MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place

Subject: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:11 PM

Generally I don't announce that I'm going to send Max some money, but this is a bit different and I wanted to share the story with you.

A few weeks back, Karen had found a different type of training wheels suitable for use for our 8 year old son Tristan, mentally retarded with autistic characteristics. We think he'll manage a 2 wheeler sometime, but he really wanted one NOW and his motor skills are not yet developed enough to allow him to ride one. A man in Wales had a similar situation with his son and had developed some trining wheels that proved successful with special kids. We liked the idea, but there was a problem........He did not export them to the U.S.!!! But I figured I'd try the Mudcat solution.

I started a thread asking for help and within 25 minutes, Mudcatter Gervase in London had already talked to the man and made arrangements. I was completely flabberghasted and said so. Gervase followed up the order and soon the wheels had arrived and been forwarded to us. They got here just after we returned from Tennessee and we put them on Tris's new bike. In a driving rainstorm, he tried them out while Dad and Mom took pictures. The look of pure joy on his face was simply fantastic. When you have "Special Kids" it takes very little sometimes to overjoy you as a parent and this was a BIG step!!!

I forwarded a picture to Gervase with my thanks and asking that we settle up on the money (LOTS of Her Majesties pictures adorned the parcel, plus the price of the wheels, etc.). I received a reply just a bit ago which said how pleased Gervase was to help, that he enjoyed the picture, and:

"As to the cost, bloody hell man, the picture alone is worth every penny, so why don't you just bung a donation into the Mudcat fighting fund and call it square?"

.......and that I will. Gervase says he's also started a new web business and has been quite busy of late. I can only say that I wish him the absolute best and that he has made a young man (and his parents) very happy. I'll end here and take care of the donation tomorrow with Max by phone, but I'll end with Gervase's last line in his e-mail and a line I often use myself.........

...Isn't the Mudcat remarkable?"

Thanks Gervase.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Amergin
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:17 PM

That's one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. Speechless....

Amergin

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Pene Azul
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:18 PM

Thanks for such an inspirational update to this story 'Spaw. You're a big part of what makes the Mudcat the wonderful community that it is.

PA

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Roger in Sheffield
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:21 PM

Restored my faith in this thing
Was about to pull the plug
Roger

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:23 PM

Hi P-A......All applause goes to Gervase. We have so many fine folks around here it really chokes me up a lot of the time.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Alice
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:27 PM

Thanks, Gervase and Spaw. Another positive connection through the Mudcat - keeps me coming back, too.

Alice

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Pene Azul
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:33 PM

Indeed, thanks also to Gervase.

PA

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:34 PM

Gervase, you typify what is right around this place. Those idiots that use it as a site for them to manipulate folks for there own satisfaction, just don't get it. But you do, and I am proud to be associated with someone like you. I wish you well in your venture, but more than that, I wish that more were like you. When I get to the UK in the next year or so, I hope you will let me buy you dinner.

And 'Spaw, you dink, what you are speaks much louder than what you say you are. You have a huge heart and the world in general and the Mudcat in particular are a better place for your existence. I love you like a brother. But we are going to have to work on getting your attendance record up at the bored meetings of Patterson, Swan, Fielding & Lane.

Big Mick

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: p.j.
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:41 PM

Gervase, your a dear. Max, could you have ever forseen all the wonderful ways your terrific music site would affect people's lives? In the music community, you did a great thing. In the global community, you did even better. Thanks, Max.

And dear, dear 'Spaw...Pat...I'm so grateful there's a place I can know you. My love to Karen and Tristan. They're both very lucky, as are we, to have you around.

PJ

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Gervase
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 03:03 PM

Yikes. I've been keeping my head down in the Mudcat for a week or so (fighting withdrawal symptoms while doing horribly grown-up things with lawyers in suits in City offices) and then 'Spaw blows my cover! Anyone who knows me will tell you I'm not the milkman of human kindness - but this place and the people who drop by are for me examples of the beacons to steer by in that chaotic, anarchic and wonderful sea of information out there. Meanwhile, it's quite clear that some little sprite has swiped my cookie and is out there on that information superhighway thingy doing all kinds of things in my name. Yours ever, in the name of curmudgeonliness...

PS: And yes, this is a grand place.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 03:17 PM

Catspaw, that actually made me cry. Be in HearMe tonight!

