About Catspaw - please read.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Art Thieme
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 11:00 AM

Patspaw,

Be well as soon as ya can, sir. Whew! What a bummer. I'll be gone a while & Carol can't use the computer, so I'll check out how you're doing as soon as I can. In the meantime, I'll be at Gaslight Inn---1601 2nd St. S.W.---Rochester, Minnesota (don't know room number yet). Mick, if you could keep me updated every few days, it'd sure be appreciated. Just drop a line. I'll be mentally with you Cat (Pat).

Love,

Art

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

Best wishes from the Westcoast to Catspaw and family. I'll be thinking good thoughts of and for you thru the weekend. I'll sing a song for you at the jam tonight.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: arkie
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 11:13 AM

Catspaw, I didn't get involved in Mudcat to a part of another community; I am having enough trouble hanging on in three of them here in the Ozarks; but your wit and commentary are one of the things that sucked me in. Get well, and get those fingers back to the keyboard. Prayers are coming from the holler in Arkansas, as well. arkie

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Cara
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 11:25 AM

Catspaw, please get well and come back to us! We need to know about Curtis and Loretta, and bedides you're one of the only friends I have in Ohio. You and Karen are in my thopughts.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: SailormomRita (inactive)
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 11:30 AM

Dear Catspaw & Karen I love what Big Mick said about getting to know folks without the visual and preconceptions...that's how it is here and even though I only jump in occasionally I read often...like saying hi over a cup of tea with a neighbor, and sharing little bits of life; you get the feeling that you know folks in very short order and they become a "part of". So...you're thought of daily since the news of your illness...you just flow into my thoughts without invitation....you've become "part of" my life. "Love never fails" it's said. So here comes some for you. :) :) :) ;)whoops..and then there's xxxxxxxxxooooooooooo Get well soon...the sooner the better!!! Rita Gatti

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: bbc
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 12:02 PM

Thanks to Mick for letting us know & thank you, Karen, for taking the time to give us more detail. I thought I'd enjoy a little recreation over lunch, checking out the threads, & got more than I bargained for. catspaw, you play a unique role in our group & things aren't the same without you. Duane & I will be praying for you & for your family.

We love you,

bbc & Duane D.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Vixen
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 01:14 PM

For what it's worth--I'm sure Karen and Spaw have checked out all the options, and I don't mean to presume to offer medical advice. This is just an experience with one of the options Karen and Spaw may be thinking about.

My stepfather had an aortic aneurism about 7 or 8 years ago, and he went from S. Carolina to Boston to have a Kevlar (I think) sleeve placed around his aorta. We went through some really rough spots before he was cleared for the surgery, but afterwards and since he's been fine. He was probably older than Pat is--I think he'll be 72 this year, making him in his mid-sixties when he had the operation.

As I said, I don't mean to offer medical advice, and I'm sure every option is being explored. But this is one option I can at least offer some second-hand knowledge of.

Best of luck and blessings,

V

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: The Shambles
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 01:31 PM

Come back to us soon. My thoughts are with you both.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Bob Schwarer
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 01:39 PM

Come back soon now, you hear?

Bob S.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Reta
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 02:20 PM

Thank you Catspaw for bringing the experience of Universal Love to us all. Your experience has filled my heart with sorrow for you and your dear family, and also, for all of us here who share that pain. Most of us may never meet each other, but this has proven that we are indeed a family and a very close knit one at that. We are all one heart. You are a very important part of it and we want you to get well so that we can all feel better.

I send you and you family Light and love, and ask for healing according to His Devine Will ever.

Blessings Reta

Thank you Mick for all the information.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Doctor John
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 02:27 PM

Very sorry to hear the news: hoping for your speedy recovery and to read your messages again soon. DrJohn & Gillyflower

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

Vixen, thank you for the info; it is encouraging.

katlaughing and lonely in the litter box

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: SeanM
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 04:36 PM

As another relatively new 'catter, I've only had a few opportunities to see 'spaw in action... but what I've seen is truly enjoyable. One can see just by reading this thread the amount of love and respect felt for him, and anyone who can command this degree of respect and support from such a large and diverse group of people deserves (and gets) my respect and admiration as well...

