Barry Finn in hospital (July-Aug 2005)

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: JudyB
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 09:50 PM

What wonderful news! They do say third time's the charm!

We just got back from the first MIT Chantey Sing on the Charles, and everyone there sent their best - in fact, if you had a window open this afternoon, you might have heard the rousing chorus of "Roll the Old Chariot" we used to roll some of the energy in the room over in your direction!

I'm terribly fuzzy about names, but Lynn Noel is one of the organizers there, and she specifically asked us to give you her best wishes. Celtaddict was up from Connecticut, Alison Lee Freeman was down from Maine (as were Charley & I), and there was someone from Albany who'd heard about the shanty session at Old Songs. And lots of folks from the Boston area - a really nice session! And a lot of positive energy headed your way from those folks.

Thanks again for the news, Justine, and do remember to take a little time for yourself - breathe in, nice and slow; hold for a few seconds; and let the stress flow out with the air. And the peanut butter crackers sound like a great idea!

Love to you both (from me and Charley Noble),
JudyB

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Tinker
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 09:46 PM

Justine thanks so much for the up date. Give a few hugs around for the folks at home for all of us. I printed out one of the pictures of Barry singing at Mystic off of his Mudcat photo page and left in in a high traffic part of the house to send back a little of the energy he belts out in his singing back at him each time I passed by today. Like Jeri I found myself singing songs I know Barry sings and thinking about work songs....
well that got me thinking about working ladies so I added a few blues too...just for smiles. Just don't forget to breathe yourself ...

Tinker

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 09:43 PM

I am so relieved, I think I'll take a breath....*whooosh*....now, maybe in a couple weeks--after more good news, I'll take another!

as my wife says...this is wonderful wonderful wonderful wonderful news.

...and I'm too tired to make any liver puns!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 08:39 PM

wunnerful........Great news for everyone and may it continue! Still the best coming your way.....Thanks Justine. Take care of yourself.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 08:29 PM

Seamus, yuck.
Do people really eat fava beans?

I want to echo what Tom said. I've been quite worried, and hoping to hear something good. I'm not religious, so what Barry got from me energy-wise was a lot of 'thinking of' and singing. I started singing songs I knew he knew, then figured out what he'd really want me to sing. I was pretty amazed to discover know all the words to Warren Zevon's "Carmelita." "I hear mariachi static on my radio..."

Here's to the the Old Man's liver -- may it just keep rollin' along!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 08:12 PM

Oh, gawd, Justine . . .

I know it's not over yet, but the news is good.

Barry's got the easy part -- all he has to do is ride that elephant downhill.

You, on the other hand, are stuck with all the rest of getting on with life AND dealing with the worry, etc. of the love of your life being in the situation he's in.

Been there (last year with Curmudgeon), but you've got it a heck of a lot worse.

Seriously, take CARE of yourself. Keep cheese peanut butter crackers in the car for when you've forgotten to eat. Don't sweat an extra glass of wine before you sleep. (Make sure you sleep.)

It's taken me until a couple months ago to recover from last year. You're going to be fragile for awhile.

Let US do whatever we can -- and don't be afraid to ask.

We've got the white light focussed on Barry -- but I know I've got it focussed on you, too.

Much love sent your way.

Linn

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Janie
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 08:10 PM

No, no! Not take OF you------take CARE of you:>)

Janie

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Janie
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 08:08 PM

Justine,

Thank you so much for the update. It sounds very hopeful. Be sure to let the people around you help take of YOU! Continuing to hold you both and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Janie

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Ebbie
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 08:03 PM

Wonderful. (And I do NOT refer to Seamus's recipe.)

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 08:00 PM

Great news. Keep battlin' Barry and get well soon. All my very best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
Oh, one more thing - my friend Dr. Lecter was wondering if he could have the old liver.
Apparently he has a wonderful recipe with fava beans and chianti....

Seamus

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 07:57 PM

Grrrrreat!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Alba
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 07:40 PM

Justine...This is fantastic News. Thank you for taking the time to post this great update...Fantastic News.
Sending nothing but Love and Light to you Both.
Thinking of you Barry, Healing thoughts and a candle burning in Northern Maine Tonight.
Jude

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Ferrara
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 07:10 PM

Oh this is wonderful wonderful wonderful wonderful news!

When I was in the hospital about a week after my transplant a woman visited me who had a heart transplant about 5 months earlier. She asked me, "Do you feel that you've been lifted up on a silver platform of other people's prayers?" Well that was exactly how I felt and how I feel today.

Justine thank you so much for giving us this news ... Whoops, I am crying ... time out ....

We will keep sending those prayers and warm wishes your way, Barry and Justine, and hoping that this time the outcome will be the very best you could ask for.

