About Catspaw - please read.

Subject: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Big Mick
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 10:39 PM

I am afraid I must be the bearer of some bad news regarding Catspaw. It seems he went to the hospital with what he thought was a kidney stone and it turned out to be a dissecting aneurism. I am going to paste the email texts into this post so you can all read for yourselves. As soon as Wayne and Connie give me more information regarding how we can send cards, flowers or whatever, I will get it to you. In the meantime, please pray, meditate, think good thoughts or whatever you do for our friend. I will keep you all posted as I hear any new information. We are a community, and I know we will all pull together on this one.

One last thing. Until I know for sure, let's not flood Wayne and Connie with emails re: Catspaw. I will act as the go between and post regular updates as I receive them until we have a way to send email to Pat, or until Connie and Wayne say it is OK to email them. That way we won't be burdening them any further. As you will see in their message, they are very distraught.

Mick

Mick:

Wayne and I want to write back to you as soon as this weekend is over. But I feel I need to contact you sooner with important info. Pat was admitted to the local hospital today with what they thought was a kidney stone (details later) and turned out to be a dissecting aneurysm. He was life flighted to a bigger hospital in Columbus-- where they determined that it is worse than first thought prior to transport. Additional cat scans revealed it was even more extensive than they thought but not the worst case scenerio where they would have to transport again to a trauma hospital with a cardiac surgeon and a heart pump. More details I'll send later.

Catspaw is by no means out of the woods. If your dear grandmother taught you to pray --now would be a good time...of course, if she didn't now might be an excellent time to start....

Thanks~later~Connie and Wayne

and then there is this which came today

Mick just talked to Karen on the phone with an update on Pat. He is not out of the woods at this point. Prognosis is still not good. Dr. hoping to deal with this medicaly...that by keeping his pressure down the aeorta will heal vs. surgery...which is quite risky at this point as his blood pressure is up and the aneurysm is so near to his heart.

Pat and Karen are the dearest friends we have on earth...actuallly we count them as family...we are closer to them thatn to anyone in our families on either side. They are both one of a kind. I would go on with that thought except that in order to keep functioning at this point I need to stay out of the affective domain and with the black and white facts of what's happening and how we need to move to accomadate the last/next set of challenges.

Karen was glad that I e-mailed you last night and agreed that Pat would want you to know and also that you would know what to do with this info in terms of "mudcatters".

Thanks for your help on this and your friendship to Pat. More as it develops or once a day if nothing changes.

~Connie

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Susan A-R
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 10:50 PM

Thank you Mick. I had wondered where those Catspaw posts were. My prayers are with the wonderful, irrevrent, kind Catspaw.

Susan

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: alison
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 10:54 PM

hi,

Having looked after many patients with anneurysms I can understand the fear involved .. must have come as a real shock especially seeing as you thought it was kidney stones.

You are in the right place.. being looked after by good doctors...and take comfort from this....... there are people all over the world who are praying for you and your family at this time.....

Slainte

alison

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 11:07 PM

Any of you who may not have been with us in the last few months, know this: Catspaw, in his few months among us has become as indispensible to our community as any of our members, Art, Dick, Susan, Max, Mick, even Joe Offer. Prayer is not usually my thing--I don't know if I can get through if there is a listener (or Listener, for Gargoyle)--but I'm praying now. And I am projecting whatever psychic energy my !/2 watt broadcasting system can project, keeping the good thought (for fans of NYPD Blue), and asking all of you to join in wherever you feel your efforts are most effective. Catspaw, I love you, buddy. Get well. --seed

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 11:12 PM

Thanks, Mick. We'll keep watching for your updates. My God, I've tears in my eyes for a man I've never met. This is what is meant by "community."

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Big Mick
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 11:31 PM

I feel the same way, Sandy and Seed. I am completely off my mark and seriously considering a run to Columbus. I sat with a lump in my throat and didn't know what to tell you all. I am sorry the first post was so matter of fact, I just didn't know what to say. I will drop a line to Connie and tell her we are all very anxious to know his status.