Get better, sir... the 'cat needs you, as do all the individuals therein...

M

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: rich r
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 04:42 PM

The Cat without its "Paw" is incomplete. You must heal.

rich r

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 05:00 PM

Oh, I LIKE that, Rich....we'll hypnotise him with healthy suggestions, leaving no doubt about it!**Grin** The MUST is great! Thanks.

Having said that, I just wanted to point out something. This comes from personal experience and I do NOT mean it in anyway as a judgement. We have all been very demostrative of our feelings and care for 'Spaw. Many of us write about how much he is needed and wanted here and that is good. Everyone needs to feel needed.

But, I know, again from experience, that when someone is having to focus so carefully on their own healing, it sometimes can be overwhelming to feel the pull of so many who want us to share and be with them. I don't know if 'Spaw feels any of this, but I just wanted to point out that, more importantly, he and Karen need us. I do think that it is very clear they DO have our support, love and prayers, I am just trying to say in a kind way, maybe we need to gently let our need take a back seat right now. I am sorry if this offends anyone. I am just trying to feel what might help in anyway. I cannot even begin to express the feelings I have about the temporary silence of 'Spaw.

Still seeing you in the Light and healed, 'Spaw. Love you, katlaughing

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Jon W.
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 05:28 PM

Catspaw, you sure have set my brain to tickin' once or twice. I've got a prayer in my heart for you. I know from your posts that you've got the right attitude to pull through this and yes, even be strengthened by it. All my best,
Jon W.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 05:32 PM

Let me add another voice in the chorus of prayers and wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 05:41 PM

Prayer is so powerful...(a family friend just got news she is cancer free after chemo and radiation treatments for an inoperable cancer tumor...plus ALOT of praying.)

I will add my prayers for Catspaw's full and speedy recovery! Also for his family during this trying time.

~ SingsIrish

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: karen k
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 06:01 PM

Catspaw and Karen,

Sandy's post early on in this thread express my feelings exactly. I don't post a lot but I read almost everything and certainly look forward to seeing what you have to say. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Get well soon. You are missed and will be thought of in all the hearts and songs of Mudcatters around the world everyday.

Love, Karen K

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Max
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 06:27 PM

THinking of you Catspaw. Looking forward to having you back. Get the man a laptop and a phone line in the hospital! We could certainly cheer him up. One great think about the Mudcat is that when any one of us is in need, there are hundreds willing to do anything. Anyone close to the situation, say the word and we'll do it.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Jo Taylor
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 06:35 PM

Get well soon, come back soon. Our thoughts are with you & your family, it wouldn't be the same without you.
Jo

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Cuilionn
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 06:59 PM

Och, BLASTIT, CAtspaw...how daur ye gae aff an' turn oot tae be as fragile an' human as th' rest o' us! Tho' ye set this wee seminarian tae blushin' wi' yir colorfu' language, I ken richt weel ye hae a hairt o' gold...

THAT maun be it! A' that gold in yir hairt...tends tae wear a bodie oot, aye? Carryin' th' weicht o' th' wairld, pretendin' tae be carnaptious an' slee tae obscure yir auld saftie sel' belaw it a'..... Hmph. Jist for what ye've put us thro' o'er th' months an' years, I'm gang tae inflict ma seminarian sel' upon ye an' pray wi' a' ma micht. May ye hae peace an' rest, Dear Ane, an' th' fierce whimsey tae maeve thro' th' wuids an' come oot t'ither side. Blessins upon ye!

But wait...I'm nae dane wi' ye jist yet. Tae pay ma best respects, I'll spit in death's eye richt alang wi' ye. Here's a bit frae Robbie Burns tae contribute tae healin' laughter a' aroond:

FOR MR. WILLIAM MICHIE, SCHOOLMASTER

Here lie Willie Michie's banes:

O Satan, when ye tak him,

Gie him th' schulin' o' yir weans,

For clever deils he'll mak them!

