join Mudcat officially, so we can send you personal messages or would you consider posting your email address? Some of us would like to send you a message, other than through the threads.

Thinking of you,

bbc

love you all,

katlaughing

Make checks etc payable to Karen Patterson. I joined your happy little band earlier so now am Officially a mudcatter and I like John Prine, (a fact that surprised my darling daughter). I guess that she and Pat thought I just couldn't like classical and folk, not to mention bluegrass, all at the same time. One of my friends was Judy Collins college room mate. So I have a tie to folk.

Thank you in advance for all of your help. Keep the light and prayers coming. Will post again when there is an update. Clarence the mudcatter Does this make me a mudder in law?

Mount Carmel East Hospital 6001 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43213

Patrick Patterson ~ ICU

If Catspaw is in a hospital in Ohio
If the mother-in-law is visiting daily
If Pat's family can use money immediately
Then why is the P.O. box in Georgia?

Of course snail mail to the hospital will be good, too. Here is the address of the hospital:

Mount Carmel East Hospital 6001 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43213

Patrick Patterson ~ ICU

If he has to be transferred it would be to Mt Carmel Medical Center (downtown). I will give you the address for that if necessary.

I just checked with the hospital and the do allow card and small arrangements of flowers in ICU. Very unusual for around here.

Karen's mom was able to fly up from Atlanta to help out with the boys--since we will be gone or tied up with Wayne's graduation this weekend. Emotionally, this is something like giving birth to twins where one is healthy and the other has congenital challenges.

love to you all,

bbc

Pat Wyatt or Karen Patterson PMB D279 2221 Peachtree Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30309-1106

Note that it is PMB not POB. Have no more news but will post it when I do. clarence

The address that Gargoyle posted above is NOT where Pat is now!! The correct address, as taken from the relapse thread is:

The Atlanta PMB is provided by Pat's mother-in-law so that she can gather all the moneis and forward them as one lump sum to Karen. That will relieve Karen of yet another detail. Clarence will see to it that all funds are directed to Karen. Thank You all for you participation in this effort!!

Hang in there!

Anne

She went home today to shower and to get on the internet to talk to you folks and in her words to me, "my /?"!*** 16 year old has done something to the computer and I can't get on the internet." Mike, of course, denies all knowledge of a problem. She said to tell you all thank you and she looks forward to both she and Pat getting on and mudcatting.

I did tell her that I had set up the PMB for her and that some of you had already sent help. She is not going to tell 'spaw until he is much stronger. It is always harder to accept a gift graciously than it is to give one. But know that your help, prayers, concern and comfort will be appreciated forever. She and Pat have given so much and now their bread is returning accross the water. Love to all....clarence

Lord, You have the power to heal all illnesses and to make what is wrong right. We ask that you lay your healing hands upon our friend Pat, and make him whole and healthy again. Invest the doctors with your wisdom and power. Comfort his family and those who love him. Bring him safely through this, Lord. In Christ's Name we ask this. Amen.

Murray

The one song which I have carried with me through dark times and lighter times is I Can See Clearly Now.

The midi file of a really bouncy steel-drum type version is at
this site

and the words are:

I can see clearly now the rain has gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's going to be a bright bright sunshiny day
It's going to be a bright bright sunshiny day

I think I can make it now the pain has gone
And all of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been praying for
It's gonna be a bright bright sunshiny day

Look all around
There's nothing but blue skies
Look straight ahead nothing but blue skies
I think I can make it now the pain has gone
And all of the bad feelings have disappeared
I can see clearly now the rain has gone

It's gonna be a bright bright sunshiny day
It's gonna be a bright bright sunshiny day
It's gonna be a bright bright sunshiny day

Helen

I pray that the surgical team's hands are quick and sure, that the surgeon's eyes are quick to find the source of the bleeding and that his skills are such that he can repair the damage.

I pray that whatever channels we use for sending our love and healing thoughts to Pat will carry them in sufficient volume to help Pat win this struggle.

I pray that this community, this forum, will soon be blessed with heaping qualities of the finest quality of the real stuff, the flying litter of the original litter kicker, Catspaw the Magnificent.

And I pray that Karen and her whole family and Pat's friends will soon have this terrible shadow lifted from their lives. --seed

Banjer, the second line of the address is:

PMB D 279

Thanks for the reposting. I'm certainlly sorry if I have offended GASP with non musical BS. Sometimes life is just not terribly musical. I love folk and classical music but have not been able to hear my music right now. It will come back, I am sure. It always has before. clarence.

As Banjer said, don't even give GASP or Alex another thought. The Majority of US are full of BS and proud to share it!

I, too, love classical and most other kinds of music. I find it a comfort and an aid when I am trying to focus my mind, esp for prayer or meditation. I know yours will come back to you.

