Amos is ill (January 2019)

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 08:49 AM

We were very close at one time. It may help folks to know that both Amos and Daly deeply look forward to an existence beyond this "meatspace" planet, and that while of course this time now is excruciatingly painful, they are uniquely well prepared for it.

Go Amos!

~S~

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: GUEST,Dharmabum
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 08:52 AM

Wishing you the best Amos.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 09:03 AM

Thanks for the update, it is sounding much more positive. Still sending good vibes across the Atlantic.
RtS

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 09:25 AM

Good wishes and healing thoughts being sent to Amos.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 09:36 AM

Sending best wishes and a large malt whisky, from Jock.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: CupOfTea
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 09:55 AM

Can't claim friendship, but definitely a fan. During a couple of Getaway weekends I watched him being a steady presence of song, kindness, fun - a person you just enjoyed being around, even if you didn't know him well.
My heartfelt good wishes to Amos and his loved ones. It is so important to let people know how valuable they are while they can appreciate it. I feel fortunate to have met him, heard him sing, chat a bit. Give him folkie love from Cleveland, please.

Joanne in Cleveland

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: GUEST,anglo
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 09:55 AM

I have always enjoyed my time with Amos (not enough!), particularly at the Getaway. His generosity of resources, of spirit, and his care for the world we live in always made me want to be a better person. I knew him first through Mudcat, then in person. I got to meet Daly properly this year as well. If anyone deserves a miracle, it's Amos. Hold fast, my friend.
John

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: GUEST,Sandrolin
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 10:00 AM

Thank you for the updates Rebecca, and Janie... Daly and Amos my deepest love and prayer.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Felipa
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 10:08 AM

I've been reading and writing on Mudcat for >20 years, but Amos' name isn't familiar to me. We must move on different threads. I'm glad to read that he's got something of a reprieve, that at least the brain injury is healing.

Martin, it gets worse ... I see there is a thread re Dick Greenhaus.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 10:35 AM

Very sorry to hear that, he was a good friend to me when I moved to San Diego for a year abroad as part of my degree. Thinking of him and Daly.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: hsempl
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 10:49 AM

So glad for the more encouraging update, Janie, please give him and Daly hugs from me.
Heather

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 11:49 AM

Sorry to hear the earlier news, but hope the improvement is maintained.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: GUEST,Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 02:03 PM

I have known Amos for almost 20 years now, through this Forum, in person, and by being a guest of his and Daly's at his home in Hillsborough. There's almost nobody I'd prefer to share a joke, a beer or a song with. He hasn't been in the best health over the last year, but when I saw him in October, he was undaunted and full of energy and joy despite the challenges. I would put money on him pulling through this episode. Not being able to articulate has got to be pissing him off, since he's one of the most articulate people I know. That's why I think he'll get through this, just to be able to recount the experience in vivid detail afterwards.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: GUEST,JudyB
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 02:25 PM

Glad to hear there's some improvement, and sending lots of good thoughts. Thanks, Rebecca and Janie, for bringing the information and updates here.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Janie
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 04:09 PM

Amos is continuing to show some small improvement in speech and motor skills everyday, and sends his thanks for all the good wishes.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Hollowfox
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 04:22 PM

Hey, folks what's this with so much in the past tense? And you, Amos, you've got a huge fan base here pulling for you. In fact, when I get home from work, I'm going to fire up one of my Official Gen-u-ine Purebred Midwestern $#@!-reduction Candles. They let you know somebody gives a $#@! about you, and does its part to reduce the same from the world.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 04:53 PM

Thx for the updates, Janie-- we cross-posted.

~S~

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 05:31 PM

Certainly appreciated to see on Caring Bridge that the situation is not as dire as it appeared. Still along way from what we wish for Amos. Caring really does help.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Charmion
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 05:39 PM

Oh, dear. I love Amos, and I hope to see him again this summer.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: KT
Date: 07 Jan 19 - 06:07 PM

C'mon, Amos! We're all pullin for ya!

