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Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player
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Subject: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 29 Sep 00 - 08:30 PM A banjo playing friend was felled by an aneurysm Sunday night and is hanging on but the prognosis isn't good. He's in ICU in a Seattle hospital, was medi-vacced down there. So far he has survived the surgery to release pressure on his brain and the brain surgery to repair and clean up inside. At this point, he's still not responding but he has opened an eye twice. This is a wonderful guy, whole-hearted, supportive, gentle, talented... It's true he plays the banjo but he's one of those who never step on a melody line, a great ear, a sensitive player, if you will. One of those you're almost embarrassed to harass about banjos. When you have a minute, please send a prayer aloft for him and his family. Thank you. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: katlaughing Date: 29 Sep 00 - 08:37 PM Ebbie, may we have his first name or nickname? It helps to visualise. This place has worked miracles for others who've been taken aback in similar ways. If you get a chance check out any threads that BSEEDCharlesKratz started about his musician friend, Sally. Really inspiring. I am giving thanks for your friend's health and well-being and holding him in the Light. We need good banjo players to stick around! Blessed Be, kat |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Áine Date: 29 Sep 00 - 08:41 PM Dear Ebbie, Sending up some prayers for your friend and his family from down here in Texas. Stay positive and hold on to a good thought. -- Áine |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: bseed(charleskratz) Date: 29 Sep 00 - 08:50 PM Ebbie, miracles do happen, and that open eye is a great sign. Holding your friend in my thoughts. --seed (another banjo player who's not ashamed to admit it, and who feels that the world needs all of us it has and can get) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: catspaw49 Date: 29 Sep 00 - 08:57 PM Hi Ebbie.......What little I have is all yours and I am sending my best thoughts your way. Seed's friend Sally made it back from a long ways off and we'll all hold those same thoughts for your friend. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 29 Sep 00 - 09:23 PM Whew!! Instant tears! Thank you. His name is George, 57 years old, birthday coming up in October. A husband and grandpa and friend. He and I played in the same dance band for 6 years. He now has a bluegrass band and his best friend plays mando in it. They'd been friends for a year before they discovered they had the same birthday. I'm sending him as much light and strength as I can manage but my own grief and fear gets in the way. So many, many thanks for the help. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: SINSULL Date: 29 Sep 00 - 10:01 PM Banjo players are sexier than guitarists. It's a known fact! I will keep George close tonight. Make sure his family is speaking to him even if he seems not to hear. He's there. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Melani Date: 29 Sep 00 - 10:08 PM Good luck and good health to him! |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 29 Sep 00 - 10:15 PM Just got an email- He opened an eye 5 times today in evident response to his wife and daughters talking to him. (They said his other eye is still swollen from the surgery.) And yes, Sinsull, they talk to him constantly and include him in their conversations. You know, I've read many other 'Catter's awed thanks many times in these threads but now I know what they mean. I swear I feel the actual warmth from you. Bless you. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: bbelle Date: 29 Sep 00 - 11:12 PM Ebbie ... I've never done this, so I'm just getting the "hang" of it, but I do believe in miracles, because I've seen them. I will keep George in my thoughts and conversations with g-d. moonjen |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 29 Sep 00 - 11:35 PM Good signs he will recover.. Keep talking and smiling at him.. Yours, Aye. Dave (sending a prayer his way) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: katlaughing Date: 30 Sep 00 - 12:36 AM That is good to hear, Ebbie, those eyes opening. Hearing is the last faculty we have when any kind of situation like this comes about. Good for you, Sinsull, for reminding us of that. Our voices and those of our loved ones, as well as the music we love, are so important during times of stress and fear. Charles (Bseed) told us many times of how much Sally responded to music. Hopefully, George's family can share some CD's or tapes with George, too. My own mother was in the hospital, operated on for removal of a tumour. She had had cancer before, so it was scary. Before surgery, we had her concentrate on her favourite Mozart pieces, instead of the fear and pain. She experienced a miracle. When the docs opened her up the tumour, which had very plainly been there, was gone.The doctors had no explanation. Let's see George recovered and healthy, playing his banjo with his band and give thanks for this or something better for the highest good of all concerned. Hang in there, Ebbie. You are a good friend to George and he benefits from that, a great deal. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 30 Sep 00 - 12:33 PM I'm told that there are other signs of progress. He's off the ventilator now. I love the image of prayer- prayerful light? lightsome prayer?- sheathing Mother Earth. Thank you. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: katlaughing Date: 30 Sep 00 - 01:12 PM Here is part of a meditation I wrote for Thanksgiving 1989. YOur comment about the light and Mother Earth reminded me of it, Ebbie: Writing to my fmaily and friends "Once I have seen us join in the circle, I come back to my house and begin to see it filled with Light. I visualize a giant can filled with Light being poured out over the roof of my house, coating it as a painter coats a wall. I see this Light become a river flowing from my house to include the whole neighborhood, then the town, then the state and then the continent, spreading, spreading Light to every corner, leaving no trace of the darkness of anger, fear and hatred, the whole of our planet becomes encircled with Light, until I also see another giant can upended over our Mother Earth, spilling its contents labeled Love, Joy, and, Peace into every house, hovel, building, cave, tree, rock, stream, grass, four-legged animal, winged creature and water being of our beloved home planet; dispelling all strife, disharmony, fear. and anger; bringing Peace Profound to all it touches; being spread by all it touches, just as a flowing river overflows its banks, linking all it touches with its cool, damp, life-giving force. I travel out into the Universe, light as a bird, a ball of Light energy, moving with ease, with no visible distance or time, viewing Earth from above, an Earth encircled and bathed in a bright, healing Light; truly a global village of Light beings, radiating Peace and Goodwill to the entire Universe. So Mote It Be! |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Morticia Date: 30 Sep 00 - 01:14 PM sending lots of good thoughts for you and your friend and his family,Ebbie, be strong.... love Terri |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 30 Sep 00 - 02:37 PM Holding George and his family and you in the Light... |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Catrin Date: 30 Sep 00 - 03:10 PM I wish your friend and his family all the best Ebbie. My thoughts are with you all. Catrin |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Jon Freeman Date: 30 Sep 00 - 04:52 PM Your friend is in my prayers too. Jon |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Banjer Date: 30 Sep 00 - 05:12 PM Many good thoughts also from this banjo player. May all good come to George and his family. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Little Neophyte Date: 30 Sep 00 - 06:16 PM Us banjo players are bonded Ebbie, when one of us are down, the others start playing more. It is a form of prayer for us banjo brothers & sisters. So Ebbie, you tell your friend George that we are twanging up a storm for him. And if you let me know when his birthday is in October, why I will play George the finest drop thumb version of Happy Birthday he will have ever heard! Little Neo |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 30 Sep 00 - 06:20 PM Little Neo, his birthday is on the 25th. I don't suppose he'll be home or online but somewhere inside him, he'll know! Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Jimmy C Date: 30 Sep 00 - 09:21 PM Ebie, Will do, prayer is a very powerful weapon. As a banjo player myself, just released from Hospital on Thursday after the third fairly major operation in the past 4 years, my thoughts and prayers are with him straight from the heart. Will pray also for his famiy and friends, Stay positive, miracles are commonplace. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 30 Sep 00 - 09:29 PM Bless you, Jimmy C! Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 01 Oct 00 - 01:41 PM Yesterday was not a good day for George. Hoping for a better one today. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: SINSULL Date: 01 Oct 00 - 03:25 PM Still praying Ebbie. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 01 Oct 00 - 05:11 PM Thank you. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Bud Savoie Date: 01 Oct 00 - 07:38 PM Ebbie, I'm playing and praying too. Where does he live? When (not if) he recovers, I'd like to jam and swap licks with him. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ely Date: 01 Oct 00 - 11:58 PM Holding him in the Light . . . |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 02 Oct 00 - 12:17 AM Bud S, he lives in southeast Alaska. Where are you? He goes to a number of bluegrass festivals a year, notably to Kentucky and the last couple of years outside Manzanita on the Oregon coast. And he loves to jam. I remember one night the group started about 6:30 in the evening and kept going until almost 4:30 the next morning. As he was packing away his banjo, he said, Now that was just about the right amount of time- could've gone a little longer but it was just about right. He plays 3-finger banjo and has impeccable timing. Loves to sing- has a nice, mellow baritone. Just a prince of a fellow. As a friend told me on the phone tonight: God, I hope he makes it. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Lonesome EJ Date: 02 Oct 00 - 12:34 AM Ebbie,prayers and positive energy going out to you and to George. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: GUEST,Pete Peterson Date: 02 Oct 00 - 11:27 AM Prayers and eenrgy sent from one banjo player to another, and to his friends and all those who care about him. JU Lee wrote me earlier this year, (see other thread) "but us banjo players are too stupid to know when to quit" and from other thread, he is cancer-free and WELL, which is wonderful news. May your news be as good! Banjo plyers ARE too stopid to know when to give up. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: GUEST,Sailor Dan at work Date: 02 Oct 00 - 02:05 PM Ebbie; I play around with a banjo, but dont consider myself a banjo player, but I will keep George in my prayers for a full recovery for him and for his family. Besides, banjo players are what makes the world go around. Sailor DAn |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: wysiwyg Date: 02 Oct 00 - 02:46 PM Praying.... more, specifically, tomorrow. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 02 Oct 00 - 04:30 PM Thanks to all- please keep on. I remember at a crisis in my life I was aware of a sparkly cascade over me that I always identified as prayer from many people. I was aware too of when it stopped a number of days later. Thanks for that cascade over George. Nothing new to report except that morphine brings down his BP and pulse which indicates to them that he is in more pain than they supposed. His temp, however, hovers at 102 degrees. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Rasta Date: 03 Oct 00 - 02:52 AM to Ebbie-Im sending my best vibes and hopeful spirits to your banjo buddy, hoping he pulls thru --steady as ya go -"Rastaaa |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Jock Morris Date: 03 Oct 00 - 09:05 AM An anuarism took my mother from me; your friend George is in my thoughts. Scott |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: wysiwyg Date: 03 Oct 00 - 11:35 AM Ebbie, I tucked this matter under my heart and the sense has continued, very strong, that I got from your first post. It is that your knowledge and sight of this man are such that you have the strength and accuracy to pray most powerfully in this. And so to strengthen your own effort further seems the best prayer and help I can offer, and I do offer it with all my own strength. Of course it isn't really our strength that matters, but the strength of our participation does matter. The BEST approach I have ever seen is descibed in brief at this link to THE HEALING LIGHT by Agnes Sanford: http://www.spiritsite.com/writing/agnsan/index.htm And this is a Christian approach that throws the doors WIDE OPEN for non-Christian participation. Please, 'Cateers, if you are not a Christian, but engage in healing via what you call the Light, please go see this. I think you may be surprised, and I think it will strengthen your efforts as well. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 03 Oct 00 - 03:15 PM Whoaaaaaa Praise, that's powerful stuff and I've ordered two copies of the book,the second one for a gift. Why have I never heard of Agnes Sanford?? She had clarity and vision and was way ahead of what I think of as her time. Maybe the reason the world gets into such binds is because people who care are not aware of what powers they have in their midst. It's wonderful to think that the computer age may help. George is in pretty much the same shape as he's been in the last two days but according to the nurses, given the problems that can occur, that is a positive sign. He does have a bit of pneumonia going now, though. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: catspaw49 Date: 03 Oct 00 - 03:22 PM Ebbie, the coma stuff is very funny and often progress is not observable. In many cases, no change is a positive change. I speak from some unwanted experience in this area............. We're all still here as you can see and Karen and I both continue to think of George and send our best thoughts your way. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: SINSULL Date: 03 Oct 00 - 04:54 PM Does he have a favorite dessert or food? Smell can trigger some wonderful thoughts. Keep him feeling safe. Just a thought. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: wysiwyg Date: 03 Oct 00 - 05:17 PM Ebbie, Yes, and that's not even her best book. I have her biography and highly recommend it. There is a pile of stuff out of print I want to order and the bank of Mom has approved my request for funding but I keep forgetting to send her the list of what to obtain! But it if comes, I'll be talking about it! Agnes is daid now BTW. But she promised to pray for us from "up there" too. Her book on depression--- wow!!!!! (Pssst!!! Non-Christians: Hear me now!!!! Agnes was way wacky, for a Christian! Go see! (There is much more in her biography!) Get over your squeamishness about being preyed upon by them bad proseletyzing Christian busybodies and go see a tool we have that is freely available to all!) Keep in touch Ebbie. PM as needed. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: GUEST,Kristi Date: 03 Oct 00 - 05:39 PM WE almost lost our banjo player a few months ago, but he is now in full remission and banging away again on that banjo. Another friends son was in a car accident last sprign and in a coma for 2 weeks before coming out of it. They are both doing fine and the spirit of communiyt healing made a big difference to both of them. My thought are with George and all of you supporting him during this time. Kristi |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: katlaughing Date: 03 Oct 00 - 06:18 PM Praise and Ebbie and anyone else who might be interested, first, I apologise for the length of this. A great deal of what I know about healing and metaphysics came from the teachings of Charles and Myrtle Fillmore who started the Unity School of Christianity back in the 1880's after Myrtle had an awesome healing due to prayer work. Unity is the org. which publishes the "Daily Word", which is a little monthly booklet of a Bible quote per day with a little message of positive thought which goes with it. Any hospital usually has plenty of these around, as well as other public institutions where someone may need some inspiration. Today's statement in the "Daily Word" is, "As God's creation, I am within a circle of ever-renewing life." The affirmation for today is, "God, I do believe in Your power and Your wisdom. Your glory is far greater than I could ever envision, and I am thankful to be within the circle of Your ever-renewing life." It includes a couple of paragraphs of metaphysical analogy, similar to Agnes' iron and electricity, as well as an inspirational article and poems. I get special offers on subscribing to this all of the time, so if either of you would like to have a subscription, please let me know and I would be happy to send a gift one in for you for the first year's sub. (That goes for anyone else, too.) When I was in my car a lot, due to work, I'd have this clipped to my dashboard, so I would see it first thing and it would be going into my subconscious everyday...all those positive thoughts. One does not have to be a Christian to appreciate the Universal message contained in the metaphysical teachings of the Fillmores and Unity. I have made it a point to collect all of the early Unity library, books they wrote and other of their early teachers, all published from before the 1930's. These books are so pure and simple, so profound and so practical, for that is what they call it "practical Christianity." Anyway, just wanted to let you know about them and their works which it sounds like go along with what Agnes wrote, too. If you are interested, you can find more about them and the books at Unity World Hdqs. Still giving thanks for George's complete recovery, Ebbie. Praise is right, you have a strength which comes shining through and can have a profound effect on those around you, esp. those you care about so much. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 03 Oct 00 - 07:05 PM Thanks, Praise and kat/laughing, but I feel pretty vulnerable- part of my problem is that I just don't want any more grief for awhile. Selfish but true. Spaw, if you're not comfortable answering this, I will understand, but do you remember any part of when you were in a coma? My niece at the age of 19 was in an auto wreck and in a coma for 31 days. The first time I saw her in that state in the hospital it felt like a blow to my belly. She was so obviously not there. She did survive but came back with about 5 years of her life gone. She giggled for days at the idea that she'd had her own car. She is now 32 and in full charge of her life. Some things didn't change- she never did plan to get married- no way was she going to hand over control of her life to someone else, and she still feels that way. She owns her own house and dogs (3 Rottweilers, one mini-Pinscher; told you she was different!) But if truth be told, she is still a little young 'for her age' and her mother rails at how stubborn she is. But she might have been that way anyway. We'll never know. So, Spaw, as our resident coma-pro, did you find any changes in yourself? How difficult was it to come back? I sound flippant but I'm not feeling that way. And again, don't answer this if you're not comfortable or if I've gone beyond the bounds. I'm sure you can let me know in your own inimitable way! Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: GUEST,Pete Peterson Date: 04 Oct 00 - 09:31 AM just wanted you to know that I'm still thinking about George and praying for him and for you and all his other caretakers |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 04 Oct 00 - 01:20 PM Not much change but two or three slight improvements. We're told that he is in a critical phase with a couple of difficult days forecast. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: wysiwyg Date: 04 Oct 00 - 02:09 PM Ebbie, Sometimes Jesus weeps out tears for us, sometimes we weep His. Sometimes I weep my own and sometimes I weep others'. I would weep yours anytime. If you want me to, just ask Jesus to send them on over. It's gotten so I don't worry about whose they are, or how it helps them for me to shed them-- but sometimes I just know they are not mine and i am always glad to yield to this kind of tears. I gain a lot from this, and tears do bring gain, but if bearing grief right now is holding you back from the power of prayer you could otherwise be praying, ship it on over. Maybe this particular time, the lessons tears bring are not the ones He means you to have. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: katlaughing Date: 09 Oct 00 - 04:00 PM Hi, Ebbie, just wondering if there is any news. Still sending good thoughts and well wishes... kat |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 09 Oct 00 - 04:28 PM Thanks for asking, kat. He's still alive, so there is still hope. There are minor fluctuations- the key word is 'minor'. Still running a temp- but it's lower, has some vasospasms- but not severe, still unconscious... They are playing bluegrass cd's for him. I said they ought to play some bluegrass errors- so that down deep where he is, he'll hear and think, Hey! I can do it better than that! and will start to come back. Thank you, you blessed people. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: GUEST,Pete Peterson Date: 10 Oct 00 - 10:13 AM still hoping and praying for him and for all who care about him. To quote from one of John D. Macdonald's stories "I was afraid I'd be going down to that drugstore and saying Yep, it's been seven months now. Gimme another tube of that stuff for bedsores." |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Hardiman the Fiddler Date: 10 Oct 00 - 10:27 PM Glad to pray for George! Hardiman |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 10 Oct 00 - 10:44 PM George's best friend gets a daily bulletin on George's condition on the phone from his wife and the friend sends out an e-mail to a mile-long list of concerned people. We all tend to hang around the computer in the evenings until our fix comes in. The other day I asked his/our friend how they'll know when George starts improving- will it be when he regains consciousness? Friend said that it will be when his pain stimuli response improves. We've got a long way to go. We're all waiting for that marvelous moment... Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Gypsy Date: 10 Oct 00 - 11:00 PM Coma can be a time of healing. Have a relative who was in coma for quite a long time....he came back with a few short circuits (most notably, the diplomacy circuit is gone, which ain't all bad) but is healed, and lives a great life. By the way, he is about 10 years older than George. Will add your friend to my prayer list. Keep us posted, please. And take good care of yourself, as well. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 10 Oct 00 - 11:41 PM Gypsy, thanks for that thought. From now on, I'll incorporate that image- that he's lying there healing and gathering strength. He is such a wonderful man we'll wait as long as it takes. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: wysiwyg Date: 10 Oct 00 - 11:56 PM Ebbie, this story is for you. Six years ago or so, a young lady came into the Sunday service at the Chicago area church where Hardiman was priest back then. He asked her, after the service, if she was new in twon-- a fairly routine icebreaker when greeting a newcomer at church. He was told that she was the wife of a patient at the hospital next door and just had needed to be in church. They had been married six weeks, and while he was in Chicagoland, changing a flat tire on the expressway, he'd been hit by a passing car and thrown many feet into he air, landing on his head. Deep coma. Much brain damage. Newlyweds. And her, so amazingly strong and committed. Her dad--they were all from Boston--came the next day. They gave the OK for Hardiman to call on the young man in the