Mick

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Mudjack
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 11:57 PM

Thanks Mick for the updates. our prayers and concern go out to the Catspaw... Jack

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 12:14 AM

And, just Monday night he told me he thought it was just his back acting up. Oh, Catspaw, we love you. Get better and I will proceed with the absent healing I offered before and wondered if I'd offended you with the offer.

Please, people, please, visualize Catspaw surrounded by light and healing. See him in your minds and hearts, happy and home with his family and all of us, joyfully celebrating his recovery.

Now I know why they didn't answer the phone. I give thanks that our beloved Pat is safe and healing. So mote it be.

kathleen aka kat

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: LEJ
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 12:28 AM

In checking the threads the last week or so, I noticed some spark was missing, and then I realized the spark was Cats. God knows, with the shooting at the High School and the situation in Bosnia,we have been needing the crazy mix of humor and common sense that only Mr Over-the-Top brings to us. Of all the Mudcatters, I think Catspaw is the one who has been the bravest in speaking out with his fears, his affection, his wisdom, and his transcendent sense of the absurd.

Catspaw, when you read this, I want you to know something...I...um..damn it, I love you, Man!...LEEJ

PS I am saving up for a tiple for your "get well soon" present

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Alan of Australia
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 12:33 AM

Catspaw,
Get well soon mate, our prayers are with you, we miss you on Mudcat.

Alan

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 12:43 AM

Few people have ever become a part of my life so quickly. You mean a lot to me, Pat. Hang in there. We need you guy.

rick

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Banjer
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 12:56 AM

Catspaw, The hopes and prayers of this family are with you and yours today. Like Sandy, my eyes are brimming, and we've never met!
Mick, DO please keep us posted.
I would think if there was to be a "theme song" for this, What A Friend We Have In Jesus would be my choice. But any song you feel appropriate, dedicated to Catspaw's speedy recovery, will work.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Night Owl
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 01:02 AM

kat.....I'm trying......visualizing......(put a possum whistle in my picture).......Mick...thanks for letting us know....please let us know if we can do anything more than what's already been said....and...if you can....that I really do LOVE the man/spirit he is....not just WORDS!!

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 01:22 AM

To all our dear friends, This is the cats wife, Karen, my first time as a mudcatter. I've just come home for the first time since this started and am overwhelmed by your love and concern. I want you to know that you have made Pat so happy since he joined you and you have touched our hearts in so many ways. I Know he loves you all and as soon as he is able I will see to it that he has a laptop to tell you so himself. They are keeping him sedated. They need to keep his blood pressure down so the artery can repair. The aneurysm dissected from above the kidneys to just below the heart, but did not involve the coronary arteries. He had bad response to the initial sedative they used and became very agitated, but he is resting well now. Right now, I think, we're just waiting(no easy answers). Obviously, you know by now that my husband never does anything halfway---Truly an over the top guy. I will keep in touch with you all and let you know how things are going. Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers. Karen(Mrs. Catspaw)

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Banjer
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 01:29 AM

Karen, welcome to the Mudcat, wish it could have been under different circumstances. Know that you are every bit as much a part of this community as is the One and Only Catspaw himself. Give him our greetings and love and do continue to post here. We all love ya and pray for the best!

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Barbara
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 01:53 AM

'paw, you get better, you hear? Or I'll give your possum to Banjer.
We hold you in our hearts.
Blessings, and healing,
Barbara

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 02:04 AM

Karen, thank you so much for taking the time to let us know how you and Pat are. He really does mean so much to all of us here and you are one of us every bit as much. He has shared you and the boys with us, so that I feel we know you, too.

