Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: GUEST,winterbright
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 07:04 PM

Kat, love to you and best to your dad. White light is boundless.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 07:11 PM

...and let him know that I included "some of his cowboy ballads" on my short list of favorite ballads in the recent thread here asking for folks' fav trad ballads.

And love to you both, Ms. Kat.

Art

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 10:09 PM

Kat
Remind your father that he should be proud, for the obviously excellent (judging from your posts anyway) daughter he raised. For those of us fortunate enough to be parents, there is no better legacy to leave.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: GUEST,Augie
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 10:10 PM

Sorry about the unsigned post-geez I hate those

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Bert
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 03:32 PM

How is Sparky doing? We can't let this thread drop down too far 'cos we have to let him know we are still thinking of him.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Bert
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 12:09 PM

Hey Sparky Lad, we still love you!

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 08:02 PM

Thanks, so much, Bert. Sorry I didn't answer earlier. I hadn't talked to him or his wife until just now, this week.

He seems to be holding his own; having very clear moments, some confusion, lots of sleep. He watches the news and can turn the air blue with what he thinks of the currrent Resident et alia; then ask me to get a copy of H. Rider Haggard's "She", so that he can read it, because "it's very popular right now." He read it years ago, of course, but all in all, he seems to be doing fairly well that way.

Physically, he has a full-time catheter, has to walk with a cane, very slowly, and is still cooped up in the house, but as he said earlier, he's still getting a lot of pleasure out of his dog, cat, and wife. Thank the gawds and gawdesses for the critters...he'd be all alone in the mornings if it weren't for them.

He thinks the world of you all and said to say-so when next I posted. He gets a little teary when I tell him about your words, all of you, and how far-flung are those who know of him and have heard his songs. It touches his heart and I believe it helps him, immensely, to carry-on.

I've been struck with inconsolable crying a couple of nights in a row, now. Don't have any idea why; can't think of anyone I might've picked up vibes from, but I do suspect, it probably has a lot to do, subconsciously, with the thought of his passing and the knowledge of you all and your infinite kindness to us all. Thanks dear friends, from Dad and myself.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 08:32 PM

It's a tough time katmyluv, but I will hold an even bigger part of my heart open to you with the best thoughts yours for an easy transition as Sparky travels the road.

Much love,

Pat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 12:27 AM

You know, kat, since we all do travel that same road eventually (although I personally am not yet sure that I'm going to:), it's a great comfort for the ones who are having to let their loved one go to know that the traveler has chosen the gradual, releasing-the-fingers-bit-by-bit route. Given the choice, animals do that and I think that we can learn a lot from them. To sleep more and more and get all drifty- hey, that's not so bad.

So, yes, cry, get it out- and then when you can't possibly cry anymore, discover that there are yet more tears, and will be for a long time to come.

I still cry sometimes at some losses (including dogs!), no matter how long ago- and I don't cry easily. However, I did learn eventually not to choke back the tears- that lump in the throat is mighty hard to swallow.

{{{{{{{Hugggggg}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Mudlark
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 12:41 AM

Dear Kat...anyone worth loving is worth crying over...all dads are special, and yours maybe more than most. Loss is a part of life, but that doesn't make it any easier. But holding it back surely makes it worse. Hang in there, and I hope that Sparky has lots of good times left...good daughters, good wife, good animal companions...that's a lot to live for.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 08:01 PM

Dear Friends,

Just an update: Dad's quality of life is going downhill with congestive heart failure and all of it attendant problems. I cannot say all that I would, at the moment, except that I'd like to give thanks for an end to his discomfort and suffering.

Thanks, so much,

kat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 08:14 PM

I will pray for that, kat. You have had a rough summer. Take care.
Mary

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Bobert
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 08:27 PM

(((((((((((((((Prayers from Wes Ginny & Hugs, too)))))))))))))))

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 08:35 PM

we don't wish an end, but we don't wish misery and sadness either. He has done pretty durn well for 87 years, and there would be relief at knowing he AND you didn't have to cope every day.

hoping that it all works out reasonably and comfortably...

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 08:43 PM

Best wishes to all of you.

SRS

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Amos
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 08:56 PM

He'll make his decision and take his own step past the point of return some time; until then, you do what you can to let him know it is okay, to comfort, and if nothing better is possible, just to sympathize. He knows you.

A

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 09:06 PM

and I say what Amos said.

kat, you know this, but you'll experience depression. Just don't stay there, come back to us.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Amergin
Date: 21 Aug 04 - 02:24 AM

You know...your mum will come by and take him home, when it is time...just know you have friends here....who will offer their shoulders to you virtual or otherwise.

I know your dad is so happy that he has this life....esopecially after raising such wonderful kids...and grandkids. He has a family that loves him. That truly is all a person can hope for.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 21 Aug 04 - 10:14 AM

Your dad will know when he is ready to move on to the next stage - he knows you will be all right, and part of him will always be with you.

We are all here for support when you need us.

Sending {{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}} from Oz.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Aug 04 - 01:10 PM

Kat,

We've seen several parishioners and their families through this (CHF, etc), up close, and I can tell you this-- whatever one's spiritual views may be, it's the most blessed time in a family, as it all unfolds. (I wrote about Kelts' Dillman's lassing in the Why We Sing thread once.) I think you will find the silences the fullest you've ever experienced, and all the usual family stuff that goes wrong in words can go so very right, in that silence. Even the most painful parts are so replete with joy.

I wish you all the best in this time to come... and please, take good care of yourself in it so you can be fully there during and afterwards.

~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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 Oct 04 - 06:52 AM

Lots of love,

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 09:57 PM

Good thoughts coming from Maine, kat.

xxxxx