Gervase, I hope those lawyers in suits don't get wind of this! What a wonderful thing to do! I've been on the receiving end of a lot of kind acts made possible (yick - I almost said "facilitated." Yick, ptoooey!) by Mudcat meetings. Whatever anonymous no-life yahoos are loose, they can't negate all the good that's done by the generous people here.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: dwditty
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 03:59 PM

Gervase, such acts of kindness often betray the crusty exterior of curmudgeoness (now there's a word). I might have to start a list of all the wonderful things that have happened around this place, and this ranks right up near the top.

And, 'Spaw, is it in the "great plan" that special children wind up with such as you and Karen, or is it that they bring to the surface all that is good and kind within you. Sorry if this goes against the image you try to maintain of being a general pain in the ass, but it just so happens that you are well loved here.

All the best to both of you. This is what it is all about (and all too often isn't).

dw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 04:14 PM

Spaw, you know that I too have a special kid with autistic tendencies, and your posting made me cheer out loud for Tris, Gervase, you and Karen and all the folks who do such kind acts. Thanks also to Max for making this community possible.
(PS- today my kid actually invited a friend over and the friend actually came!!! Dylan made him a hot dog, asked him what he wanted to drink, and they're still having fun even tho I pried them off the 'puter!!! Success!!)

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Sorcha
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 04:23 PM

Made me cry too. What a story. Too bad newspapers don't print the good stuff. Wait til kat sees this one.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 04:38 PM

This is what makes this site so amazing. Thanks to you Spaw and to Gervase for restoring my faith in people, again. What a wonderful thing to do. KGH

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 05:56 PM

A beautiful story. Beautiful people. Thank you all for sharing it.
SS

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Catrin
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 06:10 PM

Wow! I don't know too many of you yet, but I hope to. It made me go all fuzzy inside.

Catrin (The newbie)

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: bflat
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 06:19 PM

Gervase what a commendable person you have to be. And Spaw, acknowledging Gervase's action is a warm gesture of thankfulness so typical of the humankindness found over and over again in this Fine Place. Very inspirational.

bflat

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 06:33 PM

THAT's why I claim Spaw as my twin! I've seen the picture and, Sorcha, you are right. The tears rolled down then as they do now. We're all just a bunch of ole softies and this place brings out the best....Gervase...BIG Karmic Brownie Points (I KNOW that's NOT why you did it!)and a great big THANK YOU!!

All my love to you, Pat, and to Karen, Tris, and Mikey....kat

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Bugsy
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 09:10 PM

Beautiful! Words fail.

CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Susan from California
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 09:47 PM

I have a thirtysomething Downs brother who is also hearing impared, and also mildly autistic. Riding his bicyle was one of the joys of his childhood. Ya got his sis crying, too.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 11:36 PM

Well ya' got me goin' to Susan.....

Thanks for all the nice comments friends, because that is what keeps me coming here too....the friends. The music may have brought us together, but the friendship is what the 'Cat is all about.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 01:30 AM

For any of you who would like to see "The Smile", just click here. That smile is worth a million bucks or more, if ya ask me!

Thanks for sharing with us, Pat & Karen!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 01:44 AM

Well, seems only women who cry but I am in tears posting this - the story was enough but the picture as wel was too much for me.

Thanks Gervase for your act of kindness.

Jon

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 04:37 AM

It's all been said above! Now, if we can get 'Spaw training wheels for his 'puter...
RtS

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 04:47 AM

A perfect picture of a childs unrestrained joy, good job Gervase.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Morticia
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 08:40 AM

I'll check Gervase's halo when I see him in August, and give it a polish if necessary.I think maybe the Mudcat Snog of the MONTH goes to him (with a side order to Tris for lighting up a really crappy morning with that blissful smile.)

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 08:56 AM

There is a better close-up of Tris' smile at the link I posted, now. Sorry, Pat, it was late last night when I got that one up. Sure does wonders for the start of a day to gaze upon that Joy!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 09:38 AM

What a smile! It's so great to think of what a great summer Tris is gonna have now. A boy and his bike- it doesn't get any better than this!

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 10:47 AM

Thanks for posting the picture kat. It was pouring rain and the camera was getting soaked too, but it at least caught the look of pure joy!!! The camera had autofocused on our house as he came by which helps to explain why its in focus and he isn't. Oh well.....Dad still likes it.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Night Owl
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 11:04 AM

Ditto to all of the above. Such an incredible gift you have Pat....thanks for giving the rest of us a soul smile too.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 12:43 PM

Sometimes we need to remember what the 'Cat is really about and say ta' hell with the occasional jerks who pass by. That's "soul" Owl!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 06:13 PM

The song was for HearMe last night, but it's just as well I didn't do it. (There are reasons why I don't normally write serious songs.) In any case, though the words may be inadequate, the sentiment is honest.