I give thanks to the mother, father god of my heart, that Pat is strong and healthy and on the mend.

BSeed: beautiful prayer. Thank you.

I give thanks for this or something better for the highest good of all concerned, So Mote It Be!

With love and all my heart can give,

Kat

May he continue with strength and healing! Thanks, Clarence!

katlaughing, finally

Holding you in our cyber-arms,

bbc

THIS TIME AGAIN

CHO: This time again, this time again
We'll not see this time again.
This time again, this time again
We'll not see this time again.

In all the world there'll never be
Such a time as this again.
For who can tell what can befall
Before we meet again.

There will be changes to our lives
Maybe sorrows and maybe joys
And many bridges to be crossed
Before we meet again.

I'll see your likeness everywhere
In the face of every friend
I'll hear your voice in quiet lands
Until we meet again.

From the injustice all around
And the sorrows and the pain.
A better time will surely come
Before we meet again.

So take good care in all you do
And keep your spirits high.
My thoughts will always be with you
Until we meet again.

All my best for a swift recovery and for putting the tough times in the past. I hope that this time of pain and suffering will not be seen again and we can all get back to normal on the 'Cat as soon as possible.

karen k

Lest we forget! Rememeber the 'Spaw and family in your prayers, and in your mailboxes. As the man said on the old radio show, "Keep them cards and letters comin' in, folks" And then as the background music faded down and the everpresent commercial was about to start we heard, "God Bless" or "G'night Mrs. McGillicutty, where ever ya are!"

On a wing and a prayer...

Up...drift/draft?

Elevate

My apologies to any who are seeking new info. A little levity of 'Spaw...

katlaughing

HANG IN THERE! YOU CAN DO IT!

V

I've been checkin' in tae follow these threads, but nae postin' th' noo since I'm o'erwhelmit wi' finishin' schuilwairk for this quarter o' Grad Schuil. I've been wishin' I haed th' energy tae wricht a poem for Pat an' a' th' guid folk amang kith an' kin. Due tae th' Columbine shootin', ev'ryane at oor seminary haes been busy helpin' their various congregations an' communities cope, sae we're a' scramblin' tae catch up th' noo wi' academics.

Readin' th' latest news o' surgery, I'm remindit o' a wee anecdote which amusit me tae nae end as a bairn...

When I wis aboot fowr or five year auld, ma faither wis diagnosit wi' Chron's disease. He endit up haein' surgery in which a foot-an'-a-hauf o' his intestine wis remaeved. It wis scary for a bit, but he recoverit an' startit feelin' better than he haed lang syne. A few months after th' surgery, I cam hame frae a birthday party wi' a wee bag o' treats, includin' some o' those lang, impossible-tae-blaw-up balloons wha' clowns use tae mak balloon animals an' sic. I tried an' tried tae blaw 'em up, tae nae avail, an' finally tuik 'em tae ma faither wi' a tearfu' bit o' pleadin' for help. Ma faither, wi' a gleam in his eye, selectit a bricht red balloon, stretchit it oot, blew it up wi' muckle huffin' an' puffin', an' then tied it aff. He tuik th' blawn-up balloon, which luikit for a' th' wairld like a three-foot-lang bricht red sausage, placed it sae it wis extendin' straicht oot frae his navel, an' announcit wi' grait surprise, "Och, Luik! I blew ma guts oot!"

A'richt, sae muckle for ma attempt at levity...but I'll tell ye: as a five year auld, I wis laughin' uncontrollably for a VERRA lang time. I'll...um...get back tae ma studies, th' noo.

--Blessings frae Cuilionn, whae's prayin' maist enthusiastically for healin' an' peace an' guid things a' aroond

God bless and heal you. The whole Paw family is in my thoughts. I'm sending all the good vibes I can.

Love, Cara

Besides, I am a lot more comfortable congratulating God on the good things he does than asking for something. Seems kind of selfish to always be asking... (Grin. Really, just a joke, okay? I'm not opening up a religious debate here...Aw, shoot!)

Okay 'Spaw! Now you will have to listen to me drum a few songs and tell more than the usual share of tales!

Oh, I will be doing a private shindig this weekend for a bunch of old biker buds. The jar will be out with a cat's pawprint on it, and about half an inch of kitty-litter. Anything that gets put in goes to the fund! (Just wait. Some joker is bound to actually own a cat!)

Mikal

No debate, just comment. I've always followed the Native American and/or New Thought(metaphysical churches from the turn of the century, such as Unity) way of not necessarily asking, but of giving thanks for all that I have, all that I give, and all that I receive, as well as those things I would like to see come to pass, in this case 'Spaw's recovery. BUT, lest I dictate and think I know more that the "Cosmic", I always qualify that with "I ask for this or something better for the highest good of all concerned". Kinda covers all the bases.

