Catspaw, the Recovery

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Banjer
Date: 16 May 99 - 10:54 AM

PRAISE THE LORD!!!! So glad to hear that this hurdle has been cleared. We pray now for a speedy recovery, and a return to normalcy for the family. It is still a long road and our prayers and other support will still be needed. Keep on keepin' on, Mudcatters. Thanks 'Spaw-Maw-In-Law for the timely updates. Will be looking for continued good news. Everybody, check back 5 messages in this thread for the address to send assistance to Karen and the boys if you don't already have it!

Remember, "There, But for the Grace of God go I".

Many of us have been in tight spots in our lives and some kind soul has in some way helped us, it is time now to pass on that favor!

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Susan A-R
Date: 16 May 99 - 12:31 PM

YES!! It has gotten a bit scarey to turn on the computer. Just came in from the garden to check on the latest, and am DELIGHTED!! Still prayin' with every weed I pull, and every dig of the shovel, and every seedling that goes in. SUsan

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 May 99 - 12:42 PM

THANKS CLARENCE for keeping us up to date so quickly!! I've been checking in several times a day now and keep holding Pat in the Light. Blessings on you all!
Allison

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: bbc
Date: 16 May 99 - 01:49 PM

Hallelujah! Waiting to hear news of returning strength & feistiness. Keep up the good fight!

Holding you in our cyber-arms,

bbc

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: karen k
Date: 16 May 99 - 03:39 PM

A song by Anne Gregson of England seems appropriate for all of us concerned with the health and well-being of Catspaw and his family:

THIS TIME AGAIN

CHO: This time again, this time again
We'll not see this time again.
This time again, this time again
We'll not see this time again.

In all the world there'll never be
Such a time as this again.
For who can tell what can befall
Before we meet again.

There will be changes to our lives
Maybe sorrows and maybe joys
And many bridges to be crossed
Before we meet again.

I'll see your likeness everywhere
In the face of every friend
I'll hear your voice in quiet lands
Until we meet again.

From the injustice all around
And the sorrows and the pain.
A better time will surely come
Before we meet again.

So take good care in all you do
And keep your spirits high.
My thoughts will always be with you
Until we meet again.

All my best for a swift recovery and for putting the tough times in the past. I hope that this time of pain and suffering will not be seen again and we can all get back to normal on the 'Cat as soon as possible.

karen k

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 May 99 - 03:58 PM

Beautiful, Karen, thanks!

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: SailormomRita (inactive)
Date: 16 May 99 - 04:02 PM

Nice news....been busy with my own mom in CCU and moving!!! But my sister Kathy came to the hospital this morning with news of Catspaws impending surgery...she hears direct from Connie....it didn't sound good to me and with her medical background and interest she thought it sounded pretty bad too..I almost didn't want to check in today...but am happy to hear that so far all is well. Glad the ball got rolling with finances...I'm sure many of us thought of that but were waiting for the initiator to fire off the shot heard round the "cafe"....feels nice to be able to share in this burden/event/situation/evolution/happening!!!@@&%$@#! Clarence...share your connection with Judy Collins...somewhat...I did some backup work with her on her album LIVING...anyway, welcome and my prayers are with you and the sweet family you have so graciously shared with us as this thing has unfolded. Rita

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Banjer
Date: 16 May 99 - 04:31 PM

Beautiful words and thoughts from all!! Rita, although Catspaws dillema had center stage for a while, your Mom, your sister and yourself ass well as your families are no less in our thoughts and prayers!

Karen K, I hope that your thoughts espaecially come true. The last line, hoping for our return to normal, strikes me as hilarious! Hell, I've been around here since the end of last year, but I haven't known normal for the last 40 years, at keast!! So yes, I hope I can be normal too!

God Bless all of you!

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 16 May 99 - 05:34 PM

A big thanks to all of you "idiots" for making me realize what a damn fine thing the human spirit is. In spite of all the bad in the world, you phoaks seem dedicated to doing what is right. Bless all of you, and if this be "idiocy", why then let idiocy reign supreme!

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Banjer
Date: 16 May 99 - 08:58 PM

Push, grunt, oof, grunt, push. There you're back at the top for now!!!!!

REFRESH just seems so mundane!!!!