ON CAPT. LASCELLES

When Lascelles thought fit from this world to depart,

Some friends warmly spoke of embalming his heart.

A bystander whispers:--'Pray don't make so much o't--

The subject is poison, no reptile will touch it.'

FOR GAVIN HAMILTON, ESQ.

The poor man weeps--here Gavin sleeps,

Whom canting wretches blam'd;

But with such as he, where'er he be,

May I be sav'd or damn'd.

Wi' Auld Robbie, I pray an' bide wi' grait affection for a Guid Mon, wishin' ye may defy Auld Clootie yet an' stay on this side o' th' Gates!!!

--Cuilionn

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 07:38 PM

Wow! I saw the title and over 79 threads and I wondered what happened.

Catspaw, I've never met you, but I love you like a brother. In fact, you are a lot like my brother. I will pray for you and for your family, your wife, and your children.

It amazes me, too, to cry for someone I've never met. And though we've never met, I do feel I know you. And because I know you, I hope that you will come through this as soon as possible. Certainly this Forum would be less than it is without you, but more importantly, I greatly suspect this world would be poorer without you. And most of all, I can feel the love in Karen's short post and I've no doubt your children feel the same.

You may not know it, but in the earlier parts of the week there were postings on different threads with the same question, "Where's Catspaw?" We knew you were gone for the weekend, but by Tuesday 'Catters were getting concerned.

You will have my prayers and hopes until you get well. I know you are damned stubborn and determined and will place your mighty will against this adversity. Godspeed, Catspaw. You have made my life a happier one in the few short months you've been on the 'Cat. I look forward to more of that crazy humor and thowe wise thoughts.

Love,

RiB

ps: Did I tell you I like that little "nickname" you gave me? Well, if not, I want you to know I do. Makes me feel special that I've got a piece of your creativity!

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: gargoyle
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 08:05 PM

An apple day keeps the doctor away

An onion a day will keep everyone away

GET WELL SOON!!!

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: bill\sables
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 08:24 PM

What more can I say, the other catters have have said everything I feel. Pat, I have read your threads with the thought that "here speaks a great and good man". I do hope you make a speedy recovery and give us your words of wisdom soon. I will be thinking of you brother. Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: John Hindsill
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 08:56 PM

May you have a speedy and full recovery. Come back soon to us with your wit and wisdom. When you get to see all the messages on this thread, you will know know you are loved and admired.--John

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From:
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 09:26 PM

Everyone has said it already. All I can do is add my hopes to the rest and hope the effect is superadditive. I will be optomistic and ask Big Mick to show Catspaw this thread as soon as he is home again.

Murray

Subject: RE: Catspaw -latest update - please read.
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 09:58 PM

I have received two updates from Wayne and Connie since my last post. I have just come home so here they are. FYI......I have edited out some stuff that was directed at me, so if they appear a little disjointed, that is why. I think you will see what great friends Wayne and Connie are to our dear friend, and what a blessing he and Karen are to them. I am leaving in Connie's description of how Pat and Karen fit into their lives, as it was through Catspaw that we came to know them. I put the updates on Catspaw at the beginning instead of the end where Connie had them, so that those of you who only want to read 'Spaw's current conditon can.

As of last night, Pat is still in ICU and we expect him to be there a while. They changed his pain meds to morphine. That should give you a good idea of where he is. He did "wake up" for a moment last night when Karen was with him and tried to tell her something which she did not understand and then he was out again. Karen went home for the night and was to be back at the hospital by 7am to see the Dr. To our knowledge they have not followed up yet on what is going on with his kidneys. They have taken the tubes out of his nose--which should make him a little more comfortable.NOTE FROM MICK: This came this afternoon.Karen just called they are putting Pat on a vent.