Respectfully,

katlaughing

--Charlie Baum, offering both kinds of prayers to a God who understands that people can come off as schizophrenic sometimes, but loves us for it anyway, 'cause that's the way he made us.

kat

I know I shouldn't be demanding much of a family that has been stressed to the max, but out of love and concern, I also want to know. Such a long time with no news makes me think everyone is very, very busy. I would rather they are just taking a well deserved rest.

Roger on vacation away from Baltimore

WARNING! What comes next is rambling, and not guaranteed to adequately express my thoughts!

I do not mean to be negative here, but I think we need to be aware that we are a large group, which, though supportive both individually and in the collective, can be a demanding entity to deal with. Catspaw's illness has meant many things to all of us, and it has been the focus of a great outpouring of love and strength to a favorite person and his extended family. And we are all concerned. But I suggest we keep sending the good wishes and prayers and healing light, while keeping the requests for info to a minimum.

Also, it looks as if 'Spaw's in for a long haul of recovery--I'm not sure we all need to know every and up-and-down of the trip. I, for one, do not have the energy. I value Catspaw, I think he has a terrific family, and I wish him and his a long and healthy life. However, I'm getting overloaded and I can't stop myself from checking in hourly for the next update.

Which brings me finally to the idea of overload...we all have families and crises and disasters. Without getting overly specific, I'm dealing with life or death issues with three people in my immediate circle of family and friends, and Catspaw's illness as well. I am sure I'm not alone.

Maybe I'm just too stressed right now to think clearly... and too worried about the implications of "no news."

V

Mo

Good point, indeed. Sorry to hear about your added stress and I hope all turns out well for you.

I know they will let us know as soon as possible what is going on. Remember, Karen's email is down and she had to go back to work this week, at least that is what Clarence said.

Anything we can send them in energy, love and light and prayers will help, plus any amount of donation, even $5 or $10; it adds up!

Remember the old saw about a watched pot never boiling? Well, we don't want 'Spaw to boil *grin*, but the less anxious we are, the better it is for them. Try to imagine healing light/angels/whathaveyou and then try to let go, get your mind off of it; that way the Cosmic/God/ whomever can work on it without interruption. *smile* Not trying to dictate, just suggesting a way to deal with the care and concern we all feel.

Love you all,

kat

Thanks,

kat

I have spent the last 1 1/2 hours catching up with the threads and I am truly touched. As I read, I would answer each of you individually, but now that I am at the end I can't remember what I wanted to say. I must tell Barbara that the threat of losing his possum was about more than he could take. When this last episode happened I was frightened, but strangely enough Pat and I were at peace. We were ready to face whatever was going to happen and do what needed to be done. Knowing we had so many wonderful people caring for us made that possible. I expect Catspaw should be up and running if not by the weekend, then by early next week and I know he misses you all terribly. I will never forget everything you have all done and I don't think I will ever feel alone again.

Vixen I agree with you. I keep trying to elaborate on that, but nothing seems to sound quite right.

I think my mind is shot and the kids get up for school in less than 4hrs. Oh, and it is much easier to access the internet when you pay the bill. I owe the kid an apology. Tomorrow I will get the cable turned back on. Not a financial thing, I just didn't know when the bills needed to be paid. didn't have time to watch t.v. anyway.

Will be back in touch soon, Karen

Tell him to mind his doctors and not to rush anything...we want him back in full fettle, when he is ready!

Love,

katlaughing with joy

Murray

Hang in there, 'Spaw!!! You can do it!!! Blessings to the 'Spaw clan--you are the best! What a terrific family.

'Spaw, just because you're on a low-residue diet doesn't mean you don't have to use the litter box for other things!!! Take your time and heal well!

V

pain shared is pain divided joy shared is joy multiplied

thanks, up there

love, Karen

Love,

katlaughing

--Cuilionn, whae's shoutin' alleluias an' scarin' th' folk doon th' ha'.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------ OLD DEVIL TIME (Pete Seeger)

Old devil time, I'm gonna fool you now/ Old devil time, you'd like to bring me down/ When I feel low, my lovers gather round/ And help me rise to fight you one more time/

Old devil pain, you've often pinned me down/ You thought I'd cry and beg you for the end/ At that very time my lovers gathered round/ And helped me rise to fight you one more time/

Old devil fear, you with your icy hands/ Old devil fear, you'd like to freeze me cold/ When I'm afraid, my lovers gather round/ And help me rise to fight you one more time/

Old devil hate, I knew you long ago/ Before I learned the poison in your breath/ Now when I hear your lies my lovers gather round/ And help me rise to fight you one more time/

No storm nor fire can ever beat us down/ No wind that blows but carries us further on/ And you who fear, oh lovers gather round/ And we will rise to sing it one more time