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Banjer
Date: 16 May 99 - 09:05 PM

Pat Wyatt PMB D279 2221 Peachtree Rd. NE Atlanta GA 30309-1106 USA

Lest we forget! Rememeber the 'Spaw and family in your prayers, and in your mailboxes. As the man said on the old radio show, "Keep them cards and letters comin' in, folks" And then as the background music faded down and the everpresent commercial was about to start we heard, "God Bless" or "G'night Mrs. McGillicutty, where ever ya are!"

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 May 99 - 11:24 PM

How about "freshen up"?

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 16 May 99 - 11:26 PM

Uplift?

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 May 99 - 11:54 PM

On the wings of eagles..

On a wing and a prayer...

Up...drift/draft?

Elevate

My apologies to any who are seeking new info. A little levity of 'Spaw...

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Banjer
Date: 17 May 99 - 06:09 AM

OK by me, and I bet 'Spaw will approve also. After all it's his inimitable style that we miss, and a lot of it is levity.

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Vixen
Date: 17 May 99 - 08:50 AM

What a weekend--I am offline from Friday to Monday, and I'd have been a wreck if I'd known what was going on. As it was, I just held 'Spaw in my mind, and sent thoughts of healing. To 'Spaw's family, I sent thoughts of fortitude and strength and hope; though they seem very brave, strong, and optimistic, I thought they might be able to use more of those things. Every other 'dcat has more than eloquently expressed my feelings--I can only add,

HANG IN THERE! YOU CAN DO IT!

V

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Cuilionn
Date: 17 May 99 - 10:44 AM

Dear Anes,

I've been checkin' in tae follow these threads, but nae postin' th' noo since I'm o'erwhelmit wi' finishin' schuilwairk for this quarter o' Grad Schuil. I've been wishin' I haed th' energy tae wricht a poem for Pat an' a' th' guid folk amang kith an' kin. Due tae th' Columbine shootin', ev'ryane at oor seminary haes been busy helpin' their various congregations an' communities cope, sae we're a' scramblin' tae catch up th' noo wi' academics.

Readin' th' latest news o' surgery, I'm remindit o' a wee anecdote which amusit me tae nae end as a bairn...

When I wis aboot fowr or five year auld, ma faither wis diagnosit wi' Chron's disease. He endit up haein' surgery in which a foot-an'-a-hauf o' his intestine wis remaeved. It wis scary for a bit, but he recoverit an' startit feelin' better than he haed lang syne. A few months after th' surgery, I cam hame frae a birthday party wi' a wee bag o' treats, includin' some o' those lang, impossible-tae-blaw-up balloons wha' clowns use tae mak balloon animals an' sic. I tried an' tried tae blaw 'em up, tae nae avail, an' finally tuik 'em tae ma faither wi' a tearfu' bit o' pleadin' for help. Ma faither, wi' a gleam in his eye, selectit a bricht red balloon, stretchit it oot, blew it up wi' muckle huffin' an' puffin', an' then tied it aff. He tuik th' blawn-up balloon, which luikit for a' th' wairld like a three-foot-lang bricht red sausage, placed it sae it wis extendin' straicht oot frae his navel, an' announcit wi' grait surprise, "Och, Luik! I blew ma guts oot!"

A'richt, sae muckle for ma attempt at levity...but I'll tell ye: as a five year auld, I wis laughin' uncontrollably for a VERRA lang time. I'll...um...get back tae ma studies, th' noo.

--Blessings frae Cuilionn, whae's prayin' maist enthusiastically for healin' an' peace an' guid things a' aroond

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Peter T.
Date: 17 May 99 - 11:07 AM

Cuilionn,
great, perfect story, suddenly reminds me of the wierdest thing I have ever seen. I was doing some work in Borneo a few years ago, and I happened to spend a day in a village deep in the jungle. There was an itinerant magician/salesman who was selling his wares and he put on a show for the kiddies and their parents. He was a really good magician, puppeteer, and full of great stories (a sort of Art Thieme with no clothes on, if such a thing is graspable by the human mind). Anyway, at one point he blew up a series of different coloured long balloons (like the one you described), and got some kids to help, or try to help. When he had done that, he jokingly put a full balloon to his mouth and inhaled as if accidentally, so that the balloon collapsed down to his face. And as it did, his face changed to the colour of each balloon, as if it had entered his body. He would then stagger around as if the balloon was strangling him from the inside. I have no idea how he did this, but each time he did it, the village (and I) howled with laughter and amazement. I have absolutely no idea how he did this, and he did it with 6 or 7 different colours. I have never been able to find a magician who could tell me how it was done.
Yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Cara
Date: 17 May 99 - 12:10 PM

I have beenn offline for four days and had to yoyo thru all these emotions this morning, since 'Spaw was back in the litterbox last I heard. Yikes.

