Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: scouse
Date: 08 May 11 - 08:18 AM

My heart an good thoughts go out to you Mick, I'd subconsciously passed this thread over for whatever reason, I don't now why but made up my mind today to read through it.. It made me cry. God bless you dear Friend.

As Aye,

Phil.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: GUEST,BigDaddy
Date: 07 May 11 - 11:34 PM

I'm father to a 17-year old son (only child) and some of his friends have been like family to us, so I can certainly understand what you are going through. Prayers, sympathy and heart-felt best wishes and kind thoughts to you and yours in your terrible time.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: GUEST
Date: 07 May 11 - 05:19 PM

Mick, I'm so sorry this happened. You are in our thoughts and wishes for healing.

Frank

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: olddude
Date: 06 May 11 - 06:10 PM

I missed this thread Mick. You are in my heart and prayers my dear friend. I am so so sorry. You have been through the ringer lately as have many. Anytime, anywhere you need help you just give me a holler ..

Love Dan

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 06 May 11 - 04:48 AM

Seems to be the time of year for losing loved ones. Mick, you lifted me when I shared the loss of my daughter here. So you haven't been as absent as you think. I lost my favourite cousin (like a big sis to me) yesterday. The news has multiplied my homesickness for female relatives and Virginia friends.
But I know that I can ease me sorrow here in this little community. And you are one of the reasons I know this.
Sending you warm comfort from over big water.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Crowhugger
Date: 05 May 11 - 01:53 PM

In my heart, in my bones I cry for you and with you Mick. Take my arm whenever you need to steady-up under a surge of weeping or bawling. You have given so much care--be sure to take some.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: My guru always said
Date: 05 May 11 - 02:49 AM

So very sorry to hear of your loss Mick, sending love and hugs to you and yours.
Hil x

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 04 May 11 - 06:31 PM

Only just saw this thread. I know what you're going through. All hugs and best wishes.

Kitty
xx

PS My dad left school at 14 but later became the mational general secretary of a civil service union and I still feel frustrated that I can't talk to him about what's going on today, because he passed away in 1989.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: CupOfTea
Date: 04 May 11 - 04:17 PM

Mick,

Sorry to hear of your loss. May all the music you make sustain you as the reality of this loss settles into your heart of hearts. It's such a major event, the loss of that living connection to your source of life, a turning point with no repetition or do-overs. I know that when I lost my last parent, it was my folk song companions who were there to support me, to sing at her funeral, and to honor her.

I imagine with your charisma and grace, that you have the folks to gather 'round you in the world of brick and wood as much as you do in the pixelated world of Mudcat. My prayer is that you have as easy a transition as possible to this new part of your life & that you are able to let those who (obviously, and in large quantities) love you, help share your grief.


Joanne in Cleveland

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Andrez
Date: 03 May 11 - 08:10 PM

Mick I just want to add to the pile of care and good wishes expressed in all of the posts above and hope that in some small way it makes up for the loss of your father. I often end up in tears after browsing and reading this post. The sheer humanity and connectedness of it all simply overwhelms me at times. Please do whatever you have to do at this time and even though it wont change what has happened, hopefully some of the love above will help you and your family move through.

Cheers,

Andrez

PS: As the wise man once said: "May the 4th be with you" :-)

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Hawker
Date: 03 May 11 - 06:37 PM

(((((((Big Mick)))))))
Thinking of you x

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: GUEST,jaze
Date: 03 May 11 - 06:00 AM

Mick, I know what you're going thru and am so sorry for your loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: bbc
Date: 02 May 11 - 06:45 AM

Welcome home, dear. I celebrated my dad's life during the NEFFA weekend, on the 4th anniversary of his passing. He gave me a solid foundation for the rest of my life &, although I often wish I could share a challenge or triumph with him, he gave me the values I need to meet the needs of my life. As I complete my teaching career & take early retirement this June, he will be much on my mind. Thinking of you with love!

best always,

Beebs

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: fat B****rd
Date: 02 May 11 - 06:42 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mick. Please accept my best regards and condolences.
Charlie.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Dharmabum
Date: 02 May 11 - 06:31 AM

Mick,
My condolences to you & your family.

DB.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Genie
Date: 01 May 11 - 05:59 PM

[["You'll hear his advice when you need it, 'cause he ain't gone. He lives on in you and yours."
Rapparee]]

So true, Rap.   My sister died shortly before her 59th birthday, after fighting an aggressive cancer for 12 1/2 years. When she finally decided to stop trying to hold onto her weakened and pain-wracked body, she told my other sister, by phone, "I am not leaving you." She really hasn't, either. Her presence is felt often, as an important inspiration and part of our support system.   I don't claim to know what's "on the other side of the curtain" that she said she could see as she was "crossing over," but in one way or another I do believe that death is just another phase of the journey. And even if it's not, those who have touched our lives the way your Da has yours really do live on "within us," and beyond us in those whom we touch.

