NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:32 PM

Yes, amazing how the wheel makes things seem to come full circle and begin again --- different yet so similar it makes one amazed at the sight of it. And the envelope of ourselves is pushed yet another time...

Mick, I've got to send you a tape of the recording of Utah Phillips' radio show #77 where he used that tape I made of Paul Durst 40 years back. I always KNEW that was a valuable interview in the hands of someone who recognized what it was --- what Paul represented. Utah was the perfect one to see it for what it is---and he was in the position to utilize it and show it off. I'm truly glad it happened while I'm still around to see it (and hear it) happen. It drives me nuts when people are dead before some of their work gets noticed.

So----the wheel --- the same one you mentioned ---spun in this case too. I wish old Paul could know he's still being a factor at this latter date. Some would say he does know---but I really doubt that.

Onward...

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:23 PM

Ah, Mick, that's wonderful. Leaking again. The Wheel does indeed turn, whether we will it or no. My "band" does not have even one "generational" member, and it sort of hurts, but there are all my "other" kids out there, too. Good to hear this, thanks.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Dave Swan
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:15 PM

Weave & mend, indeed pal. The wheel has turned in its time, which this time is pretty fast. Best to you all.

Love,

D&P

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:10 PM

And so the great wheel has turned, and the sun has risen again. Today we got the word that one of Jim's children has agreed to join us and complete the CD playing the instruments that Jim played. Shelly is a wonderfully gifted young mother of two who gave up serious playing 10 years ago to raise her kids. Her devotion to her kids and her partner and husband is the stuff that stories are written about. I have always hoped that this band would have generational legs, in that our children would replace us as we got to old, which of course will never happen to me, but these other layabouts are aging before my eyes..........LOL. And lo, it has happened. Shelly's husband told her that no matter what it takes, he wanted her to do this thing. When our banjo player, Mike, approached her at all of our urging, she agreed. And when he told our Darla, she had tears on her face. We have found his voice, at least for a while. She has agreed to finish the CD in her father's stead, and may stay with us as well. I am so happy that I am repeating meself..............Weave and mend, weave and mend.

Mick

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Mar 01 - 11:18 PM

Mick and Liam, you may like the song I posted in the "Memoriam for Many" thread which I started, today. It is one that Holly Near sings and just seems appropriate, to me, at least, for what a lot of us are going through.

luvyadarlins'...with lot of hugs

kat

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Big Mick
Date: 28 Mar 01 - 10:31 PM

Thanks Dan. Your heart and your pain show right through in that post. I understand and appreciate the difficulty that the reading and writing caused. I am sorry for your loss as well.

WW, I am very glad that I dropped you that email asking where the hell you were. The simple act of coming back brought a great deal of happiness back to this place. I love you as well, and appreciate your feelings.

To GreyEyes and the rest of you, you should know that this place has become a very important part of my developement as a musician, singer and human being. You are the reason for that. Thanks for all the kind comments. I will keep this going as this plays itself out.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 28 Mar 01 - 03:10 PM

I hardly know what to say, Mick.

The last 12 months have been very tough on people we know and love and there's more bad to come of course. I've seen many older people grieved with the death of friends and family members. The older I got, the older they seemed to get and it seemed to go on for them without affecting my generation. Our turn came up and 2000 was like being hit with a two-by-four. If I tell you that I feel sympathy for Jim's family and friends, it's because I share their pain.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Greyeyes
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 06:28 PM

Nothing to be said. Feelings run deep.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: WyoWoman
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 01:27 PM

I arrived to this thread somewhat late and am moved deeply by its unfolding. Thank you for opening this story up to us, Mick.

This is the true value of community, isn't it? In our times of transistion, community and tradition are what enable us to keep marching on. I know what you wrote here, in both threads, will deepen our own ability to provide this kind of connection and support to the people in our own physical communities, and with each other here in Mudcatland as well. Again, you increase our bounty by the sharing of yourself, Biggus Mickus. I love you.

ww

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 11:37 AM

Mick, the prayers will continue.