It really is no wonder that we can change the world We may make a big change, or one that's very small We give our trust or lend a hand, we take a chance and make a stand And find we're all just people after all.

Here's to the one who gave me wheels That help me roll along And here's to the hearts of friends unmet Who gave to me this song

Thanks for picture - never thought of a smile as a gift before, but I'll never forget that one!

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Hollowfox
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 06:20 PM

Gervase, what's your new web business? Somebody else on the 'Cat might just need to patronize your business - if we know what it is. I wouldn't mind shopping at a Mudcatter's business (besides buying recordings, of course). Animaterra, congratulations on your son's social success - many happy returns! Spaw, don't apologize for the autofocus - the picture was perfect.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 06:51 PM

Yeah, Spaw, it wasn't out of focus at all, the blur came from all of our tears...bunch of blubbering softies, I'll tell ya!

Gervase, I second that...please let us know about your new business.

Jeri, love the song...you are one hell of a songwriter, womon!

Animaterra, sorry I didn't say anything earlier, that is wonderful about your son and thanks, Hollowfox, for pointing the importance of that out to us.

kat

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Sorcha
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 08:21 PM

I have just been a blubbering fool old woman lately. And Anima, just what kat said. Sorry we ignored your son's triumph. I hope he can keep his new friend. Takes a special friend to make a special friend.

I keep going back to the photo of Tristan, and blubbering some more. I have known a lot of "Special Children" in my life, and it seems to me that they are given a bigger capacity for JOY than the rest of us. When they smile, grin or laugh, they truly do light up like a Christmas tree. The rest of us just glow a little. Spaw, it does indeed take a special parent to parent a special child.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Hollowfox
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 11:49 AM

Hey, Kat & Sorcha, stop being so hard on yourselves. I don't think anybody was ignoring Animaterra & Co., it's just that the main topic of conversation was Tris's picture. Animaterra and I were talking about our kids a couple of weeks ago, and so my comment was sort of a continuation of that conversation. All of us curmudgeons know that we all care.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 11:55 AM

All part of the 'Curmudgeon Personality' huh 'Fox?

Well I called Max and followed up with my donation and he too was appreciative of Gervase, and not because of the money. He too sees that what Gervase has done is the true meaning of what this place is and what it can be at its best.

So as we pass through another round of "nastiness" a lot of us will focus here and not on the other stuff. Thanks for that too Gervase.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Amergin
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 12:12 PM

When I read the first post, Spaw, it brought tears in my eyes that anyone could be so selfless. Now, I had just seen the picture of your son. It brought tears to me once more. The pure joy on his face is worth a thousand songs.

Amergin

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: MMario
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 12:33 PM

*dammit* someone should post "kleenex alerts" on these threads... ;)

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Kim C
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 03:20 PM

What a sweet, darling little boy. Such a joy to see a happy child!

I'm all for the Kleenex alert.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 03:48 PM

*****WARNING******

Anyone who visits Katlaughing's Weep-Will-you? Photo Site* is strongly advised to carry a hankie or personal-sized box of tissues, as well as a litter bag, in order to keep the site tidy for others. Those who need a moment to recover, will be welcome on the Lone Tree Page.

Further contemplative rooms with stirring empathic renditions of the Joyful Moments of Life are under construction and will be announced when ready for opening to the public.

Thank you and have a nice visit.

*

If you have a favourite photo of Joyful Moment of Life, which you've shared with us on the Mudcat, and would like it to be added to the Weep-Will-You site, please notify katlaughing.

**BG** You phoaks are the greatest! Thanks for making this so much fun!

luvya'll...kat

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 04:01 PM

Yeah, Kat & Sorcha, I was just overcome with the moment of simultaneously seeing Tris' beaming face and hearing two happy, "normal" sounding teenagers talk and laugh together in my house- I wasn't expecting any further attention. I can still see the radiant glow of Tris in my mind's eye and realized how rarely we can catch those golden moments on film.
There isn't a technology yet for the film that would capture every kindness, every filled heart, every joyful moment. But if there are some pix out there, I hope y'all will send'em to Kat- what a great idea, sweetie!