God bless and heal you. The whole Paw family is in my thoughts. I'm sending all the good vibes I can.

Love, Cara

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Mikal
Date: 18 May 99 - 12:48 AM

Finally! Now I can start thinking about seeing 'Spaw sometime! (It puts a strain on the old brain tryin' to imagine what ye all look like while I typ on this glorified calculator I laughingly call a computer!)

Besides, I am a lot more comfortable congratulating God on the good things he does than asking for something. Seems kind of selfish to always be asking... (Grin. Really, just a joke, okay? I'm not opening up a religious debate here...Aw, shoot!)

Okay 'Spaw! Now you will have to listen to me drum a few songs and tell more than the usual share of tales!

Oh, I will be doing a private shindig this weekend for a bunch of old biker buds. The jar will be out with a cat's pawprint on it, and about half an inch of kitty-litter. Anything that gets put in goes to the fund! (Just wait. Some joker is bound to actually own a cat!)

Mikal

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 May 99 - 01:00 AM

Mikal,

No debate, just comment. I've always followed the Native American and/or New Thought(metaphysical churches from the turn of the century, such as Unity) way of not necessarily asking, but of giving thanks for all that I have, all that I give, and all that I receive, as well as those things I would like to see come to pass, in this case 'Spaw's recovery. BUT, lest I dictate and think I know more that the "Cosmic", I always qualify that with "I ask for this or something better for the highest good of all concerned". Kinda covers all the bases.

Respectfully,

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 18 May 99 - 01:01 AM

The ups and downs of Catspaw's situation keep me on the edge of my pew praying, alternating between prayers of petition and prayers of thanksgiving. I guess the mood swings it engenders are a reminder that to some, the litter box is half empty, while to others, it's half full.

--Charlie Baum, offering both kinds of prayers to a God who understands that people can come off as schizophrenic sometimes, but loves us for it anyway, 'cause that's the way he made us.

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 18 May 99 - 01:16 AM

but we haven't had any news for twenty four hours or so. Anyone know anything since yesterday? --seedkratz

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 May 99 - 01:39 AM

More tomorrow, probably, after some more tests.

kat

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Banjer
Date: 18 May 99 - 05:33 AM

No news is supposed to be good news, hope that is true in this case. Still asking in my own way for 'Spaws healing, and thanking also for all the good folks who have taken the time and sent what they are able. Every little bit helps. Mikal, good to hear about the jar with the litter in it, may much get absorbed!

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Roger in Baltimore (well not really)
Date: 18 May 99 - 11:32 AM

Marge's brother brought his laptop, so I checked in to see how "Spaw is doing. I'm worried (hey, I'm a worrier by nature). Last report was nearly 48 hours ago. Catspaw was out of surgery with a foot and a half less of his intestine.

I know I shouldn't be demanding much of a family that has been stressed to the max, but out of love and concern, I also want to know. Such a long time with no news makes me think everyone is very, very busy. I would rather they are just taking a well deserved rest.

Roger on vacation away from Baltimore

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Vixen
Date: 18 May 99 - 12:15 PM

D'Cats--

WARNING! What comes next is rambling, and not guaranteed to adequately express my thoughts!

I do not mean to be negative here, but I think we need to be aware that we are a large group, which, though supportive both individually and in the collective, can be a demanding entity to deal with. Catspaw's illness has meant many things to all of us, and it has been the focus of a great outpouring of love and strength to a favorite person and his extended family. And we are all concerned. But I suggest we keep sending the good wishes and prayers and healing light, while keeping the requests for info to a minimum.

Also, it looks as if 'Spaw's in for a long haul of recovery--I'm not sure we all need to know every and up-and-down of the trip. I, for one, do not have the energy. I value Catspaw, I think he has a terrific family, and I wish him and his a long and healthy life. However, I'm getting overloaded and I can't stop myself from checking in hourly for the next update.

Which brings me finally to the idea of overload...we all have families and crises and disasters. Without getting overly specific, I'm dealing with life or death issues with three people in my immediate circle of family and friends, and Catspaw's illness as well. I am sure I'm not alone.

