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BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Sorcha Date: 18 Mar 01 - 07:17 PM This is getting too long, please see "Big Mick Needs Hugs" here. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: gnu Date: 18 Mar 01 - 07:16 PM Condolences to Jim's family and to you, Big Mick. g |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: SINSULL Date: 18 Mar 01 - 07:12 PM Mick, Jim and Darla are blessed with good friends and a loving family. They made his passing easier. Take care of yourself and celebrate his life in your music. I am sorry for your loss. Mary |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: catspaw49 Date: 18 Mar 01 - 07:05 PM Lotta' wet keyboards Sorch........... I hope the strength that has sustained his family through Darla's illness continues to be as strong and that they can find some solace in the the knowledge that both Jim and Darla have had the best life offers.....the love and concern, caring and laughter, songs and love, of true friends. I hope for them the same. And as for you Mick, its all been said. Soon the void left by Jim will be filled to overflowing with the memories of happier times and better songs. Our hearts are made not of tissue, but made from the spirits of friends who have touched them. All Our Best, Pat and Karen |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Bill D Date: 18 Mar 01 - 06:54 PM I hope my passing is easier than Jim's, but no matter how or when, if someone can make my last day as meaningful and 'right' as you two did for him, it will be fine. There is no easy way to say goodbye to a friend, but "The Parting Glass" will do....... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Sorcha Date: 18 Mar 01 - 06:46 PM Dammit all, it's hard to type when you can't see......My deepest condolences, Mick, to you and Jim's family. Raising a glass, here. My lap is not very big, but you are welcome to cram as much of you into it as you can, darlin'. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: katlaughing Date: 18 Mar 01 - 06:35 PM Oh, Mick, you have such a big heart and we are so blessed at your willingness to share it. I am so sorry for the loss of your mate and for his family. I, too, will light a candle, as soon as I dry the avalanche of tears, for Jim and all of you. You always share in such an eloquent and beautiful way. Thank you, my friend, luvyakat'leen |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: wysiwyg Date: 18 Mar 01 - 06:28 PM Love and lap, Mick, all, for you. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 18 Mar 01 - 06:17 PM My condolences Mick.... At least Jim got his song from you. Another angel got his wings mate. Yours, (in sympathy) Aye. Dave |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Jeri Date: 18 Mar 01 - 05:56 PM Mick, Jim was lucky to have you as a friend, and it sounds like you were lucky as well. I don't think there's a better way to go than with a song from a good friend lingering in the air.
Love and unlimited hugs to you, and for you to spread around. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Little Neophyte Date: 18 Mar 01 - 05:20 PM I feel so deeply for your tremendous loss Mick. I will light a candle for Jim and send prayers for Darla and their kids. My thoughts are with you. With much love, Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 18 Mar 01 - 04:37 PM Oh, Mick, what a loss. We would all love to hold you and let you cry and tell you we're here for you- hang in there, buddy, consider yourself hugged and know you are loved. ((((((((BIG MICK)))))))) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Willie-O Date: 18 Mar 01 - 04:35 PM yeah, mick, what they said. my dad, who played piano for over seventy years, is disappearing to Alzheimers. Still responds to music though. seems like the best thing I can do is sit by his bed and play for him. last time he said "I'm loving every note." The Parting Glass, what a great song. All it's about is, we're none of us perfect or even particularly adequate, but we do the best we can in the time we've got. spent it in good company. love, |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Seamus Kennedy Date: 18 Mar 01 - 04:24 PM My sincerest condolences to you, Mick, and to Jim's family. Seamus |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Micca Date: 18 Mar 01 - 04:23 PM Mick, my thoughts and sympathy go to you, the band, and to Jims Family too, It is hard to let someone go, I am glad you had the chance to sing to him too, especially "Parting glass" reading about that brought tears to my eyes too. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Morticia Date: 18 Mar 01 - 04:13 PM My sincerest condolences Mick, to his family and to his friends, clearly you were a good one. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Dave Swan Date: 18 Mar 01 - 04:09 PM Mick, I'll raise a pint to you and Jim. I count myself lucky to have heard CCB when all of you played. He's lucky that you were his friend. The loss of a bandmate hurts in a way nothing else can, and you all have my warmest wishes. You know the song I'll sing for Jim. Best, Dave |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Ebbie Date: 18 Mar 01 - 04:06 PM Oh, Big Mick... The only thing I can say, as I once did with a loss of mine, was that the people who are hurting are the fortunate ones- they got to know the person. And I can add, the person who got to have you in his life. Blessings on you and on those left behind. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: JedMarum Date: 18 Mar 01 - 04:04 PM Sorry to hear the sad news, Mick, but inspired by the love and goodness you put in your thoughts here. My prayers for Jims' family and friends at their loss. My thanks for your telling of the tales. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Amergin Date: 18 Mar 01 - 04:04 PM MY thoughts to you as well, Mick, and to your dear friend's family. May you meet with him again. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: CarolC Date: 18 Mar 01 - 04:04 PM I'm sorry for your loss, Big Mick. My best thoughts and wishes go to you, and to your friend's family and loved ones. Carol |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Justa Picker Date: 18 Mar 01 - 03:56 PM I just went and read the original thread and now this follow up and it sent shivers down my spine. What can I say? My heartfelt thoughts go out to you Big Mick and to Jim's family. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Big Mick Date: 18 Mar 01 - 03:49 PM It has been a very tough 6 months. Let me explain. I will do so in reverse order, for reasons that will be obvious in a moment. After Darla's diagnosis, Jim was never quite the same. As a band, and more importantly, as friends, we were very worried for him. He wasn't eating much, and he was exhibiting classic signs of depression. We tried everything, but it seemed like the light had gone out. He always professed his love of the music, but getting him to play got progressively harder. About a month ago, we had a gig and he had to sit down on a stool for the whole thing. But was he ever on!!! It was one of our best efforts. The pride in our friend was palpable, and it was as if the embers had started to glow, soon to be fanned into the flame. But it wasn't to be. A few weeks later a dear friend, who is a home care nurse who was assisting the family out of love for them, took Jim to the Doctor. The Doctor indicated he was malnourished, dehydrated and depressed. He was taken to the hospital twice more, and then they found it. Jim had masses in his lungs and on his adrenal glands. The prognosis - less than a month to live. It hit us hard, and it hit Jim hard. This past week Thursday I woke up and felt an incredible sadness. Sat and cried because I have so much to learn from this incredible musician. And I sat and cried because I didn't want my friend to leave on the next leg of the journey yet. I called his son and asked if I could come over and he said yes. Jim couldn't talk, couldn't set up, couldn't even use his hands. I sat with him, tears everywhere and told him I loved him. Then I got out the 12 string and started to sing to him. You should have seen him react.....eyebrows moving to the music, and he tried to smile. Then another of my bandmates came in, Michael, and we sang together. When we launched into a rousing rebel song, you could see Jim trying to play his air guitar. We sang for quite a while and he clearly enjoyed it. Then we had to leave for a gig..........Mike had to leave first and go get our equipment trailer. I stayed for a few more minutes and sang a couple of more songs. Then I asked Jim if I could play his guitar over the weekend so his "voice" would be heard on St. Pat's. He let me, I could tell by his expression. I then kissed his forehead and started to leave. Jim got very agitated. The nurse thought he was in pain. But his sons and I felt that he wanted something. I tried to figure it out. I asked if he wanted me to leave the guitar. He didn't react to that. Then I asked him if it was another song. He looked straight in my eyes. Then I tried to figure out what the song was. It was very difficult, but as I was sitting there on the floor at my friends side, the words came...........Of all the money that ere I spent, I spent it in good company... and he looked me straight in the face again. He wanted to hear "The Parting Glass". I sang it as a lullaby. I then kissed him again, told him I loved him again, and left for the gig. By the time I arrived at the gig, I was met at the elevator by Michael. He told me Jim had died shortly after we left. Working our way through the weekend was tough, but we did it. The sharing of music is an intimate experience for musicians. Especially so for folkies. Our music is about passion, hate, love, leaving............every emotion one can imagine. It is about message, injustice, triumph, and pain. For almost five years, the five men who make up the Conklin Céilí Band have practiced virtually every week, performed together, and went to the woods for a weekend of music and friendship. The loss of Jim Goldsmith to those of us that remain is a pain that is very close to unendurable. Tom Verlin, Jon Koeze, Michael Scott and I are going to miss this crotchety old man more than can be described. It is time to start looking for his voice in others, time to go on and time to recraft our music. But in our hearts, it will always be with the thought of Jim in our hearts. God be good to him. Darla remains one of the most wonderful women I have ever met. She battles her own illness with a sense of grace and dignity rarely seen. We cried together the day Jim died. Her medical condition seems to be stable, at least. How this affects her remains to be seen. May I tell you about the children of these people. Want to experience a miracle? Just meet these children. Three sons, two daughters, and they are wonderful. They lovingly take care of their parents with a tenderness and forebearance that is a wonder to behold. They are a living example of what one would hope his own children would become. And I thank them for allowing me a glimpse of how times like these should be handled. So, my friends, your prayers, good thoughts......whatever you choose to do.........for the soul of Jim Goldsmith would be appreciated. And the same for those left behind. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: SINSULL Date: 10 Jun 00 - 04:04 PM I am not surprised Mick. Without sounding like a total flake, I have seen healings done by caring friends that doctors couldn't accomplish. The human mind is an amazing tool. Refresh this thread and remind us about Darla occasionally. Imagine being given the gift of a few more years. That's wonderful news. Happy tears here. SS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Ebbie Date: 10 Jun 00 - 03:59 PM Wonderful! A very good beginning! Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Banjer Date: 10 Jun 00 - 03:49 PM Just hearing that the prognosis has changed from months to years is good news...Hopefully they will take the 'new lease on life' and enjoy it to the fullest. Do all those things that they have been putting off until 'someday, when we are able'. Enjoy all the things they have been denying themselves....Now is the time. God bless... Perhaps we should all take a lesson here? Do it NOW... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: catspaw49 Date: 10 Jun 00 - 03:46 PM See? Sometimes the magic works. Nothing likr the power of a few good thoughts. Over 30 years ago, my Mom had a 6 month diagnosis and she extended that another 3 years by focusing on the positives and with the help of her friends. Every day is a great day with or without such a diagnosis.....and if we fail to make it so, what's the point anyway? Jim and Darla...We're glad to hear the news! So when are you going to join us here on the 'Cat??? Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Big Mick Date: 10 Jun 00 - 03:35 PM Well folks, Darla came home yesterday with a new prognosis. A couple of days ago we were talking 6 to 8 months. As of yesterday we were talking in the 3 to 5 year range. Thanks for your prayers/meditations/good thoughts from the family. And please don't stop. I would appreciate it. I am delivering these to the family and they are really amazed at the outpouring. It is truly having a therapeautic effect on them. All the best, Big Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 09 Jun 00 - 12:44 AM Easy to share with someone who has a bigger heart than all of us put together Mick. Rest ye well lad, you are a good friend to all. Yours, Aye. Dave |
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Subject: From: georgeward Date: 09 Jun 00 - 12:42 AM Mick, Whatever the future holds for your friends, they are surely blessed with your caring. My thoughts and prayers,too, are with you. -George
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Big Mick Date: 09 Jun 00 - 12:19 AM Thanks to all. You inspire me, but more importantly you give hope to Jim, Darla, the kids and grandkids. I wish you could see the effect your words and your prayers are having. Tonight the boys in the band ended up at Jims. It didna start out that way, but somehow without prompting we all ended up sitting at Jim's with instruments in hand, a bottle of Jamesons on the table and a few creamy pints in glasses around the table. DADGBE's word's (Our prayer is song. I shall pray for you with my guitar in hand and love in my heart.
"If I had a thing to give you I would tell you one more time that the world is always turning toward the morning." ) came to mind. I read them to the boys, and Jim had tears in his eyes. I sang ".....Turning towards the Morning" to him and he and the others misted up at the wisdom contained in Gordon Bok's words. We had a long talk among dear friends about all of this. Much love was expressed, and Jim seemed to draw from it a path that he would follow which would be to live every moment with his life partner. He seemed to understand that Darla is alive, not dying. Not anymore than any of the rest of us. Given the nature of her illness, the air is rarer and the time more precious, but he seems determined to live and love with her until this part of the journey is concluded. I am proud of him. Three hours later the Jamesons was gone, and we left. Darla is coming home tomorrow, so we told the old fart to get a haircut, shave his neck, and put some Old Spice on...........oh yeah, and clean the house. After all, his girlfriend was coming home and he should make a good impression. He laughed through the tears, we all hugged each other, and then we left. Music is an amazing bond. And the sense of clan runs deep in us Celts. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: GUEST,Judy G Date: 08 Jun 00 - 11:02 PM Mick, We will add Jim and Darla to our prayer chain too. Please keep us informed so that we can continue to pray well. Thank you |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: GUEST,Joan Date: 08 Jun 00 - 09:38 PM Hang in; we all have more strength than we ever imagine we have. Been there, too. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Dani Date: 08 Jun 00 - 09:35 PM Tuesdays with Morrie? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Brakn Date: 08 Jun 00 - 07:44 PM Mick..... Get a book called an "Afternoon with Morrie".(or similar title) My thoughts are with Jim. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: late 'n short Date: 08 Jun 00 - 03:39 PM Mick, During the past month I've met with a group of people from my church who've been through various stages/degrees of personal tragedy and loss. They would all echo Terri's thoughts that all any of us really has is "now". To that end, I offer these words: "Be with me my friend. Come! Share the journey. Though we know not our portion, rest safe, for it is. Laugh with me, cry with me, share my bewilder. For the time we're together, accept, love and live." We'll be with you and your loved ones Mick, with the Spirit to guide us. Dan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Jun 00 - 03:00 PM Mick, Just know that each time you post an update, there is a fresh outpouring for you and the whole band, and especially for Darla and Jim. But see, since I feel like I know you better than them, becuase you are the one writing and your thoughts and feelings punch right out of your posts... it is easier in a way to pray for you. Therefore... the more you can tell [me, us] about them, the more accurate the prayer and the deeper is the impetus of it. So.... not only is it probably good for you to keep talking-- it helps prayer-warriors pray more effectively! Mick, I bless you and your loves in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and may all peace be yours, Amen. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: TerriM Date: 08 Jun 00 - 02:35 PM Mick, I work with people with cancer for about half the week, Aids and HIV the other...I can testify that doctors often get the time frame wrong but that isn't really the issue. In some respects Darla has the same length of time as the rest of us, right now, which is all any of us have. From what you have said of her, I am sure she will use the time well and, as someone else said, at least you and her family will get a chance to say goodbye. May whatever Gods are approriate to you and to them see you through this and comfort you, I wish we could do more. love Terri |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Racer Date: 08 Jun 00 - 01:00 AM A friend of mine was taken brain cancer about two years ago. She was truly one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. She ran one of the local art museums here in Va Beach. Her husband was devastated after this happened. He was the only one who knew about her condition before she passed on. I always wonder why these things don't happen to the Uni-bombers and serial killers in the world. Somehow, they manage to lead perfectly healthy lives (at least physically). As thin as it sounds, Best wishes. I only wish I had a success story about brain cancer to tell you, but I've only been in contact with it that one time. I hope everything fares well for you and your band-mate. -Racer
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Clifton53 Date: 08 Jun 00 - 12:22 AM Been through this same thing with my Mom, All my best wishes to your bandmate's wife, and to you. Clifton53 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: katlaughing Date: 07 Jun 00 - 10:32 PM Dearest Mick of the Big Heart, Darla, Jim and family...from my Granddad (Frank) Hudson's writings from the ranch:
Life is a book in volumes three, May the god of your hearts sustain and guide you all in this time of change. Remember, belief in prayers, visualisation, and meditations has astounded doctors with its power to heal. It can also help when one must go through such changes. Blessed Be, kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: JedMarum Date: 07 Jun 00 - 10:19 PM my thoughts and prayers for Jim and Darla |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Susan A-R Date: 07 Jun 00 - 09:29 PM My thoughts are with you, Darla and Jim, and especially the kids, having been through quite a stint of this myself lately. Remember5, the Docs are often wront about time lines and prayers do work. Love. Susan A-R |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: GUEST,musicman (at work) Date: 07 Jun 00 - 01:58 PM Mick.... I can understand and appreciate where the family is at right about now.. my thoughts and prayers are with everyone there, you, Jim & Darla, and the family... Paul |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Frank McGrath Date: 07 Jun 00 - 01:24 PM Heart felt thoughts and prayers that all will work out well. God willing you be blessed with the faith to believe in miracles and the grace to accept God's will. Frank |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: GUEST,Penny S. Date: 07 Jun 00 - 12:46 PM These people were very helpful to me. http://www.abta.org/ The American Brain Tumor Association Penny |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: GUEST,Barry Finn Date: 07 Jun 00 - 12:29 PM Hi Mick, my best hopes & wishes for your friend & family. I'm not given to prayers or churches of any kind but would be more than happy to make any kind of exception for for like yourself who'd only make a request like this on the behalf of one other than yourself. Good Luck & Life to you & all of yours & hope to meet up again sometime soon. Barry |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: SINSULL Date: 07 Jun 00 - 10:36 AM Mick, Help them focus on the time they have left together. My mother passed at 59 without warning. There is some comfort in having time to prepare and say goodbye. And doctors have been known to be wrong. Darla and Jim are in my prayers. SS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: Ebbie Date: 07 Jun 00 - 10:26 AM My prayers are with you. A bitter-sweet beauty surrounds the lives that are colored by such events. Speaking as one whose brother finally succumbed last year, 12 years after the diagnosis, I have to say that I'm grateful for the knowledge and awareness for all that comes hand in hand with time. May the Peace that passeth understanding be with you all. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Big Mick needs good thoughts & prayer From: catspaw49 Date: 07 Jun 00 - 10:21 AM I'm sure you will do all that you can do Mick. Jim could not have a better man to share with. And as you said, we are here and we care......For Darla, for Jim, for the kids, and for you. Spaw |