~Susan

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 11:22 AM

Tears on the keyboard, again. My fellow inmates at work think I am a little daft. I read this just after looking at the picture of Mick and Barry at the Getaway. So much strength and dignity in trying times. Bless you, Mick.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 09:25 AM

No, my friend, that was all very private. I don't mind sharing the general details, but the real personal stuff, especially the poem written by the son, are theirs to cherish. I feel the same way about the verse.

I guess I should tell you also that we waked the old man proper.

Thanks again for all of your support. I will pass it on to the family. And I will keep you posted on Darla's progress. All prayers and good thoughts, healing energies are appreciated.

Mick

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 09:15 AM

Mick, do you think they would like it posted here? And will you be posting that special verse?

~S~

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 12:41 AM

Yes, Sorcha, she was there. I have always said that Irish women walk with grace, and a griddle. That is so they can put up with Irish men. This astounding woman, living with all the indignities that this disease puts on her, still manages to carry herself through this ordeal with such a sense of propriety and caring for others. Her children continue to amaze all who see them. You should have heard the tribute that their son read to Jim. It was a very touching moment. Well done.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 12:33 AM

aaahh, Mick, another beautiful description of a beautiful memory. I wanted my mother "drummed down" but the cemetary workers/mortuary people would not let her down until EVERYONE had left. No argument. We did manage to send her with the last portion of Dad's ashes,(guess where?), both wedding rings and a red rose from each of her children and grandchildren. Had to fight hard for just that much.

It is such a lovely thing to be able to walk to the graveyard, but not often possible in these days when it is miles from the Church.

Sounds like Jim had a great send off, and will have grand craic where he is now. Was Darla able to attend the service? I hope so.........and sure, he was in heaven before the devil knew he was dead.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 12:19 AM

For all the growing pains and lumps, this place is still a wonder to behold. Thanks to all of you for your concern and care.

The old fart couldn't even wait til Monday. It was just like him to take off on March 15, just two days before St. Pat's. I can just hear him, "you people have to concentrate". To say that Thursday, Friday and Saturdays gigs were tough would be classic understatement. But we pulled together and got it done. In fact, Saturday we were on fire.

Then came Monday. Jim was buried at St. Patrick's in Parnell, Michigan. This wonderful old church is located in a small, 4 corners village that was named after the great Irishman. I always thought it funny and prophetic that the town, with its Roman Catholic Church was named after a Protestant. The service was wonderful, and all the people that the old man had touched were there. He had shared music with so many people over the years. You cannot imagine the number of folks that came up to us and told us stories of how Jim had got them started on this instrument or that. Just listening to these, or stories about his cantankerous ways, made me miss him all the more. As we walked across the road to the cemetary, I was struck by how appropriate it was. Walking into that cemetary is like walking into another time. All the old Paddy's are there. The giant celtic crosses, all the old families........one can't help but feel the bond between the old land and the new. After the good Father did his duties, the Irish took over. The band and others played his favorite tunes. Jim always liked "Soldiers Joy" and "Over the Waterfall". He had asked that we sing "Hard Times" and we did. Then we sang his favorite song from the band. Jim just loved "The Ferryman". But the old coot could never get the name right. He would say, "Mick, sing me that Liffey song..........you know about the strawberry beds....." For some reason, he just loved that damn song. Then came the hard part. We sang "The Parting Glass" with a special verse just for Jim and his Darla. To say we all broke down is classic understatement. But we made it. We then cracked a bottle of Jameson's 1789, poured a little on the coffin (I think I saw the lid move.......LOL) and passed it around. I then took out the 22" inch bodhran with the big voice and drummed the coffin into the ground. Our way for one drummer to remain behind and to keep the pulse going until the coffin touches down. At exactly that moment, It stops and we leave. Parnell is a farming community, and one of the old timers said to me later that the drum sounded just like an old John Deere two cylinder. Perfect. Rest well, old friend. God be good to you.