Maybe I'm just too stressed right now to think clearly... and too worried about the implications of "no news."

V

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 May 99 - 12:29 PM

Good point, Vixen- and with the load of mail I expect Clarence is getting starting about now in her new PO box, I expect the tasks at hand have only increased (for the good, but increased). They know our thoughts and prayers are unceasing, and they'll let us know when they can- meanwhile, we can huddle together here and keep our spirits up with more stories and ramblings and other BS... and we can keep thanking/praying in our own way.

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Bert
Date: 18 May 99 - 12:33 PM

If 'Spaw has a foot and a half less intestine, does that mean that when he comes back - he won't be so full of Sh**? ;-}>

Hang in there guy, come back soon.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Mo
Date: 18 May 99 - 01:08 PM

No, he'll have just as much, but it will be more concentrated!!!

Mo

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 May 99 - 01:11 PM

Vixen,

Good point, indeed. Sorry to hear about your added stress and I hope all turns out well for you.

I know they will let us know as soon as possible what is going on. Remember, Karen's email is down and she had to go back to work this week, at least that is what Clarence said.

Anything we can send them in energy, love and light and prayers will help, plus any amount of donation, even $5 or $10; it adds up!

Remember the old saw about a watched pot never boiling? Well, we don't want 'Spaw to boil *grin*, but the less anxious we are, the better it is for them. Try to imagine healing light/angels/whathaveyou and then try to let go, get your mind off of it; that way the Cosmic/God/ whomever can work on it without interruption. *smile* Not trying to dictate, just suggesting a way to deal with the care and concern we all feel.

Love you all,

kat

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 May 99 - 01:23 PM

Dear Vixen, sorry that sounded like the whole thing was addressed to you. IT wasn't, escept fo the first two lines.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Banjer
Date: 18 May 99 - 06:43 PM

Aye, we've all been there. Something occurs that is of extreme importance to us or our loved ones and we get so involved with dealing with and helping others cope that all at once, three days go by and you think, "Oh heck, I forgot to call so-or-so and tell him/her the news. I know I've been there, done that, burned the teeshirt! Like Kat says, keep up the good vibes, in whatever media you generate them and every litter little bit helps! Send what ya can, it's all appreciated, I'm sure!

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Clarence (mawinlaw)
Date: 18 May 99 - 10:04 PM

Dear friends, Pat seems to be hanging in there and doing well. Karolyn talked with him briefly tonight and she said that he said that he was really sore. (About the abdomen, not temper wise.) I have not talked with Karen today and understand that she is trying to get the kids together in Bremen and get things organized so that she can get work, Pat, school, animal care, laundry and her life back into some sort of order. I appreciate your tenterhooks, I have been sitting on them also, but really had nothing to report. I will check the PMB box tomorrow and will discover through bd how to let each of you know that your contributions have been received. I am sure that karen will take care of the "official thankyou's". My dear Son-in-law has a way to go and your light and prayers and positive thoughts will certainly help him make his way. Not to mention what they do for the rest of us. All of those things, prayer, positive thoughts, etc count. But most of all it is the love that we feel coming to us from you that is giving us strength and hope. It does this for us and even more it does it for Pat. Thank you.....Clarence

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 19 May 99 - 12:56 AM

Thanks for the post, Clarence. I went through major abdominal surgery in 1973, and still remember the pain afterwards. Tell Cats that Leej says to hug that pillow REALLY tight when he rolls over. I am thinking of you folks, and praying for my buddy's recovery. God Bless y'all.

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Banjer
Date: 19 May 99 - 01:35 AM

Thank you Clarence for the update. Our hopes and prayers are still with you all. It will be a lenghty recovery I'm sure, and we here at theMudcat will all be rootin' for all of you! Just wish that we were geographicaly closer to you guys so that we could help a little more. Give our best to Karen and the boys.

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 May 99 - 02:18 AM

Dear Mudcatters, Karenspaw signing in for the first time in what seems like forever. Pat is out of ICU and feeling much better. There was a 1.1cm tumor in the small intestine which had ulcerated and the surgeon believes that is where the bleeding was coming from. Since then he quit bleeding so the Dr. must be right. The tumor was a carcinoid tumor which needs no treatment and he is going to be fine. They have let me stay with him in ICU so this is the first night I have been home since he went back in.