It seems your Da really does live on in you, Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: KT
Date: 01 May 11 - 02:33 PM

Thinking of you still, on this day after, which I pray will be for you a day of gentleness and much deserved rest. take care, Mick. KT

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Nancy King
Date: 01 May 11 - 01:42 PM

So sorry for your loss, Mick. I know how difficult these last few years have been for you, as my mother's last years were pretty much the same. Dreadful for everyone. But I've tried to remember her and my Dad the way they used to be, and I hope you'll be able to hang on to those happy memories as well. My thoughts are with you.

--Nancy

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: skarpi
Date: 01 May 11 - 01:31 PM

Mick my friend , i send you a hug ,,,,the school of life is the hardest school you can find , there are so many higg-ups on the way from
birth to grave ...take good care of you and yours all the best skarpi

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 01 May 11 - 01:11 PM

We never forget those men who were with us from our start, and know in a way they will be with us until the end. After my dad died, I caught myself pondering some problem that I knew should have a logical solution, and then thinking of phoning him for his advice, when I would be suddenly surprized to realize that I couldn't. But I still think of him when I'm confronted with problems, and often the solutions are still there if I stop and listen closely to a voice inside.
Time will make this better, but you will never forget him.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Amergin
Date: 01 May 11 - 01:06 PM

As I look at your pain, and feel mine, two songs roll through my mind, because they fit to a t...One Small Star by Eric Bogle, and Jerry's Handful of Songs, for they leave us...but still shine for us, and give us the poetry of their love, the music of their spirit, and the tears to express them. Take it easy, Mick.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Maryrrf
Date: 01 May 11 - 10:31 AM

Mick, some people leave money and property to their children when they pass away - your dad left something much more important. He instilled a spirit of activism and solidarity in you that will carry on for generations. His spirit still shines.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: GUEST,999
Date: 01 May 11 - 10:20 AM

My sincere condolences Mick.

Bruce M

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: topical tom
Date: 01 May 11 - 10:00 AM

All my sympathy, hopes and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss but such people live on forever in memories.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Barb'ry
Date: 01 May 11 - 08:41 AM

much love xx

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: stallion
Date: 01 May 11 - 05:22 AM

I have the deepest sympathy and empathy, thank you for sharing your recollections with us, you were indeed very lucky to have such a wonderful father and I suspect the whole world misses the likes of him who are far and few between, take care
Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 01 May 11 - 02:06 AM

Mick, my thoughts and sympathy are with you! I seems like you have developed into a chip of the old block. If more people shared his understanding that unions benefit the common working man, a better world it would be for us all!
                      Sandy

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 08:30 PM

More love your way too alison.......Still our best to you and Ryan and Shannon. I think of you often.............


Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Amergin
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 08:26 PM

I'm sorry to hear this, Mick...though i know that if you are anything to go by, he must've been an amazing human being.

Take care.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: alison
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 08:22 PM

aw Mick I am so sorry for your loss. As always your words conjure up a wonderful picture - as others have said - write that book.

I am one of those who pops in here every-so-often but it always amazes me how often it happens to be at "just the right time"......... you know what I mean........

take that low D up to the hill and play Mick - and I'll add my own tune from over here.........

love and good thoughts to you and your family

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Janie
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 07:33 PM

Been holding you in my thoughts all day on this day of celebration and remembrance of your father.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 07:13 PM

Get together with people who knew him, and tell the stories. Laugh about the silly things and let your heart be touched by the the poignant things. Smile and cry, look at pictures, and hug each other. This helps shine light on the person who lived, and allows the person who died to shuffle off into the shadows. A person is more than who he was at the end.

Love and hugs.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 06:39 PM

You have my deepest sympathy, Mick.

I watched my father weaken and die for about 6 months, back in 2006. We weren't very compatible people, and I can't honestly say whether he "lives on in me" or not...that's a mystery to me...but it was very sad watching him lose his strength in his final days. He had always figured himself to be strong and in control of everything, but he had to face losing all that.

Now my mother is going through the same process, losing her physical and mental powers, but she still tries to control everything (although she can't).

What do I fear? The time when these same things will happen to me (assuming I don't die in a car crash or something sudden like that). How far off is it? That's hard to say. I don't fear dying. I truly regard it as deliverance from the conditions of this life! But I do fear the final stages of getting there.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 04:56 PM

Thank you for updating us. Your difficulties struck a chord as I also had a painful parting from my father. It seemed so unfair that a wonderful man should suffer so. I also "fell out" with Dad and later made it up. I was lucky to be there at his passing. He fought his decline all the way. I know he lives on in me as your Da will live on in you. Be true to him.

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 04:37 PM

I wondered where you'd been and now I know. And when I say I know what you're going through, believe it: my youngest brother died March 5 and the last of my "surrogate fathers" (a good Union man) on January 25.

You'll hear his advice when you need it, 'cause he ain't gone. He lives on in you and yours.