Rita

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 07:02 PM

Great news! We're both keeping Barry in our thoughts.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: curmudgeon
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 06:59 PM

This must be the best message I've seen on Mudcat in years. We'll keep sending the energy Barry's way till he's out of the woods and campedt at the clearing -- Tom

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Dave Swan
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 06:53 PM

OutSTANDing news. Thanks, Justine, for taking the time to write. All best to you, Barry, and his new filter.

Dave & pj

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 06:52 PM

A sigh of relief! That is good news Justine. I will keep the candle lit and the prayers coming. Give him a hug for me.
SINS

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 06:51 PM

More Thanks-givings coming your way, Justine and Barry!! That is WONDERFUL news!!

luvyakat & Rog

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Barry Finn
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 06:44 PM

Good news. Barry received another liver early this morning. The doctors are pleased at how the surgery went. The entire transplant team was on for this one, and it all went without a hitch. His new liver "pinked up" right away, and even made some bile! These are good things. It looks like Barry has been given another chance. I believe in the power of positive energy and prayer, and I thank all of you for the amazing support. I hope all is well with you and yours. Justine

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: bbc
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 06:16 PM

Dear Barry & Justine,

I'm just back from vacation, reading this thread. You have already been in my prayers & continue to be. Stay strong. You are much loved! The world is a brighter place because of the 2 of you.

love from NY,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 05:45 PM

We're all prayin' for down here in Mystic. Hope to sing with you soon Barry.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Janie
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 12:02 AM

Barry,

    I remember so clearly when I first met you, at my first Getaway. I am from landlocked West Virgina, and don't know if I had ever heard shanties sung until that weekend. You blew me away with the passion and soul in your voice, conveying the HARD nature of the work of the sailor.

    I was really nervous at that first Getaway, and unused to singing with or for other people. You were so kind and encouraging to each person who sang. You conveyed real interest in each person's music, regardless of talent or experience. You so valued the sharing and joining together in song.

    You've got another piece of hard pulling to do. You know about hard work. Use what you know. Our hands are on the rope with you, Brother. And with you also Justine. We'll keep pulling with you.

Janie

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Janie
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 11:40 PM

Justine and Barry,

All I can do is echo what everyone else has said. Holding all of you close in mindful prayer. May the care and concern offered by all feel like both a warm blanket surrounding you, and like a mighty oak supporting your back.

May you have blessings, and mercy surround you.

Janie

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 10:17 PM

Thanks for that image, Susan: "pulling WITH you."

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 09:45 PM

Such love, such strength, Justine, between you and Barry and surrounding you both from all who love Barry.... much love and prayer also from the Prayer Chain. We're pulling with you. Lean on the strength of all that love, dear, as you stay close.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Alba
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 09:42 PM

Oh Justine. You must be so distracted and yet you found time to let us know what was happening. Thank you.
Barry you are very much in my Thoughts.
Sending Strength and Hopefull Wishes to you Both.
I am holding you in the Light Barry Finn.
With Love and Blessings
Jude

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 09:31 PM

Barry,
I just mailed you a card with a somewhat risque mermaid on the envelope. If it gets past the government and hospital censors, take a look. Maybe it will jolt that liver into operation.

Justine, look after yourself. Whatever rest and food you can manage. The children need you healthy. Stay strong. I keep you and Barry in my prayers.

Large candle lit for you tonight.

Love,
Mary

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: ToneDeafDave
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 08:41 PM

Justine - we never met, but thank you for keeping us all up to date - this must be very, very hard...

Please tell Barry that David Diamond is rooting for him -

Barry, let me add my my voice to the chorus - we want you back, we want hear you sing, we want to see you and spend time with you.

Get well!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 06:44 PM

Light and love and prayers flowing your way, Barry and Justine. I'm singing for you this weekend.

Love,
Allison

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 06:08 PM

My prayers for a compatible liver and a full recovery are with you, Barry. This is an unbelievable ordeal, and you're one amazing man.Thank you for the continuing news, Justine.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 04:45 PM

Justine, thanks so muhc for taking the time to let us know how things are. I echo the others, take care of yourself, too.

Also, you probably already know this, but I would say keep reading to him, talking to him, and play music for him, via Walkman or whatever. It all helps one in staying connected while so ill and/or unconscious. Hearing is one faculty which is always *on* so to speak and the words of love, etc. do register deep within.

We played Mozart on a cassette when my mom was very ill in ICU, many years ago. It was some of her favourite music. It helped her to focus on the uplifting music rather than the pain and fear of illness. Even when she was in and out of consciousness, she recognised the music. A loved one's voice is so reassuring, too.