NOTE FROM MICK: I asked how they wanted to handle updates to all of you, email, and if we could have an address for flowers, notes, etc. The next section addresses that.Let's go with the idea that we will e-mail you and you take care of posting and fielding from the 'catters. After this weekend, it will be fine to have people send get well messages/encouragement which we will print and give to Pat and Karen. We have the free e-mail no file attachments technology at this point so folks know ahead of time that we can't receive e-mail cards. Of course snail mail to the hospital will be good, too. Here is the address of the hospital:

Mount Carmel East Hospital
6001 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43213

Patrick Patterson ~ ICU

If he has to be transferred it would be to Mt Carmel Medical Center (downtown). I will give you the address for that if necessary.

I just checked with the hospital and the do allow card and small arrangements of flowers in ICU. Very unusual for around here.

Karen's mom was able to fly up from Atlanta to help out with the boys--since we will be gone or tied up with Wayne's graduation this weekend. Emotionally, this is something like giving birth to twins where one is healthy and the other has congenital challenges. For example, I can see the LORD's hand all over the past 3 years. At most of the critical junctures in Wayne's schooling something at the top of the stress scales has occurred...but every time the LORD has given Wayne an extra measure of focus, dedication, and determination.

But for all of those "in the skin" things we have needed HE has given us Pat and Karen. They are tremendous encouragers. They see needs and attend to them--no strings attached. They have provided us childcare even though we were not in a position to monetarily compensate; a year and a half ago (after Pat's bypass surgery) he saved up his cigarette money and took us to Roscoe Village (a restored canal town near where he and Wayne (and I, too, for that matter) grew up) for the weekend --just because we were totally fried; ran me around to Dr. appointments last spring when I had a blood clot, as well as provided meals and comic relief; is our ear and our opinion-giver anytime day or night....I could go on and on but I think you already have a good sense of how loyal, caring, sensitive, trustworthy, honorable, take-action-on-your-convictions kind of character this man is. The hardest part of being his friend is that alot of folks don't get to know Pat like we do... but then he's a bit choosy about who his friends are...requiring loyalty, honesty, character, conviction, and a little creativity on the edges is even better! I've noticed there are not alot of folks who fill that bill. Editorial comment from Mick: Connie, hang around the Mudcat a bit and you will find a lot of them. What an honor it is to be counted among their friends.

The good news is: Wayne had to take a 6 hr. final exam on the computer yesterday in order to graduate--and he PASSED! half of the class did not. He said the test was not like what they were prepped for. Dr. Lim was a bit disappointed but also agreed that the test was extremely difficult and harder than the board questions which he has seen previously. Wayne will not sit for his certification exam until Oct. He has 10 weeks of internship May-July, then he is considered board eligible.

I will pass on your message to Pat and Karen and let them know that the 'catters are concerned and thinking about them.

Keep praying
~Connie

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 10:03 PM

Thanks Mick.

rick

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Alice
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 10:17 PM

I am trying to keep away the guilt feelings that I may have stressed Pat out too much by making him go clean the shower.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 10:25 PM

Thanks, Mick.

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

Karen, I was trying to find the irony that Catspaw (Pat) could dish out, but it just seems to fall flat. I am very worried about him. When I was 32, I suddenly found myself waking to a blood clot passing through my lung and stopping my heart. I spent a week in the hospital on anticoagulants to dissolve a clot in my leg. It came out of the blue, and all I could say is, I'm too young for this! No, the doctor said, you must have naturally clotting blood, so you will have to guard against this the rest of your life. The probability of another blood clot has been the shadow that has followed me since then. I am really concerned and praying for Pat.

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

Karen, I was trying to find the irony that Catspaw (Pat) could dish out, but it just seems to fall flat. I am very worried about him. When I was 32, I suddenly found myself waking to a blood clot passing through my lung and stopping my heart. I spent a week in the hospital on anticoagulants to dissolve a clot in my leg. It came out of the blue, and all I could say is, I'm too young for this! No, the doctor said, you must have naturally clotting blood, so you will have to guard against this the rest of your life. The probability of another blood clot has been the shadow that has followed me since then. I am really concerned and praying for Pat.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Night Owl
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 11:10 PM

Mick...thanks for the update...and Karen....please take the time to take care of yourself during these days....I'm sure you know you can't remain strong for him if you're exhausted, dehydrated or not eating....this is a magic place....if you need anything....take a deep breath and ask us!!!! (Wondering if Pat has access to his music in ICU?)