Please, please, let us know if there is anything any of us can do help. I just had a wonderful meditation and saw you and him and the kids taking him home in joy and health. We are truly blessed to have you both be a part of the Mudcat.

katlaughing and praying

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 02:08 AM

Catspaw, I have a feeling that your indomitable spirit and your "transcendent sense of the absurd" will pull you through this. You've certainly become an important part of our community of friends. Come back soon.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Tucker
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 02:11 AM

Dear Karen, My friends have said it all. My prayers go out for Catspaw. I want to hear your music friend so get well, save the harp playin' for later

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Wolfgang
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 03:33 AM

Catspaw, come back healthy. We need you.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Helen
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 03:46 AM

I'm sitting here crying all over my keyboard. Like katlaughing, I'll be sending some absent healing/Reiki to catspaw, Karen, Wayne, Connie, etc - surrounding them with love and light, and all that. That's the way that I pray for people.

I am overwhelmed by how shocked I am at this news, and how much I have come to love that over-the-top bloke. This is truly a Mud-catastrophe, but as usual we are all here together, feeling the pain and fear, and the love & hope.

catspaw, you had better get better or I might have to cross over the ocean to tell you that in person.

Wasn't it you who told the joke about the genie and the young guys who request a road over the ocean? And when the genie said that that request was too difficult they said, "okay, tell us how to understand women", and the genie replied "Two lanes or four?"

Well, we're all starting to build that ocean road - in cyberspace. Nothing is impossible, so get better soon and come back to us. Helen, in Oz

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 03:48 AM

I never realised how much you can care for and love someone you've never met. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.

Steve

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: bassen
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 03:55 AM

Just cuz I'm one of them distant relations who mostly sits in the corner savin' my two cents for the day Hershey Kisses are a penny apiece again don't mean I ain't part of the family! I'm praying for you Catspaw - as they say at this end of the Gulf Stream: God bedring!

bassen

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: reggie miles
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 04:08 AM

>Catspaw, be well. >When you're rested we hope to have the pleasure of company once again. >Reggie

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Roger the zimmer
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 04:10 AM

Hang in there mate we're all batting for you

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Penny
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 05:41 AM

I missed your posts, Catspaw. I'll be holding you in the Light, looking forward to that unique voice again.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 06:22 AM

Please can you pass my regards onto catspaw and his family

Catspaw,

get well soon, were thinking of you over here in the UK

Cheers

Bye, Sam

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: dwditty
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 06:46 AM

Add my well-wishes to all the others. We will continue to hold Catspaw in our constant thoughts and prayers until his return.

I, too, am overwhelmed by my emotion reading Mick's post of the news. It occurs to me that the "purpose" of the Mudcat may be to provide a vehicle to deal with stuff like this. (The music ain'y bad, either.) I truly believe in the concept of energy. The Mudcat brings together incredible energy from all over the world. With all of us concentrating on 'Paws recovery, he really has no choice but to get better, and fast. For me, anyway, the 'Cat just cranked up a notch in importance in my life, as well as my love for you all - and this means you, too, Catspaw. Godspeed.

DW

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 07:39 AM

Positive thoughts & prayers...

Kris

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Mo
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 08:14 AM

With so many of your friends spread around the world 'Paw, putting in the good words for you 24 hours a day, The Big Man is going to get nagged to bits - so - with any luck, your recovery will be very fast! Get well very soon because we all miss you enough as it is. Thinking of you, Love

Mo

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Peter T.
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 08:20 AM

Catspaw - may your strong heart strengthen your heart. Yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Vixen
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 08:27 AM

Dear Catspaw--

Hang in there. Keep your sense of humor. Think healing thoughts, and focus them on going home with Karen. Prayer and positive thinking are miraculous things--we don't know why they seem to work, but they do. You have many people praying and thinking positively. I am one of them.

V

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: hank
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 08:32 AM

Get well, I miss you

thats all I can say, and all I'd want to say

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Frank Howe
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 08:43 AM

Catspaw, May the Lord hold you and your family in the hollow of His hand and keep you safe. Frank

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: DonMeixner
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 08:46 AM

Cat,

Since I've been on board this forum oneof the highlites of the time has been reading your posts and getting to know you. Your touching commentary and delightful and insightful wit have led me this conclusion. That with the coming of spring this all a carefully laid ruse to get out of mowing the lawn.

