Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Peace
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 11:05 PM

Rivers flow down to the sea,
And oceans grip the souls of men;
The love we have for those we hold
To heart, dear lass, will never end.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Joybell
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 10:59 PM

....Cares of the past are behind
Nowhere to go but I'll find
Just where the trail will wind....

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Bobert
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 10:50 PM

Ahhhhh, I was thinkin' Lynard Skinnard's "Give Me Two Steps" myself...

They don't call him Sparky fir nuthin'....

Bobert

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 10:27 PM

"Waltz Across Texas," Sparky.

~S~

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Mudlark
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 10:12 PM

My thoughts and my songs go out to you both. Love, Nancy

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Joybell
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 10:05 PM

We've been playing Mr Sparky's "Cow Songs" since they arrived in the post from Kat. That's just the way we like songs sung. You have brought us so much pleasure Mr Sparky. We were so moved by the way you treat those wonderful old songs. Thank you Kat for sharing a wonderful Dad with us. Our thoughts are with you both. Cheery-bye from Joy and Hildebrand.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Tinker
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 06:27 AM

Desert Silvery Blue Upon the pale moonlight
Coyotes yapping lazy on the plain
Sleepy days and twilight haze begin to mill
Time for lazing cattle to be still ....

Thanks Kat for knowing to give us something "real" to do. Holding you both in the light.

Tinker

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Alba
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 06:18 AM

Kat darlin.
A song....the very least I can do.
I am holding you both in my Heart.

You can have your ride in the crowded town!
Give me the prairies free.
Where the curlews fly and the coyotes cry,
And the heart expands 'neath the open sky:
Oh, that's the ride for me!

Blessings, Light and Love
Jude

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 05:54 AM

My women's chorus will be singing for Sparky tonight!

Allison

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Peace
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 12:22 AM

Dear Kat,

You have inherited an incredible courage from your folks, and it shows with such light and elegance here. You have so many people who love, respect and admire you. That makes you a very lucky gal. I wish the circumstances were not as they are, but your dad would truly admire your spirit. And it's evident that you admire his.

BM

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 12:14 AM

I've had 'Cowboy Jack' on my mind all day, kat. I'll add some others. 'There's a Gold Mine in the Sky' is one of my favorites.

Far away. Far away.
We will find it, you and I
Some sweet day
And we'll sit up there and watch the world go by
When we find that long lost gold mine in the sky.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 12:07 AM

Would any of you who are able, over the next few days, sing him some good old songs, please, or just play them...the old dance tunes and cow songs? They are moving him to what they call "rehab" tomorrow. He is not eating and cannot move himself in bed at all. I don's know of anyone over there who would think to go play music for him, but I KNOW he would want it, if possible, so if we can all send the songs and music over the aethers to him, I know somehow he will hear them and it may ease his pain and going.

Thank you so much. (And please don't worry if I am not around much for a little while. It's quiet time for a few days, at least.)

luyakat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 10:47 PM

kat, I keep you and Sparky in my prayers. He will go when it is time. You stay strong and take care of yourself.
Love,
SINS

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Ebbie
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 10:36 PM

Well, Guest, it's true that she giggled a lot about them- and so did we. One time she told my brother that she and her bed were floating on the lake. My brother said, Oh, Mom, no. You're right here in your bedroom. She said, Just ask Ebbie. I splashed her!

I'm all in favor of accepting people's ways of finding comfort whether it's a doll or an ongoing story. I'm NOT in favor of acquiring them through over-medication.

Gargoyle, your spirit is a hell of a lot more lost than that of Sparky's.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 09:55 PM

Ebbi, your mother's perceptions appear WONDERFUL, why would your father deprive her of such wonderful material?

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Ebbie
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 05:26 PM

Sometimes losing a firm touch with reality has a chemical basis. My mother started hallucinating at a certain point. (Cats sitting on the bedpost; her bed floating on a lake; her nurse so tall she had to bend her neck to fit under the ceiling) My Dad took her to a different doctor. Turned out she was taking seven different medications- all of them given by the same doctor -. The new doctor took her off three of them immediately and she never hallucinated again.