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 11:26 PM

Jeez, Night Owl! What a good question! I cannot believe none of us thought of that; my mom was healed, tumour dissappeared, partly from keeping focussed on her favourite music!Thank you,

kat

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Sheye
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 11:53 PM

Catspaw, You well nestled in the souls of the rest of the 'cats. We miss you and look forward to your return.

Karen, thank you for bringing us into your family. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you.

Sheye

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Tucker
Date: 01 May 99 - 12:09 AM

Know what? I hope C'paw is reading this and getting bored senseless. A good sign. I told my mom about Cats and she said"Well, he'll probably get Dr. Dos, he was mine." Same hospital folks, very good care. I have faith in my God, faith in the personnel,faith in Catspaw. Now if he could survive a visit from any of us???? I'm real close and I'd love to meet the old f--t. Did I say foot? Anyway Catspaw, here's looking at you kid, we're praying for you.....Mudcat Family.....kick up the laptop

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: BK
Date: 01 May 99 - 12:21 AM

We Unitarians are jokingly said to "pray to whom it may concern." So I'll be getting on to the Concerned One w/a few wee not unreasonable requests abt catspaw...

In the meanwhile.. in my other life I'm a physician & after we see him through the immediate crisis, the long term best bet is likely to be something that re-enforces the structure of the aorta, such as the textile graft previously mentioned. I'm sure the cardiothoracic surgeons will have lots of good advice when that time arrives...

So: I'll be gettin' out the 'ol celestial CB, 'n re-setting the SWR on my center loadin' antenna 'n breakin' 1-9 for the Concerned One to give 'em (or 'er) a piece o' my mind abt a genuine Mudcatter...

Karen: What's been mentioned abt getting what rest 'n food you can, to keep up your own strength, is true. hang in there; as you have seen, we're all pullin' for you & Pat.

Take Care, BK

ps. If he can have a tape player in there, favorite music is a fantastic thing. This will be a long process; as time goes on through this ordeal, maybe we mudcatters could tape some of our favorites & mail them, w/a few explanatory/supportive, etc notes, to y'all....?? What abt it 'catters?

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: BK
Date: 01 May 99 - 12:34 AM

to karen & Pat:

"From quiet homes and first beginning, Out to the undiscovered ends, There's nothing worth the wear of winning, But laughter and the love of friends." Belloc

the above just copied from one of katlaughing's posts to another thread; fits the mudcat & particularly this thread

Cheers, BK

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Night Owl
Date: 01 May 99 - 12:50 AM

BK...this may sound silly...but I (for one) really appreciate the medical details you posted. Wondering if you can continue to interpret medical information, with Mick, for us as its recieved......so that we can continue to offer genuine support to Karen and Pat and their family.....and Tucker...did I understand correctly that you live close enough to Karen that if she needs something as little as toilet paper or transportation, you could help??? Any other mudcatters right there??

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 May 99 - 01:41 AM

My Dear Mudcatters, I am Pat Wyatt, Karen's mother and Catspaw's Mother-in-law. (Something Freudian there, do you think?) Pat, I think, is better today. The morning started with Karen arriving at the hospital just in time to see them intubating Pat, which was frightening to say the least. However, this made his breathing less labored and seemed to give him some comfort. He cannot speak because of the vent. At some point today, they were concerned about neurological function and were doing eeg's. We all know that Catspaw with 50% function would still be our "over the top" guy. Then they did a dye catheritization (can't remember the right name, it is, after all l in the morning after a very long day) to ascertain if there was a spread of the damage to the aoertic arch which would have required immediate transport to Mount Carmel West and Surgery. The odds were against us but the news on this test was good. No damage to the arch and no surgery. Pat's breathing is so much less labored now that he is on the vent. His lungs are not doing well and this is our main concern right now. We are not out of the woods but we are possibly not right in line for the axe at the moment.