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 05:34 AM

I have admired Amos for a number of reasons.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 05:37 AM

A bit of a clarification
Journal entry by Janie Endres — 12 hours ago

Amos is not in renal failure and a stroke has absolutely been ruled out. He was dehydrated and is now hydrated. Renal function has returned to baseline. The fall likely occurred due to sudden low blood pressure on arising from a prone position, and dehydration can make this more likely to happen. The speech and other motor difficulties are due to the cerebellum having been seriously rattled. It is too early, as rehab has not yet begun, AND the brain is still recovering from being treated like a shakori, to know how rapidly or how fully he will recover his assorted motor skills, but most people do experience significant or complete recovery from concussions when they are treated properly.

We realized over the past couple of days that local friends thought he was on death's door due to the cancer. Amos has asked I get the word out that this is not the case. The motor deficits are significant at present, but a little better everyday, even before entering rehab.



One issue is going to be boredom. Recommendations for audio books, and even more importantly, any suggestions about devices that play audio books that don't require manual dexterity to operate are welcomed. Siri is not helpful right now due to the speech issues but it seems to me there must be some stackable CD players or electronic devices out there that require minimal precision to hit the right icon, play, or pause button. At present he is not able to change the CD or hit small targets. Any ideas appreciated. All good thoughts and positive energies are especially appreciated.



Word to the wise - drink plenty of water. This could happen to anyone.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 05:39 AM

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amosjessupsgang/journal

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 06:01 AM

Best gnomic wishes coming from here too. You can do it, Amos!

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Jack Campin
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 06:45 AM

In the UK, the RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) issues "Daisy" pausable MP3-CD players which have simple, large, easy to find buttons. Maybe they're available in the US too?

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 10:20 AM

I posted my suggestion for a tablet app to the CaringBridge site. I'm an Android/Windows user and I think Amos is an Apple zealot, but I'm sure you'll figure out something!

Our apologies to Amos for over-reacting to the news of his injury - we're all feeling rattled over losing so many stellar Mudcatters in the last couple of weeks that the news of his hospitalization went from zero to sixty in no time at all for all of this heartbroken Mudcat family. That said, it has been a real pleasure to track down so many of the things he has "out there" in the connected world. Interviews, musical performances, poetry, and even a novel. To say nothing of the thousands of posts at Mudcat. :)

Get well, friend, and take your pooch Maggie for a walk soon. (Dogs can visit people in hospitals and rehab, if she hasn't already. I did that with my lab Zeke when his first owner was in rehab for a while. The vet just had to write a letter assuring his good health and vaccinations.)

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 10:43 AM

See what the Division of the Blind and Physically Handicapped, via the local public library, has. Free, even free postage, or rather, your taxes have paid the Library of Congress for it.

Give him a traveling size guitar. It'll help (albeit slowly and with frustration on his part) the neural pathways re-establish.

For the fastest recovery, tell him that I'm coming to be his rehab counselor. Or always tune the TV to Fox and he'll be out of bed in a flash to change the channel if you hide the remote.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 10:48 AM

Search on some of Don Firth's old posts - he was interested in travel-size guitars and posted a lot about them, comparing styles and brands.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 10:52 AM

When I read about his history, I though it sounded like he whacked his brain. And I thought that he needed to eat. I think it's likely he will one day come in here, and discuss the situation, delighting in passing on the "ow" and "ew", much like Catspaw did. We can all wait with bated breath for him to regale us with tales of catheters and scans and his own personal nurse Ratched. Or not. Whatever. [smiles]

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Deda
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 11:01 AM

Some of the over-reaction to the initial news may be due to my own first post. Amos is 3 years (almost 4) older than me and I have looked up to him with awe and love since birth. The thought that I might lose him was so deeply alarming to me that I may have conveyed that sense of danger and fear in my first post. I am so greatly relieved that he and Daly have local, loving and capable support. No one can count Amos out, ever -- he's a powerful fighter, with a deep well of resilience. And when I talked to him the first night after his concussion, before his speech deteriorated, he promised me he wasn't going to die. So I'll hold him to that. And I'll go down to see him in a few weeks, when rehab has started to work.

If you're a praying person, please keep him in your prayers. If not, good energy, love and healing vibes are gratefully accepted.