Mick

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Barbara
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 02:32 PM

Ah, Mick, ya know, we always grieve our losses, and yet none of us get out of this place alive. I can't think of a better way to go than to be sung on my way by a dear friend and bandmember. What a blessing. Buy him a pint on me next time you're all together.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 01:43 PM

What a strange, precious, ephemeral gift life is. We are indeed smiled upon each time we survive one day to the next. There but for fortune, as Phil Ochs said.

Anyway, keep your pecker up, Mick, and that'll be some comfort for Darla.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: jeffp
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 11:35 AM

Mick -

Thank you for sharing your pain with us and allowing us to help you bear the burden. My condolences go out to all Jim's friends and family.

jeffp

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Jande
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 10:32 AM

Mick,

I have just finished reading both threads, and my heart is breaking. I'm no stranger to the pain and grief of loss, so my breaking heart and my prayers and blessings go out to you and to Jim's family and finally to Jim himself. May your next meeting with your friend and bandmate be as full of meaning as your last.

I have printed your last post (Mar 18/01) to keep as a reminder of the spirit of love in the world, as a light in those dark days that sometimes suddenly come upon us, as they have suddenly come upon you. I have wept over the replies almost as much as I did over your eloquent post. Thankyou for sharing it with us.

{{{{{{{{{{HUGS TO ALL}}}}}}}}}}}

~ Jande

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Ferrara
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 10:30 AM

Ah, Mick, what a loss. Will be saying special prayers for Darla now. She has two battles to work her way through now, facing grief for Jim on top of the cancer, and I hope there will be many people there who can give her the kind of support and loving magic that your love gave to Jim.

Rita

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: GUEST,Skarpi Iceland.
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 07:38 AM

Dear Mick, I am sorry but I coult not send an E-mail last night but I think you know that my thoughts are with you and your friends. I got a book It Is called " Anam Cara " I thank you Mick for telling me about it. A soul friend I am, A lot oh hugs and preyer to and your friends. All the best from Skarpi Iceland. P.S. I ´ll be trying to be a member again very soon. Bless.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 07:23 AM

Mick, I am sorry for your loss.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: georgeward
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 03:22 AM

Mick, may we all do as well for those we love as you have done. May we all have someone to do as well for us. God bless. -George ::-.--O

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: GUEST,Bedridden Barry
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 11:11 PM

Hi Mick, I haven't seen your reply in this thread, I hope that means no news is good news, God speed & good luck to you & yours. Barry

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Susan A-R
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 10:48 PM

'nother wet keyboard. Love and prayers to you Mick.

Susan A-R

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: DancingMom
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 10:41 PM

Good friends are such a blessing. Mick, What an incredible gift you gave to your friend. I hope you and Jim's family are lifted up by this outpouring of love, and may you find comfort in your sweet memories. Thanks for letting me be a part. A hug from Virginia. S.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Susan from California
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 09:08 PM

Mick,

What a wonderful thing you did for your friend Jim. The music no doubt helped to ease his way. Here's a huge hug, along with love and prayers from Southern California.

Sue

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: mousethief
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 06:39 PM

As we say where I come from,

May his memory be eternal.

Alex

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: GUEST,Pseudolus
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 06:15 PM

So many things that seem sad at the time turn into the most wonderful of memories. the opportunity to sing for your friend at a time when it was needed most....most of us will not get that opportunity. this is memory in teh making. It's hard to see anyone go, but when I'm about to go on to "bigger and better things", I hope I get the kind of send off your friend got!!

All the best, Frank

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Hollowfox
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 04:59 PM

Blessings on you, Sir, for having the insight to understand what he needed, the heart to give it, and the grace to share it with us.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From:
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 04:45 PM

My thoughts are with you, Mick, and with the rest of Jim's family.