Please know that at 2 am yesterday, Karen and I were reading your messages and I cannot ever begin to tell you how much it meant to both of us. It is such a comfort to me to know that my beloved daughter is being comforted by the prayers and good wishes of so many good people. As we read we cried and were comforted at the same time. You are truly a deeply caring group. We will be printing out all of your messages to read to Pat. I live in Atlanta and I am flying back up next weekend and will bring my laptop so that Pat, if able, can get on line from the hospital. Trust me, if they don't allow it, Pat will find a way.

Karen is spending the night tonight at the hospital and I just talked with her and she said that she did not object to my signing on and letting you know how things were going.

Thank you. This morning when we drove into Columbus, I commented to Karen that in times like this, it is so hard to look about you and realize that the sun is rising, the world is turning, and there are people out there that have no idea that the world may come to an end for us. But then again, we are so lucky because we have a family of friends from Mudcat who know what a special being we are praying to save. You give us comfort. Thankyou. the Mother-in-law.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 May 99 - 01:54 AM

WOW. I am knocked out by that one. I am sitting here with tears running down this big old face. It is not a pretty sight. Mother, you are a marvelous person, and I feel very comfortable saying that we are all very sincere in our concern and our desire to help. The thing about your son-in-law that is amazing to me is the people he is surrounded by. First he introduces us to a remarkable set of friends by the name of Connie and Wayne. Then we meet his wife and partner and then you. He is a fortunate man to have you all, and I think the opposite is true as well. We should all be so blessed.

Please keep us informed, we are very concerned.

Big Mick

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Curtis & Loretta
Date: 01 May 99 - 02:06 AM

Catspaw and Family, Our prayers are with you... Curtis & Loretta

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Banjer
Date: 01 May 99 - 04:07 AM

Thank you Mick, for the update and sharing with us the comments of Connie and Wayne. Thanks also to Karen and the Paws' Ma-in-law for taking time to share their thoughts with us during this difficult time. Like Mick, I sit here with less than dry eyes myself, somewhat amazed that I can feel like this about someone I haven't yet met! Our prayers continue for a speedy recovery.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: SailormomRita (inactive)
Date: 01 May 99 - 04:27 AM

This is about the 5th time today I've checked in for news of Catspaw. So nice to hear from his mom-in-law. Appreciated the medical info too. More best wishes to the catspaw family and friends. Goodnight. Rita

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: The Shambles
Date: 01 May 99 - 05:33 AM

I saw this and thought that 'our hero' would like it. Apparently from 10th May, it is National Condom Week! CLICK HERE for a few slogans to promote it.

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 01 May 99 - 06:26 AM

I included Catspaw and the family in my prayers last night. Mick thanks for taking on the role of link to this troubled family.

I would like to know if Catspaw can have a walkman (OK, walkperson) in his room. If he can, I suspect we could shower him with some new CD's or tapes for his collection. I can only imagine that it is very lonely in a hospital bed and unable to talk. Especially when you have a way with words as Catspaw does.

So, Mick, could you ask that question next time you talk to Karen, Wayne or Connie? Catspaw has my prayers, but concrete help makes me feel even better.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 99 - 07:58 AM

Mrs. Catspaw and Mrs. Catspaw-in-law,I love to write those out, they look and sound so good and comforting. Thank you so very much for taking the time to let us know how things are going. Brave women, incredible friends, you are all so very extraordinary. And, a computer-savvy Mum-in-law, at that! We're impressed, 'Spaw!

Mick, as ever, is our eloquent one. Thank you, Mick. I suspect we could fill a bathtub with tears, if not a river. I give thanks for 'Spaw's continued and steady progress of healing with a good and well-met recovery. In Peace & Love,

kat

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 May 99 - 08:10 AM

The updates are so good to hear- thanks Karen and Mom-in Law for your courage and presence. We are with you all in spirit. How are the little ones doing?
Keep it up, Catspaw, we're rooting for you!
Allison

Subject: RE: About Catspaw - please read.
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 01 May 99 - 08:40 AM

Thanks, Mick and and Paw-in-Law for the updates. Wishing only the best thoughts...

Dan