Deda

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 11:08 AM

Hello Amos, old love. So alarmed to read the OP, so relieved to read down and hear you quote Mark Twain's best line, albeit vicariously. Hope the rehab is swift and easy.

All the best, mate
Greg

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: GUEST,Lonesome EJ
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 11:51 AM

A word needs to be said in regards to the help Amos is receiving, and in relation to that, the continuing amazing impact of the Mudcat. Several years back, Amos and Daly moved from their home in California to the beautiful North Carolina hill town of Hillsborough, mainly because of relationships that evolved here on Mudcat, and tied in with that, the FSGW annual Getaway on the Chesapeake. Through his move to NC, Amos gained a whole additional level of friendship and support from neighbors including Dani Black and Janie Endres. Through his illness and this incident, Janie has been a vital source of energy and guidance. A true friend is one you can count on when the chips are down, and Janie has been just that. I know it will embarrass her to read this, but I also know how important her help has been. That kind of neighborliness and care is rare these days when words are cheap but real friendship is vital. Go girl!

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 12:07 PM

That's fer sure, LEJ! Hillsborough has become a Mecca for Mudcatters, where we can load up on good conversation, friendship, good music, and terrific cooking from Janie and Dani. I can't count how often you and I have been there; and Amos liked it so much, he talked Daly into moving there - from San Diego, which is pretty much heaven itself. Mudcat often makes a very good showing at the Nash Street Tavern in Hillsborough, with Amos often presiding with his songs and poetry.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Helen
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 02:31 PM

Deda, your alarm was totally understandable and we shared that alarm, but now we can share your hope. It's a major relief and we all know that Amos will keep to his word and stay here for as long as he can.

Prayers, good energy, love and healing vibes coming right up.

Rapparee, that's really hitting below the belt: tuning the TV to Fox. What a low blow - or is it tricky and effective psychology! It would work for me. LOL

Helen, in Oz

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Helen
Date: 08 Jan 19 - 04:50 PM

Well, that appears to settle another long-standing question: Where to build the Old Folkies' Home/Retirement Village

Hillsborough, it is!

(Coincidentally, my Grandma retired to a house in Hillsborough, in Newcastle, NSW Oz.)

---

Link repaired. ---mudelf

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Jan 19 - 07:12 PM

Helen, that sounds like a great location! Just wish I were younger!

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Janie
Date: 09 Jan 19 - 09:52 PM

Y'all come! (Bring money to cover construction costs.)

Maybe, at the very least, we can take over all the Medicaid beds at a good, local nursing home.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Jan 19 - 10:36 PM

Why build or buy something? We can all move in with Amos.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Ebbie
Date: 10 Jan 19 - 03:34 AM

Rap! No! Just when he is getting better!

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Genie
Date: 10 Jan 19 - 05:10 AM

Deda (Rebecca), Janie, Dani, Ernie and all you
other local friends or family who are in contact with our beloved Amos and helping him through this ordeal nd keeping us informed, BLESS you!
Amos, we’re here to sing you through this!
Genie

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Janie
Date: 10 Jan 19 - 02:25 PM

Working on getting Amos moved to rehab but not sure whether that will be at the hospital initially (I hope it is) or to a skilled nursing facility. When available, I will provide an address where those who might want to send a card directly to Amos can do so. It might be another several days to a week.

In the meantime, if you want to send him a card, pm me here, or for FB friends, on FB, and I'll send you my address. I am seeing him most days, and when my schedule doesn't permit, can run them over to his wife, Daly, to take to him.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Donuel
Date: 11 Jan 19 - 01:11 PM

While we all wish Amos the best, the best of Amos is his heart.
Amos uses more heart, talent and generosity than we who only try.
Flesh is fragile but the will of his mind is uniquely powerful.
Actual
Factual
Musical
and true

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 19 - 04:12 PM

Wishing Amos as rapid, thorough and complete a recovery as possible. He has been a valuable part of my Mudcat and Getaway experiences. As a two time cancer survivor, I'm rooting for you and trying to add on to the Mudcat good vibes and wishes like the ones that helped me get through my hospital stays!