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 04:15 PM

Oh thanks, 2L's, so much for MY html skills, that last bit was supposed to be in tinier print and NT bold! Sheesh! You are right, of course, there are not too many moments which happen like that when there is a camera around, but I will consider putting other things up.

Actually this brought something else to mind that I would love to propose: how about I build a site like that where Mudcatters can display their crafts etc. that they'd like to sell, with a portion going to the Mudcat. A sort of Mudcat Craftsperson's Co-op. All transactions would have to be between the individuals, I wouldn't want to be repsonsible in anyway for that, BUT I would love to maintain a *gallery* of photos for everyone. Whaddya think? I had already offered to put up some pix of anudder Mudder's SO's stuff...so...input, 'Catters, input!

kat

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: BlueJay
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 04:29 PM

This has to be the most incredible thread I have ever read. Thanks, 'Spaw. Thanks for providing the photos, Kat. Gervase, thanks for rekindling my faith in human nature.

As I write this, I am listening to Midchuck's latest CD. Great stuff, Midchuck. I'm only up to Brisbane Ladies, but I just about rolled on the floor over Boxers and Socks.

Now Midchuck's CD came in the mail today, as did my Mudcat T-shirt. BOTH ON THE SAME DAY!!! Forgive my shouting, but I think it is an incredible coincidence. Then to fire up the computer, and the first thing I see is THIS THREAD!!!

Keeping in mind that I have been profoundly affected by Bill and Allan's Tour, I state that The Mudcat Cafe has to be the finest assemblage of folks I have ever experienced. Thanks to ALL OF YOU.

Midchuck, I'm up to Rodeo Wind now. Great song. It's almost over now, the Dick McCormack song is now playing.

Catspaw, I think you've done a tremendous favor to the moral of The Mudcat Cafe.

veryproudtobea'catterrightnow, BlueJay

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 06:40 PM

BLOODY HELL! 'Cause of general busyness I would have missed this. Thanks to Catspaw for telling me about it on the phone. Brilliant, Gervaise. Yer a good guy! We got a lot of fine folks around here.

Rick

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: GUEST,Gervase
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 07:09 PM

This is all getting too much!
But, seriously, I do believe that all our lives should be governed by the principle 'how can I help?' Apologies if what follows sounds like a sanctimonious 'mission statement', but I want the business I'm starting to be able to leave everyone who ever comes into contact - clients, customers, conractors and staff - able to walk away thinking "Isn't it nice to have someone being nice to us?"
I already know that it's going to be a difficult ideal to achieve because of what I had to do on Monday.
I have a friend I've known for more than 20 years, since we were at school together. We've shared countless things, some of them unprintable; we've bounced off each other during highs and lows, and for two decades we've kept in touch.
When I was setting up this business coincided with one of those times when our orbits mesh together and we were talking on the phone - catching up on the in-between. He mentioned that his contract was ending, he was now working in a field relevant to mine, and said I wanted someone to help us launch. Bingo! We both laughed manically on the phone and he agreed to come back to London and pitch in.
(He's also got a magnificent singing voice, and we'd been hoping, before things got so manic, to go together to Sidmouth and Towersey, but that's to digress).
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I had to tell him on Monday that, partly due to my lack of foresight, we couldn't give him enough work to do on the salary we were paying him, and our backers would probably pull the plug on us if we carried on as we were structured for more than a few months, and paid him off (forgive the jargon - my head's swimming with it at the mo).
It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. At the moment I so hope that in a couple of weeks he and I can perhaps meet for a beer and pick up where we left of, and that for an evening I can drop this weird mantle of having to be so grown-up.
Sorry to ramble on, but I just wanted to get that off my chest Feel free to flame.

Gervase With a heavy conscience and a lot of hope.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 01:27 AM

Chin up Gervase. Set a path of kindness and do your best to stay on it. It's the best any of us can aspire to.

LEJ

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 02:24 AM

Flame? Flame what?

Gervase, as Mick is fond of saying, who you are shows through more than who you say you are. Were it me in the position of your friend, I would find what happened to be understandable and simply part of doing business. And although, "Friendship is Friendship and Business is Business," real friends always understand. We're all glad you're here in this nutty place as a friend to us.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Hollowfox
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 01:09 PM

So, Gervase, you've told us How you'll run the business, but not exactly What it is. Sales? Service?