Sending Love, Light and Thank-givings for a new and compatable liver and complete recovery for highest good of all concerned,

Kat & Rog

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 04:09 PM

We've got you surrounded, Barry. Heartfelt best wishes from Alaska.

Eb

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Ferrara
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 03:59 PM

If anyone can manage to do this, it's Barry. He's one in a million. No need to tell him to keep hanging in there, because that's what he does best. Even better than singing. Love you, Barry.

Justine, our thoughts are with you. I agree with JudyB, do your best to get the food and rest you need and to take a few quiet minutes when you can, to just stop and breathe.

Like Nancy King I'm hoping hard for the tide to turn and for things to get much better soon.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Metchosin
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 02:58 PM

More best wishes from here too Barry.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: curmudgeon
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 02:42 PM

Hang tight, Barry; you too, Justinr. More positive energy headed your way -- Tom

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: KathWestra
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 02:25 PM

Love and light to you both. Kathy

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 02:19 PM

Continued best wishes, thoughts and prayers Barry!

-- Gary

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 02:15 PM

Oh dear -- this is not the way it's supposed to be going. Justine, you and Barry are in my thoughts, and I'm hoping hard for the tide to turn and for things to get much better soon!

Love to you both,
Nancy

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 12:40 PM

I'm pulling for Barry, and your whole familiy. I wish I could donate strength the way you can donate blood.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: JudyB
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 12:33 PM

Oh, Justine -
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Thanks so much for letting us know the news, even though it's not the news any of us wanted. I don't know Barry as well as Charlie does, but from what I've seen, he has a really big heart and a really big soul, and I think they'll get him through this. I know it's hard to think of anything else - but try to remember to eat occasionally, and breathe! A few slow deep breaths can really help.

Love to you both,
JudyB

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: kendall
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 12:29 PM

Our prayers are with you both.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Barry Finn
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 12:22 PM

Hello friends,

Barry is still very ill and in the ICU. He is holding on for another liver, and is at the top of the list. The doctors are hoping it comes soon, because the recent transplant is definitely not working. Barry opens his eyes from time to time, and seems to know he is in the hospital, seems to recognize his sister and me. I printed out the entire thread and read it to him the day before yesterday. It seemed that he took it in. He is at the best facility and we are hoping for the best. Thanks for your messages, Justine

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Dani
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 12:39 AM

Reading the thread on Shenandoah, I am reminded of so many of your contributions and inspirations, Barry.

Boy, this thing we call the Mudcat is woven of fine, fragile stuff, ain't it?

Thinking of you tonight, sending a song and a prayer to you and your family.

Dani

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: GUEST,Peg
Date: 08 Jul 05 - 02:00 PM

Awww, Barry not again!

Wish I could be there to do some singing in your room like last time but I am outta town camping for a bit. My thoughts are with ya, though, my friend. We'll do a round of General Taylor for ya around the fire tonight.

Miss you and Justine and the kids. Godspeed your recovery.

love ya
peg

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jul 05 - 01:54 PM

The Mystic Seaport Chanteymen are all pullin' for you Barry. Get Well!
David

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: lamarca
Date: 08 Jul 05 - 11:47 AM

Barry - maybe they forgot the onions the first time? You've got my prayers and best wishes, friend. Not to be prejudiced or anything, but I don't fancy you as a "high yaller" sort of guy - I'd much rather hear your high yelling (or rather low belting...) today and in the future.

sending love, strength and healing to you...
Mary

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Susan of DT
Date: 08 Jul 05 - 08:58 AM

Any word on whether they decided the transplant is working? (see Justine's [Barry Finn] posting July 6, above) I certainly hope they don't have to do this again. Is all going well??

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Abby Sale
Date: 08 Jul 05 - 08:26 AM

Never give up the ship and fare well. (That's an order.)

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 08 Jul 05 - 08:22 AM

I just found this thread. Heard about it in another and had to get right here. I do hope things are going well, Barry. I remember the first Getaway you attended. You and I had exchanged PM's to organize a workshop on Prison Songs having never met face-to-face. When I arrived late Friday night at the dining hall the first thing I heard was your voice ringing out with a sea chantey. The workshop went well. The next year, I think it was, you held a party for the Mudcat at your house. In a blessed moment of insanity, Marge and I drove up from Maryland. That Saturday, I joined a song circle that lasted from 1 PM to 1 AM. So many wonderful singers and players, I barely took time to eat. People wonder from where your music comes. I know it comes from a huge heart secretly hidden in your normal sized body. You are a generous and sensitive person with a lot of love for humankind. I do want you around for many more years. You are in my prayers.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: mooman
Date: 08 Jul 05 - 02:08 AM

All the best Barry. My thoughts are with you.

Peace

moo (from Belgium)