I have spent the last 1 1/2 hours catching up with the threads and I am truly touched. As I read, I would answer each of you individually, but now that I am at the end I can't remember what I wanted to say. I must tell Barbara that the threat of losing his possum was about more than he could take. When this last episode happened I was frightened, but strangely enough Pat and I were at peace. We were ready to face whatever was going to happen and do what needed to be done. Knowing we had so many wonderful people caring for us made that possible. I expect Catspaw should be up and running if not by the weekend, then by early next week and I know he misses you all terribly. I will never forget everything you have all done and I don't think I will ever feel alone again.

Vixen I agree with you. I keep trying to elaborate on that, but nothing seems to sound quite right.

I think my mind is shot and the kids get up for school in less than 4hrs. Oh, and it is much easier to access the internet when you pay the bill. I owe the kid an apology. Tomorrow I will get the cable turned back on. Not a financial thing, I just didn't know when the bills needed to be paid. didn't have time to watch t.v. anyway.

Will be back in touch soon, Karen

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 May 99 - 02:26 AM

Karespaw! SO very good to hear from you! And good news, too! Thank you, thank you, dear one. Sounds like you need a good night's rest. What a beautiful love you and 'Spaw have for one another.

Tell him to mind his doctors and not to rush anything...we want him back in full fettle, when he is ready!

Love,

katlaughing with joy

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 19 May 99 - 02:36 AM

Rejoicing in the hills of NW Connecticut.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Banjer
Date: 19 May 99 - 03:57 AM

A big AMEN from the souteast corner! Karen, good to hear from you. Keep us updated when you feel an update is appropriate, always looking for news. Like Kat said, try to get a good night or two of rest and know that Pat, you, and the boys are all in our thoughts.

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From:
Date: 19 May 99 - 04:16 AM

Rejoicing down under too!

Murray

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: dwditty
Date: 19 May 99 - 05:44 AM

Dear God, thank you for your ever watchful eye during Pat's terrible ordeal. Thank you for the peace you have given Pat, Karen, the boys, Clarence, and all of us who care so deeply for this kind man. Thank you for the love you have given Pat and Karen and for the faith you have bestowed on them to see them through this and life's other trials. I pray in your name, Amen.

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Vixen
Date: 19 May 99 - 08:20 AM

WHEW!! (that's a large sigh of relief!)

Hang in there, 'Spaw!!! You can do it!!! Blessings to the 'Spaw clan--you are the best! What a terrific family.

'Spaw, just because you're on a low-residue diet doesn't mean you don't have to use the litter box for other things!!! Take your time and heal well!

V

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 May 99 - 08:36 AM

This weekend or next week! That's fantastic! Really, y'll, take the time you need to mend and know that we are with you still!

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Pete Peterson
Date: 19 May 99 - 10:04 AM

YEA! thanks for sharing good news

pain shared is pain divided joy shared is joy multiplied

thanks, up there

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 May 99 - 10:37 AM

Catspaw update, I talked to Pat this morning. He saw the Drs. and they said tomorrow or Friday!!! I told him I wasn't ready yet too much I wanted to do at home for him. I guess he will heal better at home whether the house is a mess or not. I am so excited he's coming home and wanted to let you know. I expect he is composing thoughts for you already.

love, Karen

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 May 99 - 11:29 AM

Karespaw, the messy house is home to him, so don't worry about it. He WILL heal better being at home amongst all of you. That is such great news! Thanks for thinking of us and sharing it!

Love,

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Allan C.
Date: 19 May 99 - 11:35 AM

Well, I wanted to paste something here such as a fireworks graphic or some such thing to show what a feeling of celebration I am experiencing. But it probably isn't a good idea to load up the space with something which so inadequately expresses how gladly I am recieving this news of Pat actually COMING HOME! M-m-m "Catspaw's homecoming" might be a fitting title for a new thread...

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Roger the zimmer
Date: 19 May 99 - 11:49 AM

Home so soon? The guy clearly has more guts than most, despite losing a foot of 'em. I'm sure we're all looking forward to his own wry account, when he's up to it!

Subject: RE: Catspaw, the Recovery
From: Ross
Date: 19 May 99 - 12:12 PM

I'm going to be away for several weeks. Glad to hear of the imminent revovery before I leave.