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: GUEST,Severn
Date: 11 Jan 19 - 05:32 PM

That last guest was me. Hooda guest?

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Crowhugger
Date: 11 Jan 19 - 06:49 PM

I am heartbroken to know that Amos is going through such a difficult stretch. Sending my love and wishes for an expedient rehab/recovery and an easy time normalizing after that.
I haven't mudcatted regularly in the last few years, but Amos is definitely a valued fellow 'catter I know well from when I was more active here. Especially I'm loving my recollection of various group-written stories. Amos has always been among those who add to the story while setting an example of how to build on and build up others' characters, settings and story lines without one-upmanship.
And song contests on current subjects, magic wordsmith.
A leader, sometimes obviously so, and more often with great subtlety.
So much more he's done over the years but these are his gifts to us that are still giving, in particular giving me a huge smile and cozy memories right now.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Janie
Date: 12 Jan 19 - 04:23 PM

Amos was transferred from acute care to the Medical Rehab unit last night. For those so inclined, cards of encouragement or that provoke a good laugh will be most welcomed.

Amos Jessup
Room 7342
North Carolina Memorial Hospital
101 Manning Dr.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Janie
Date: 31 Jan 19 - 04:04 PM

Happy to share that after 5 long weeks in the hospital, Amos is going home tomorrow, 2/1/19!

He made very good progress in the rehab unit of the hospital, and still has a ways to go.

For the first week or so, there will be 24 hour custodial care, plus in-home speech, occupational and physical therapy.    The 24 hour care to begin with is cautionary. We think his progress will be even more rapid once he is home.

I predict he will again soon be singing again, and very hopeful he will again be able to play that guitar!

If you wish to follow his progress, both respect to the head injury and the cancer, best way to do that is on the Caring Bridge website. Below is a link to his page there.

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amosjessupsgang

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Jan 19 - 05:00 PM

Sounds good Janie. Thanks for the update.

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 31 Jan 19 - 05:02 PM

Dammit, that's brilliant!

Subject: RE: Amos is ill (January 2019)
From: Janie
Date: 13 Mar 19 - 04:39 PM

Have been getting some inquiries re how Amos is doing. Check the caring bridge link at latest update re Amos for latest full update if you live locally as it includes some ways to help. For others, copying and pasting the post I just made, with consent from Amos, to Caring Bridge.

"Journal entry by Janie Endres — 12 minutes ago

Hello All,

A bit of an update regarding Amos, provided with his permission. He says to say he would post himself but his 'puter is on the blink. He also won't know, until his computer is fixed, how well he can manage the keyboard as fine motor skills are still a work in progress.



He is at home and is continuing recovery efforts from his severe concussion. To those of us around him, he progresses by leaps and bounds. To Amos, the progress seems frustratingly slow. In-home speech, occupation and speech therapy have been discontinued and there is serious slogging through bureaucracies going on to get outpatient therapies scheduled. His speech is clear, and he has made very significant progress on syntax, inflection, etc. Struggles sometimes to find the right words to use - but this amazingly articulate human being is already more articulate than most of us, even if not back to his prodromal levels.



He is able to sing - pretty well in imho, but not up to his own standards, and working at making some strumable chords on the guitar. Still needs a walker because the internal gyroscope still ain't working right, but there definitely continues to be improvement. Fine motor skills have a ways to go, but again, definitely continuing to improve.

Although fatigue can be an issue, and rest and naps are very important to promote healing after brain injury, he enjoys company and outings. He thinks he is a pain to take somewhere because of the walker, but, believe me folks - that is his imagination. He needs the walker for balance, not because his legs are injured and can't bear full weight. It is a piece of cake to chauffeur him to a local restaurant or coffee shop for an outing, as long as the steps can either accomodate a walker, or there is a sturdy handrail - though, for local folks, I would not recommend lunch at the Saratoga Grill at this point, with their full flight of stairs.



In terms of the cancer, he had a full scan a few weeks ago, and the cancer is 'stable.' No new metastases. Of the already present metastatic lesions, half have shrunk a little and half have grown a little. At present, focus continues to be on recovering from the concussion. Any decisions regarding further experimental treatments or clinical trials are deferred."