Get well and be well.

Don

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 08:53 AM

I, too have tears in my eyes- Catspaw, you can't do anything but heal with the love and care pouring out to you from all of us - my thoughts and prayers are with you, your wife, and especially your little ones who must be so confused right now. I'll be singing for you tonight!
With love and healing prayers,
Allison

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: AndyG
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 09:07 AM

Just get well, soon.

AndyG

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: harpgirl
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 09:08 AM

Cat and Karen, You are both in my thoughts and I hope for Cat's swift recovery. We need him back with us...harpgirl

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Bert
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 09:09 AM

CatsP, I'm surrounding by love and light and beer and whiskey and all other things that will be good for you.
Love you guy.

Bert.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: MMario
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 09:18 AM

Catspaw and kin, if good wishes were wealth, may you win the lottery. Otherwise, you are in my thoughts, my prayers, my songs

MMario

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Allan C.
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 09:23 AM

It has all been said. Just know that my thoughts are with you as well.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Pete Peterson
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 09:37 AM

for catspaw- I add my thoughts & good wishes and prayers for you and your family. Healing can happen-- give it time & don't try to do too much too soon. You got GOOD news here.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 09:47 AM

One cannot help but be amazed at this place and what it represents. 'Spaw, you mean so much to us and you lend so much color to our town that I pray that the plan is for you to rejoin us in full fettle. Karen, I have had email in addition to the posts you see here from people around the world who are praying and thinking good thoughts for all of you. I am not that far from you if there is anything that I can do to assist. You can email me at [e-mail].

In my life I have often been called upon to speak of people and sing for people in hard times or in times of congratulations for some achievement. I guess it is because as an Irishman I am genetically predisposed to be able to speak well (and don't we call that blarney, lads?). Many times I have found that people are shocked at the feelings people have for them. And often, in the saddest circumstance, we never say it until it is too late to say it. One of the miracles of our town is that we come to know and care for one another in a very intimate way. It is on the basis of who we really are, in our minds and souls, free of the visual and all preconceived notions. Catspaw, you have shared your heart and wit so freely.............that we have come to know, and care, and need you here very badly. That is why we are all, everywhere in the world that we reach, wishing and praying for you at this time. You have made your mark, a cara, and your friends need you back in our midst. So please work hard at recovery and know that we all care for you and are actively praying for a speedy recovery.

Come home soon.

Mick

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: annamill
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 10:03 AM

Catspaw,

I'm new and don't mean to be presumptous. You're one of the Madcat people that has so attracted me to this site. I enjoy your postings and in the last week have grown very fond of you. Please get well.

Good wishes and thoughts, Anna

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 10:05 AM

We all love you Catspaw, get well soon.

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Margo
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 10:06 AM

ggggxcfv (a message from my daughter)

Hey, Catspaw. Here's the deal. You get better and come back to us, and we'll let you make fun of all our maudlin postings. Deal? Deal.

We love you and are all praying for you.

Margarita

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: bet
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 10:09 AM

Big Mick, Thanks for the message. Keep us posted, we'll all do what we can in our own way. bet

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Alice
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 10:41 AM

Pat and Karen,
We love you, miss you, and we are praying for you.

alice

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: mountain tyme
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 10:41 AM

Well now it's plain to see how enamored are this whole world a'Catters wot warms up to all thet wisdom filled grafeetee the Cat keeps our attention with. The Cat has heightened our awareness with his spray can comments to a level where we anxiously anticipate the postings on the next bridge abutment. Take your time 49, we'all hang on your every breath an keystroke. I'm savin ya the old strings of my other 39 h'bone case ya en Paw be wantin them fer fishin leaders nex month. Now we all know the name of another winner. It be Karen who married a lifetime of entertainment. Pleasure to meet you Karen! mountain tyme

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From:
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 10:43 AM

Hey Catspaw
Too choked to say much at the moment. Am praying like you were my brother. Come back soon.
Baz