Mike

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Dave Swan
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 04:37 PM

So sorry, pal. Sending warmest condolences to you and all those who miss your dad. Also sending strength. Getting through the service is a tough one, too.

You're a good man, the product of a good man. Can't ask for better.

D

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Genie
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 04:20 PM

Yes, Mick, thanks so much for sharing what you and your family have been going through - the struggles, the loving but not always smooth relationships, the strong ties.   I can see how people like your Da and the ordeals you've been through have strengthened your character and warmed your heart, where they might have had the opposite effect on some.   Bless you and your family.   And, yes, God be good to your dear Da.

Genie

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: eddie1
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 03:53 PM

Hi Mick

We have never had any contact on Mudcat but you are one of the few whose posts I always enjoyed reading and found a lot of sense in.
Right now is hard but having lost both parents I can tell you the time will come when you can look back on the happy times and smile, laugh out loud and enjoy them all over again without the pain.

You have given up a fair chunk of your life for your Dad - now is the time to get out there and find it again. That's what he would want.

My thoughts are with you

Eddie

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 03:07 PM

Dearest Mic, I'm so glad I popped into the Mudcat today and so sad that you are going through the hard times with the loss of your Da and all. You are in my heart and all our hearts and you know where to find us when you need us. My own father died three years ago this May 26 and I miss him every day, even though he was not able to set for me the example that your Da was for you.

Tonight I will be celebrating the 80th birthday of a good man, not my father, who did much for one kind of music I love, contra dance music. While I celebrate Dudley Laufman, I will be thinking of you.

Bless you.

Allison

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 02:50 PM

Take some time to take care of yourself Mick. I am sorry you have lost your father but glad his pain is over.
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 11:50 AM

You have always signed your posts "All the best".... and that's what you gave for those you loved.
Here's hoping you know that's what we all wish for YOU.

Glad to see you....

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 11:08 AM

"I could write a book on the lessons, good and bad, that I have learned from his life and his passing. Maybe one day I will, but in the meantime, I am just sad. I will miss this man."

And you'll be sad for awhile..............When I was 18 my Mom died. That evening when I had returned from Berea I found my Dad far and away sadder than I had ever seen him. We sat in their bedroom and he said, "You'll never have a day you won't think of her." He was right of course and I thought of that when he died just a few years later. Now, 40 years out from that time, every day I recognize how really true that is and how much else I learned from him. Funny thing........I have lived longer on this earth than either of them and yet I still have many times I wish I could ask their advice and feel the love it often contained.

For those of us who were blessed with great parents, losing them is always hard but as you know their memories will soon fill the heart with a wonderful memories but there will always be that tinge of sadness which is at it should be.   

You're well loved here Brother but you know that too. Karen and I send our best thoughts to all of you.......and never apologize to me again...................


Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 10:53 AM

Mick,

Retreat/recovery space still here. Dharmabum's place also within reach. His dau is working on her whistle, too.

You'll be in our prayers.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 09:57 AM

Mick-

It's been a long two years and you've certainly put a lot of energy into trying to sustain your father at some decent quality of life under difficult circumstances.

My own father passed away October 22, 2003. He's still with me now in my mind but my memory has filtered out the desperate last two weeks. I tend to remember the more positive times, and a few of the rougher ones! I'm not sure how well I'd have fared for the much longer period that you cared for your father but I would have tried.

Welcome back.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 09:53 AM

{{{{Mick & Family}}}}

Thank you, darlin', for coming "home." You've been missed and many thoughts have been sent your way. Sorry it has come to this, so hard to lose a parent.

(Night Owl dropped out a few years ago to take care of her mother, now 101, and her aunt, at 98, who is in the last stages of dementia, etc. I am in awe of what she endures, not only in personal care, but also financial, medical, etc. as an advocate for both of them. The sheer physical toll it takes on her is unbelievable.)

I hope you will be able to spend some time up on your hill with the low D whistle and replenish your spirit.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 09:46 AM

Mick, it's so good to hear your voice again, even though the reason is so sad. Please know our thoughts are with you, and that you do your father honour. Write that book, a testament to a life well-lived, in your own beautiful words. You know we'll be here for you - any hour, day or night. Love, respect, and consolences -

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: Cool Beans
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 09:17 AM

Many condolences, Mick. I like what you wrote.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: open mike
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 09:15 AM

Mick, thank you for sharing with us!
(with so many of us in so many ways)
I applaud your strength and wish you
more to be able to continue your good
work and your good life. Blessings to
you and your family!!

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: kendall
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 09:01 AM

What can anyone say at 5times such as these, except we love you man.

Subject: RE: Obit: My heart is broken-Mick**Update-Apr 29, 2011
From: DebC
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 08:35 AM

Brother Mick,

I am so sorry for your loss. Sounds like your Da was a wonderful man, even though it was hard the last few years.

As you know, I am a phone call away. Thanks for standing tall against the injustices of this world and I am sure that your Da was ever so proud of you and the work that you have done and continue to do.

Your Union sister in solidarity and peace,
Debra