The best of outcomes for your dad. Still holding you all in the light.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 12:55 PM

Ah, thanks for that, McGrath. I KNow that song well, it's one of my favs. Dad reminds me of that old fellah, too.

Last night I spoke to his wife and things are about the same. They still aren't sure exactly what's going on, but at least he's more comfortable and not hallucinating now. They are going to start treating him for depression, I think.It just dawned on them that he might be...do ya think? He hasn't played music in over a year! I feel like an idiot for not mentioning it to them...cripes her son-in-law is a doc...I figured they'd know, ya know? I wish I could have been a better advocate for him, but he doesn't let me know what's going on...barely let's his wife know, so I just keep telling myself, this is what he chose and I love him and he loves me. May he go in peace.

Now it sounds as though he will be in hospital for another six days, then will have to go to rehab for who knows how long. There are people there who know him as a kind musician, so he shouldn't be as lonely as at home hwn his wife is gone to work, so maybe it'll perk him up. On the other hand he misses his little Jack Russell, Ms Jackie O'! And, his kitties.

I am rambling. Thanks for lsitening ya'll. Thanks for all of the good thoughts, wishes, prayers, etc. I love you,

kat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 12:39 PM

For some reason I've missed this thread each time it made it on the the forum front page - today was the first time I opened it, and I've been reading through it.

You've got a lot of friends out here thinking about you and Sparky and what you have been going through, and are going through.

Anyway, it all got me thinking about a song that Áine wrote out in Texas, and I sang it on one of the Mudcat CD's - Mudcat CD Rose - it's got no fewer than three titles, but then it is a longish song, for a long life well lived - It's Been Quite A Ride, or The Spring I was Six or The Tornado Song

The old man in the song sounds like I imagine your Dad, kat.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 09:25 AM

Thank you all, so much. He made it through the night; something I wasn't sure of when I spoke to his wife. I've spoken to him this morning. It's difficult because he doesn't hear well, but he *thinks* they are going to let him out of there, today, he got some sleep, and is feeling a little better. Of course, all of that has to be independently confirmed because he is notorious for downplaying what's going on. Will keep you posted.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Ebbie
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 10:18 PM

Ah, luv. I'll be thinking about you both tonight. Love and peace to you all.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 09:57 PM

Good thoughts coming from Maine, kat.

xxxxx

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Alba
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 08:51 PM

As always you are in my Heart Sparky and Kat.
Light and Love and BLESSINGS.
Jude

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Bert
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 08:41 PM

Love and kind thoughts from Bert & Tree.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Amergin
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 08:39 PM

Just want to let you know, Kat...that I'll be thinking aobut you and Sparky...I hope things go well.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Tinker
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 08:39 PM

Blessings and comfort headed to you both Kat. You'll be held in my thoughts tonight. I'll light up my own Sparky to guide the good will.

tinker

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 08:39 PM

Holding Sparky and you in light and love, my dear one,

Allison

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 08:34 PM

For those of you who are interested and have shown such kindness, an update:

My dad has been put in hospital today. He'd had a really bad night. The visiting nurse thought he'd had a stroke, but when they checked him out, they found his heart just isn't working well. He isn't getting enough oxygen to all his parts, plus the area where they took his toe is blackened...not a good sign. If all goes well tonight, we'll know more in the morning. If, not, then he's had a very good ride. I feel blessed, either way.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 06:52 AM

Lots of love,

Allison

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Metchosin
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 03:42 AM

Thinking of both of you, kat, from someone with another of those horse rearranged toes, fortunately still attached.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: semi-submersible
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 02:44 AM

Sending good wishes your way from the coast of British Columbia, Canada. (I remember once, while listening to a Wilf Carter record, telling my mom I'd like to travel "out West" when I grew up - and she said, "Do you know you'd have to go east from here to get there?")

