Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014

Subject: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Janie
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 08:50 AM

This thread started to alert mudcat members of the critical state of Catspaw49's health. Pat Patterson died on June 20, 2014. KT shared the sad news in post 173 of this thread. So many have already expressed condolences here that it seems suitable to keep it as the obit thread also. Please, if you're of a mind, take a moment to step into the Mudcat Tavern to raise a glass (and no doubt some ruckus) in 'Spaw's name. --mudelf

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Pat "Catspaw" Patterson
Died 20 June 2014

Photo by Bill Day

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Not everyone opens birthday threads or Jane's Rainbow, so I'm starting this. Our Spawser is back in the hospital. Don't have any details other than he is in ICU and on a vent.   He posted the following a few weeks ago, and I spoke with him not long afterwards. He has been on a real roller coaster ride.



Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: catspaw49 - PM
Date: 24 May 14 - 09:46 AM

So...............Whatever you can cross, keep crossed.

This is the end of another chemo week and that has always been my lowest point. Made changes in daily meds and diet to better work the balance between the CHF, Intestinal thickening, COD, and the MDS. Today (and this week) I feel better than I have in a couple of years.....and even before the MDS. I look better, have a lot more energy, less O2 demand..went out and ran around yesterday PM and didn't even pack any along....Hard to tell what happens next.

We'll see what the numbers do over the next couple of weeks and know more then. Balancing this crap is a hell of a juggling act and about half of it I know as much about what to do as the Docs. We upped the Lasix but with the water being the best source for stool softeners and the thickening of the intestinal walls, the added Lasix took that water away as well. So I modified my diet. Then I modified the Lasix dosage (okayed by the my cardio guy) to some alternate day dosage levels and things are moving, so to speak.LOL Better yet, there seems to be no fluid at all around my heart....This is serious progress.

Then add that the current chemo has a strong fatigue factor and so is then accompanied by a steroid has obviously helped. I really wanna' see the numbers now....Keep 'em all crossed Folks.

I know, and you should too so there's no confusion, MDS is not curable but I going to buy all the time with Karen I can. While this past year has been great together, there has been far too many 10 day periods of chemo misery and many days spent low in numbers before I can get blood. Nobody my age beats this. Not Nora Ephrom, not Carl Sagan, and not me. But June the 8th is my birthday and my wish is for one more year and especially one where I feel like I do now. Next year I'll repeat that and see how long we can do it!

Sorry, I'm still pissed over the 'Cat but that's just because I do really miss what it once was. Time passes, things change, and as Tom Wolfe wrote, you can't go home again. I'll get over it.......

Hugs once again for the crew here and follow Nigel's good advice: Set the sails...splice the mainbrace...plot a course for the sun.


Spaw

Here's hoping fervently that good thoughts and intentions, prayers, mojo, loud farts in his honor, anything we can offer do help him buy that more time with Karen.

Karen, wrapping you up in the same mojo.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: maeve
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 08:58 AM

Thanks, Janie... Always on my mind, the two of them.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 09:19 AM

sending more good wishes & love to spaw & Karen & their family

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: GUEST,Karen
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 11:47 AM

Thanks Janie for starting this thread. Pat had a sigmoid colectomy last Thursday. He was very week going into the surgery and the ICU staff did a lot of hard work to get him ready. He came through the surgery like a champ, but they have been struggling to keep his BP up. He has a lot of edema that they can't control until the BP is stable. Add to that a bad gallbladder which is elevating his bilirubin and he is too fragile right now to do anything about it. He did try to open his eyes when I spoke to him this morning. I still have hope he will turn this around. He's gotten really good at that over the years. I will pop in to update you. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers...spaw's girl

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: maeve
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 11:49 AM

Thank you very much for your post, Karen. You have thoughts, prayers, and lots of hope streaming out on your behalf.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 11:56 AM

Pat knows I don't pray, but oh, the good thoughts winging your way! I cherish the memory of actually meeting you all during relatively 'good' times a few years ago.

Pat knows also, as do we all, that 'it is what it is', although he has been remarkable at heading off stuff and amazing us all!

I'm glad he has you, Karen...

take care

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Ebbie
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 11:56 AM

"You have thoughts, prayers, and lots of hope streaming out on your behalf."

And from here too. We'll surround him, steep him in it.