Mary

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 02:40 PM

Mick,

My Condolences to you and Jim's family.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Kim C
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 02:12 PM

Hugs and kisses to you and all your friends.

Kim

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: GUEST,Skarpi Iceland.
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 07:33 AM

halló dear Mick, I will send an E-mail tonight to you. All the best skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Quincy
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 07:25 AM

Love and prayers to you and yours Mick....
...yesterday (18th) was the tenth anniversary of my husband's death. Time doesn't heal but it helps a little..

much love, Yvonne

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: BlueJay
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 06:34 AM

Mick- I really can't find the words, but all of who have suffered similar losses are grateful for your most eloquent post, as well as the responses. I really hope that when my time comes, a true friend such as you is near. Thanks again. My coffee and eggs will taster better tomorrow. Best regards, BlueJay

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 06:18 AM

I might not be able to reach all the way round, Mick but one from me as well.
RtS

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Wolfgang
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 05:42 AM

Sad tales of loss and final goodbyes. However, the memories remain. You've done great. Condolences.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: bbc
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 05:41 AM

Dear Mick,

No eloquent words come to mind, but I am so sorry for your loss & will lift you & the family in prayer. So often, we can't control the dying, but the quality of life preceeding it was great!

love to you & yours,

bbc & Duane D.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Gervase
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 03:59 AM

Shit, it's Monday morning; I'm in an open-plan office and tears and flooding down my cheeks. What is it about the people here that makes me weep as much as laugh and feel enriched by both?
Mick, you don't need me to tell you this, but you're a remarkable man. When my time comes, I'll consider myself blessed if I'm fortunate enough to have a friend like you nearby.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 03:50 AM

Sue and I return your hug, MIck, along with one two two of our own.

Sue & Steve

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: BEK
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 02:07 AM

Mick,

It's a true gift for someone to make a person live on paper and the screen. Jim lived for me. I will not forget. And, each of us will carry a memory of your friendship and kindness with us to light our own paths.

Blessings and light to all of you. God keep you safe and know what an honor it was to have shared a part of your memories.

BEK

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 01:30 AM

Well said, Art, well said. I hope that when my time comes I will have a good enough friend to do for me what Mick was abpe to do for Jim......maybe that is my wish for all of us.

((((((((((BIG HUG for MICK)))))))))

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 01:21 AM

If the docs'd let me, I'd be downing a Laphraoig and sending a toast in all you folks' directions. Be glad for the memories that remain. Sincere condolences to you all. 'Tis sad that life sometimes seems to be made up of a series of losses-----but oh, the wonders interspersed throughout ! Mick, be well.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 01:01 AM

Ah, Mick.

Our hearts are aching along with yours. But when one must go, what better way to say farewell than with a friend at your side and a song in your heart.

Caroline and I will be traveling near you soon, Mick. I hope we can meet somewhere along the way and deliver our hugs in person. Our last program is in Chesterton, Indiana, on Sunday the 8th of April. Then we'll have a visit with Caroline's father and turn toward home. Let's see if we can work out a rendezvous. Give us a call, lad. We love you.

Sandy

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 12:54 AM

Bless you, Mick

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 12:47 AM

Mick, you're in our hearts.

Rick and heather

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: IvanB
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 12:46 AM

Mick, I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's death. I know from experience that it's especially hard to lose a friend when you feel there are still things that each of you had to say to one another. Although now is certainly a time for tears, hopefully those tears will resolve themselves in a rejoicing for all that you and others shared with Jim. Through that process Jim will continue to live on through the lives of his friends and family. My most positive thoughts go out to you and the other members of CCB as well as to Darla and the rest of Jim's family.

Thanks for your sharing. I hope that, when my time comes, I'll have a friend as good as you to help ease my parting.

Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
From: Bert
Date: 19 Mar 01 - 12:16 AM

Crying with you Mick.

Bert.