        Has Sparky read Breaking Smith's Quarter Horse by Paul St. Pierre? I've a feeling you'd like it when you feel like reading. (Horse-breaking has nothing to do with the story. Neither has justice, or Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, but it's funny how they all contribute to an ironic series of improbabilities during the annual Williams Lake Stampede. Very real characters. Humour that pulls one corner of your mouth much as Rider Haggard's sometimes does.)

        If you're interested, you could try inter-library loan, or I would be happy to try to find you a second-hand copy.

Maureen & family

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: open mike
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 10:06 PM

i hope he kicked that horse right back...
and maybe they can remove the cantancerous
part, too?
i listened tohis c.d. justthe other day
and am im a band who ;lays cowboy songs.
got to get a recording made so we can
send it to him!!
yippie ti yi yo!
as one of the members of the Weavers
said when his toe had to be amputated
because of diabetes...he wrote a song
"Ode to my Toe" with instructions about
how to compost it....and other parts
if need be...Lee Hays from the Weavers...

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Morticia
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 08:47 PM

He has all of my good thoughts....you both do

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 07:54 PM

Ah, you're such a grand bunch of friends. Thanks so much to you all. I've just spoken to dad's wife and he's being cantankerous, which is about par for the course when he doesn't feel up to snuff. It just means he's chomping at the bit and not wanting too much of a fuss made of him.:-) She said it went alright and they are just hoping it will take care of the problem. She said when he was having so much trouble because of infected teeth he was a LOT better once they were removed, so she thought that might be the case, this time. She went on to say, she guessed they'd just take it a piece at a time!**bg** I told he he had plenty of parts. (Spaw, when he is feeling better I WILL share your suggestions with him. They will tickle his funny bone, which thankfully is intact!)

luvya'll...kat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 06:18 PM

My ex-father-in-law had to undergo similar surgery in his later years, due to diabetes. It's no fun losing a digit above or below. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

SRS

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 04:53 PM

Thoughts, prayers, and sympathies, Kat. Because of our own recent loss, Sparky and you have both been much on my mind these last weeks.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 04:12 PM

'Course now he loses a malfunctioning toe as a scapegoat. But he doesn't sound like the kinda guy that uses scapegoats. Remind him how far away from his mouth and throat the toe is; he can keep singing.

Well, we're all out here in the waiting room holding your hand. You should have enough help to get him back into the car and home. How will he take to the inactivity of the recovery period? Of course, he's been through a lot of stuff (87!!), but this may be the in God uses; "...like the eagle, he restores the vigor of thy youth." (part of a hymn line taken from scripture.) From our mouths to God's ear.

Sparky, I'm not the 1st, won't be the last -- Thanks for the warmth and friendship kat practices so ably. Thanks for adding to the store of knowledge and MUSIC in the world -- a definite contribution to "World Peace". Keep on keepin' on.    Tw

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 03:42 PM

70 years huh ?   Well it's good he gets these things taken care of right away........

I thought of sending things he might use as a prosthesis but there were problems. I remembered a story of how they used a part of some guy's toe to replace his penis but I don't think it worked out as it turned him into a horny toad. A bird's head as a toe would be attractive but he might end up pidgeon toed.   Probably best and cheapest if you just give him a bag of corn chips and he can have all kinds of fritos.

You know you have our best to you myluv......

Spaw

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Alba
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 06:54 AM

With you Sparky. Hope all goes well.
You are in my Thoughts.
Love and Light and Blessings to Your good Self and to Kat and all the Family.
Jude

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 06:01 AM

Warm and loving thoughts

Allison

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Partridge
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 03:34 AM

Thinking of you and your Dad


love

Pat x

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 01:57 AM

Our thoughts are with you Sparky, and some for you kat.