Keep on keeping on, Spaw.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 12:09 PM

"Spaw needs all mojo we can muster"

Pat, I ain't wearing my glasses, but I think folks want to put some mustard on your mojo. Watch out, buddy. And hey, you beat it before and you'll beat it again. Hang tough.

BM

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: bbc
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 12:12 PM

Thanks for starting this thread, Janie, & giving us the background &, Karen, thanks for bringing us up-to-date. I had seen a bit of this on Facebook, after wondering why Pat hadn't responded to posts on his birthday thread. Karen, I hope you know how highly regarded you & your family are by this community. Pat is close to our hearts, particularly those of us who've been around since near the beginning of Mudcat & still cherish those earlier times of good fellowship! Sending my prayers & love your way! Love you, Spaw!

Beebs

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Janie
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 12:34 PM

Mojo matters to Spaw and to Karen. Whether one believes in angels, understands angels as metaphor, or distains anything that mentions angels, knowing others care matters. Spaw and Karen have made clear through the years it matters to them.

Let's keep it coming.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 01:05 PM

What Bill D said. Passionately wishing for the best outcome possible.

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: gnu
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 01:49 PM

I'll echo all of the above and, well, I gotta say it, I'll add wet cheeks. I am sure Spaw means at least that to all who know and love him. That's a LOT of people. Tissue time here in the fly infested bog country of Kent County, NB.ca.

I know what he'd say if he read this post. After all, he's Spaw... and that alone makes me feel better. Thoughts and prayers to you, buddy, and to yours.

Karen... thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: bassen
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 01:49 PM

Warm thoughts, good wishes, positive energy, whatever it takes, focused and beamed your way. God bedring, gamle ørn!

Bassen

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: fat B****rd
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 02:23 PM

Massive Mojo from sunny Dunfermline. Spaw,with many others here,has always been attentive to others needing some. Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: frogprince
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 03:54 PM

Please, don't let a heart that big be stopped any sooner than need be.
We'd miss the crazy laughs a whole lot, but Pat means a lot more than that to a bunch of us.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 04:22 PM

Sending love, hugs and good wishes on a sunny, peaceful day.

May all be safe and beloved.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: jacqui.c
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 04:32 PM

Sending all good thoughts to Spaw and Karen. Not much more I can add to what has gone before.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: KT
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 04:55 PM

Love and prayers from here, too, for Karen and Spaw. And for all the good folks who are providing their expertise to help SPAW get through this one.
KT

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 05:29 PM

Massive amounts of mojo, white light, prayers, good thoughts...whatever I can throw in your direction, 'Spaw. And plenty for Karen, too. This all may be harder on her than it is on you. As you once told Tom about riding the elephant downhill, all you have to do is hang on.

Lots of love to both of you.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: olddude
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 05:53 PM

I love you spaw please not yet ok please

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 06:12 PM

I love you too Spaw...sending love for your speedy recovery.

XOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: JennieG
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 06:32 PM

Echoing what has already been said, and sending more good thoughts from here too.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 06:39 PM

With you in spirit, Karen. Keep yourself healthy. Spaw, stay strong. I love you both.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: billybob
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 06:56 PM

Just sending love to you Spaw and to Karen,

lighting a candle and thinking very positive thoughts to someone who has been so supportive on The Rainbow, so sending all that love( and more) back.

Wendy and Billy xxxxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 07:41 PM

LOOK with a capital F you old bastard, stay alive, it's only you keeps Mudcat safe for novice nuns.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Little Robyn
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 08:14 PM

Love and healing prayers from the other side of the world.
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Bobert
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 08:17 PM

Fuck!!!

I can't leave this joint for a couple months without everyone falling apart???

Ya'll gotta stop it and get well...

Ya' hear???

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: LadyJean
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 09:59 PM

Positive energy from Pittsburgh for what that's worth.

I've said for years it ought to be against the law to feed hospital food to sick people.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: GUEST,MTed
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 10:00 PM

Holding you both in the light.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 10:29 PM

Rocky Mountain mojo from Idaho. Gonna make craters outa them hills if necessary.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Bert
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 11:14 PM

Loads of mojo on its way, along with love and best wishes, and songs and howling at the moon and anything else that we can think of.

Get well soon ol' buddy.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 14 Jun 14 - 11:26 PM

Hoping for the best of outcomes.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Neil D
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 12:32 AM

All god thoughts and hopes and wishes from a fellow Buckeye. Keep on fighting like 4th and one Spaw.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 12:45 AM

Pat, I want you to keep thinking of all of us who enjoy you so much....in spite of yourself. Hang in there.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Morticia
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 05:46 AM

Thinking of you Pat and you Karen xx

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: maeve
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 06:18 AM

Good morning, Pat and Karen. Watch for the sunrise...blue skies ahead.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Janie
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 07:38 AM

Here's hoping Pat is a little improved today, and that you have been able to get a night's sleep, Karen.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 11:41 AM

That is also my wish, Karen. Being a father is a large part of what Pat is, may the day be a turning point...

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: bbc
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 11:58 AM

Hoping this is a Happy Father's Day for Pat. You made it through your birthday & to this day, I hope. You're a great dad & are much loved!

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 12:50 PM

Jesus Pat, I can't add much to what has been said by the rest of your friends. Be easy in your soul my friend my best thoughts are on the way.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Janie
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 01:05 PM

Be easy in your soul my friend my best thoughts are on the way. Lovely Don. Wish I had thought to say that.

So often, whether in 3-D or on-line, people say nothing because they fear the words they offer aren't profound or sufficiently articulate. For the nearly all of us who have gone through hard times that are part and parcel of life but which make those hard times no less hard, we know how much "thinking of you" means.

Thinking of you, Pat and Karen.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 01:27 PM

Well said, Janie.

UP Spaw!*

*Something from Jane's Rainbow thread... a rallying cry, if you will.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 04:17 PM

Prayer and ups for spaw.........bless you both.          Pete.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 05:01 PM

Masses of mojo marching your way. Cover with ingredient of your choice and dive in.

Sending all my very best thoughts and wishes to you (Kendall too).

B x

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Megan L
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 05:17 PM

Pat, Karen and family a prayer from my Scottish homeland to you and yours.

May the strength of the mighty stag be yours
Strength to aid your recovery
May the tenacity of the highland pony
To pull you through this tough time
May the peace of the quiet moors
Be yours to rest in
May the laughing waters in the mountain burn
Lift your spirit
The stillness of a summers evening soothe you
And the Guid Man
Wha made it aw
Haud ye safe in his muckle loof.    (hold you safe in his large palm)

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 05:27 PM

Crap - what depressing posts above... "peace of the quite moors" has you in a grave.

DUDE - Snap Out of It...there are a few more things you need to knead.

Dear Mr. Spaw,

Another baby ! ! ! Congradulations.

.....................................................

Get ON The Stick DUDE ! ! !

You have information, stories (real ones) regarding your family's American Experience.
Good Lord knows you can't type....request a sound recorder. And notepad with pencil.

As memories (even weird stuff) pop into your brain...record them.

There are some stories, that your parents told you as a child, about their parent's childhood. Realise, when YOU are gone...those stories entrusted to you, may be gone forever.

(Well, maybe why four different uncles married the same the aunt and all their daughters came out looking like the family beagle-dog...can go buried in the family photo album.)

LOOK, mentioning family album.
Have family members bring in stuff. You might only know 1 out of 10 photos. Have them write the information on the back...(stickies unstick and get lost)

You have been granted a unique opportunity in life and in technology. Dig deep.

Time is short.

Sincerly,
Gargoyle

You don't need to be a LafKat and publish a book...just DO IT ! This is a wake-up call to those of us over 70.

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: bbc
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 06:12 PM

gargoyle, I knew you had a soft side. You were always kind to me.

bbc

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 07:31 PM

Gargoyle,

I get it. You are right of course. Except that it is a point all of us should take. Dont take the memories with us. Write them down for others to know. Pat has the wildest and most vivid cast of characters and recollections and they should be shared for as long as possible. We all have a wacky Aunt or a limping Grand dad or a Father with a penchant for whiskey and gun powder.

Tell those stories. Write them down. Add them to list of tales we pass along.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Janie
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 08:18 PM

Hey Spawser, Lightning bugs rising up out of the grass just now by the hundreds down here on the NC Piedmont. Another half hour and the same will be happening around the hospital grounds there in Ohio. I imagine each flash as a beacon directed to you, as well as Karen and the boys, focusing love, light, strength and peace.

Bug love.

Love you.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jun 14 - 10:49 PM

Hell hath no fury like a well-mustered mojo. Here's a thunderbolt of light-vortex energies designed to rehabilitate your whole system down to the core and bring it back up to battery in nanoseconds, asshole!!

Heal, you jadrool broke-dick pussy, heal!

Love,


A