From across the pond,




John Beth and Danny. xx

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: emjay
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 01:31 AM

Every good thought for you and your dad. It has been just a few years since my dad left us, and it is still very fresh in my mind. It was a time of sharing for the family. My mother died many years ago and dad outlived two more wives after her.   We didn't want him to be alone so family was with him until the end, including a granddaughter who is a nurse and another who is a nursing assistant as well as a hospice nurse who made frequent visits. They were able to take care of his physical needs very well which helped all of us feel better, but there is no way around the truth--that he is gone and we miss him so.
How wonderful that you have recordings he made. I still think of Dad's wonderful whistling and wish we had recorded some of that.
Your love for him and his for you is so evident in the posts and it blesses your readers on Mudcat as it must bless your father and his wife.
I will especially remember him as he has the surgery. I hope it does give him the expected relief.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 12:55 AM

Just an update...ol' Sparky could use some extra thoughts today, that is Friday, the 15th. He's having a toe removed in the doc's office under local as he's been having trouble with it for some time and they think this will alleviate most of the problem. He said "a horse stepped on it and rearranged it about 70 years ago and it's never been right since."

I'll post as soon as I know how it went.

Thanks a bunch,

kat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Mudlark
Date: 25 Sep 04 - 12:41 AM

What good news, Kat, that your Dad is still having good days. Thanks for keeping us posted.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Sep 04 - 12:02 AM

Well, just thought you'd all like to know that dad was well enough to call me on his own yesterday morning. That hasn't happened in quite awhile where it used to be a weekly event. He sounded stronger and said he was doing better. Of course all of the major problems still exist, but there are good days and I am grateful. I am sure they come about partly due to the caring and good thoughts of you all. I know dad sure appreciates them and is always thrilled to read your messages. So, thanks, again. I'll keep you posted, now and again,

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 01:56 PM

Words still don't come...the heart just doesn't want to go there right now. This seems a good time to share some of Dad's perspective with you all. This was first posted in '99. I post it, along with Lonesome EJ's response. They seem to go together...

I believe the Earth was created simply because God abhors a vacumm and there is need of some sort of proving ground for us before better things. I think people must work and fight simply because it is the inherent struggle for truth in all things and God does not ride near as tight a rein as most religions teach; these teachings are a result of the priesthood's desire to control and prohibit the thoughts and pleasures of the population.

- "Sparky" Hudson - (my dad)

Someone once told me this.

In the beginning there was only God. But He grew tired of being all-knowing, omnipresent and all-encompassing. And so, to pass the time He played a hiding game: He hid himself in intricate disguises of his own devising. He hid himself in rocks, trees and animals. As He grew in His skills, He grew more adept at His hiding, so that by the time He had hidden Himself in the creatures known as human beings, He had a very hard time finding Himself again. And it is in this state that man lives: In constant seeking for the Divinity within himself and others.

And so Kat, I believe that little parable has a lot in common with the wise words of your Father, and I believe that he may be a little more successful in his seeking than many of us.

LEJ

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Áine
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 12:17 PM

Holding all of you in our hearts. No words can ease your heartache, dear one; but hopefully some ease can be found knowing that we all are thinking of Sparky and yourself.

Big hugs to all the shoulders bearing the load.

Love you, Áine

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Joybell
Date: 21 Aug 04 - 08:22 PM

Thoughts and wishes from this part of OZ too, Kat and Sparky. Joy

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Aug 04 - 02:59 PM

No, Kat, it isn't the pain that's blessed, of course not-- I'm sorry to have been unclear. How awful that must have sounded if that's how it struck you! It's the things that will happen on the nonverbal level (in the midst of the pain and sorrow) that I was talking about.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: GUEST,kat
Date: 21 Aug 04 - 01:15 PM

Sorry, Susan, I know you mean well, but I see nothing blessed in the pain and suffering he is going through, nor that of his wife who is his principal caregiver. He and I have said all we've ever needed to, to one another and he is not the type to want nor accept what he would consider "mollycoddling" for himself, so no holding his hand, etc, even if I did live close enough to do so. I've had silence aplenty and understand what you mean, it's just not relevant in this instance, imo.

Thanks to you all,

kat