hospital. We went over there-- what a privilege to be able to go with him-- and at this young man's bedside I learned a lesson that is vivid to this day. You see, he was apparently close to brain dead as far as the machines could rate him. But I held his hand, after all the praying, and from the instant I touched him, I knew he was RIGHT THERE. I could feel him RIGHT THERE, very deep but knowing we were there. And worried for his wife, not himself. Frantic, restless worry slowing down healing. So I reassured him that she was dong fine, loved him dearly, she had her dad there, and we were helping look after her. Her name was Natalie. Her dad was Nate. The young man was Marc. I will never forget them. I tried to sympathize that her young marriage could be so strained by this event. Must be hard to stick, I said. She smiled like a seraph and said that in the next ICU room was a similar case, only the couple had been married longer, and the wife was nowhere to be found, more or less just OUT of there. Natalie, instead of not being able to comprehend the curveball life had thrown her, could not comprehend how this other wife had ducked when the curve was thrown to her. And her dad, Nate, said, well that's just our Natalie. Natalie was with us for a few weeks like this, and we went to see Marc a couple more times. The last we heard, he was well enough to be sent to rehab in Massachusetts. I do not know how much function they thought he would or could recover, nor how much he eventually did recover. I do not know if Natalie was able to stick it for good, once the shock and heroism wore off. I do not know if Nate, an old man when we met, is still on the planet. But I do know that I was in the presence of a miracle with these people, and that no matter how the story went on, the miracle was there right before us in what I have described. That miracle is big enough for me, or it was then, with the smaller understanding and faith I had then. No one can read from a machine and tell us how a person really, really is, deep down, where only God and prayer can see that person. Ebbie. You can see that deeply. You will know how he is doing before anyone tells you. You know what to pray and how to pray it. Stay in that place of your own knowing and pray from that place, straight to the heart of God, along the connection you have with Him. And if you are lucky like I was, you will get to see some of the result of all this prayer, in some form, whether as a recovery or a more blessed death than any of us can expect. I Know this. For you, for this moment, I KNOW this.
duplicate posting deleted ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: catspaw49 Date: 11 Oct 00 - 12:40 AM Ebbie, I am still sending my meager half watt to all of you. I had a student of mine who had graduated and was in a horrendous car crash. Joe was in a coma for 9 months. Many friends including me went to visit and we played movies and tapes of his favorite things and told stories..........I don't know how much it helped, but I think it did. Joe was without oxygen for a long time and the brain damage was severe. He should have died or ended up totally dependent. He didn't. He has severe problems, but the things he can discuss best are the thing we talked of.........I dunno. Everybody says it helps and I'm inclined to believe it based on Joe's experience. In my own case Ebbie, I have no recollection at all. Did I see/dream/think anything? I'm completely blank. The last thing I remember is going from the doctor's office to the hospital and them sending me up to a room. They gave me a shot for pain and it turned out I was allergic to that drug. From that point on, I'm told I was everything from restless to extremely combative and even attacked a doctor. Beats me. I remember only waking up 5 days later, on a vent (that's scary because you cannot breathe...luckily(?)I'd been on one before and knew the feeling), and in what was obviously a Catholic hospital (Crucifix on the wall). I couldn't for the life of me think of any reason why I was there. Had I had a motorcycle accident? Wrecked the car? The whole thing made no sense. Within minutes there were several people around, including Karen, who were saying I was alright. My head was clear as I thought, "They're all nuts! I'm on a vent for chrissakes!!!" They cleared things up quickly enough though and that was important. I think talking is good and when your friend comes around, its good to have someone close that he trusts on hand. All my good thoughts heading your way from here. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 11 Oct 00 - 02:01 AM Thanks, Spaw. We're planning a get-together jam soon with friends of his and taping everything and sending it along with any goodies we can think of to him in Seattle. I'm thinking of him as the veriest epitome of a 'lurker'! Your speaking of the vent reminds me: I have a brother in law with a bad heart who went to the emergency room last Thursday. When he woke up, he realized he couldn't talk and he thought he must have had a stroke and would have to spend the rest of his life not able to speak. Had some really intense moments there by himself until the doctors informed him, OK, we're ready to take out the tube now. (!) He had forgotten that they had told him they were going to insert a tube down his throat. I guess the lesson here is to verbalize and keep on verbalizing. Thanks, Spaw. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: SINSULL Date: 18 Oct 00 - 11:41 AM Ebbie, How is George? We haven't heard anything for a while. Still thinking and praying. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 18 Oct 00 - 02:06 PM Heartfelt thanks to all. George has had minor fluctuations in the measureable stuff. Came close to the surface one day last week then sank again. As you can imagine, it's very difficult for his wife. We're told that yesterday he was strapped into a recliner and put into a fairly upright position for a time- and that he was able to cough up some junk. And some of his vital signs show steady improvement. But he is not yet conscious, or not communicating. When the first sign of Spring arrives, I'll let you all know. In the meantime, thank you... Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: GUEST,Pete Peterson Date: 18 Oct 00 - 05:16 PM hang in there. still thinking of you and of George. Never give up, never never never give up |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: wysiwyg Date: 18 Oct 00 - 05:20 PM So Ebbie, what does the wife need, and what kind of prayer? And how are you doing? ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Gypsy Date: 20 Oct 00 - 12:30 AM Our relative did have a memory of coma. It was being cradled, (interesting thought, he is a LARGE man), and he heard words to the effect, "It's your friend, Jesus" Don't remember the precise wording, cuz it was in spanish. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 20 Oct 00 - 12:42 AM Thank you for your prayers. It's heart-in-the-mouth time. As of last night, he has full-blown pneumonia and is very ill. I haven't heard yet tonight, but no phone call, and that's good. The odd thing is that I feel him close by- I'm just certain that he is in there lurking, he hasn't left. I think his wife feels the same but she's about at the breaking point. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: catspaw49 Date: 20 Oct 00 - 12:48 AM Sorry Ebbie........The pneumonia they fight against, but is very hard to control, and it is indeed serious. WE still send whatever we can to him and his family......you too. Pat and Karen |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: WyoWoman Date: 20 Oct 00 - 01:02 AM My prayers, too, Ebbie. ww |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: katlaughing Date: 20 Oct 00 - 01:11 AM Ebbie, I will be going into meditation in a few minutes for a nephew who has run off and for your George, as well as his family and you. If he is hanging around he must have awareness of the concern and love of everyone around him. If we send him the energy to hang on and work through the pneumonia, through whatever belief system works for any of us and for him, that will encourage him, I believe. The following prayer from Silent Unity was taken to the moon and back by one of the astronauts. I use it for myself and others, by replacing "me" with their name, and I usually use a different name for the higher power, such as "great spirit"; god of my heart; the cosmic. may it brings some comfort: Prayer of Protection
The Light of (God) surrounds (me); love, kat
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 20 Oct 00 - 01:27 AM The Light of God surrounds George The Love of God enfolds George The Power of God protects George The Presence of God is watching over George Wherever George is, God is... Blesssings on you, kat. It really affirms the connectedness of us all, doesn't it. Both on this planet and in this time and in the plane beyond... I don't know why I fret. I can't begin to tell you all how cushioned and cradled and supported and warmed I feel as I read and re-read your messages and take them into my own prayers and meditations. How much more must George be aware of it. He is being richly nourished. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: katlaughing Date: 20 Oct 00 - 01:51 AM Blessings for you, too, Ebbie for being such a caring friend. Don't be bothered that you fret, it is part of the human experience, on this plane at least. We all do it. I am glad you like the prayer. If you feel the need, Silent Unity does have a toll free number: 1-800-669-7729. It is over a century old and as I said before,they receive calls from all over the world, of all faiths or non-faiths. Thanks, kat |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Metchosin Date: 20 Oct 00 - 01:56 AM Ebbie, I'm saying a prayer for George too in my own inept way. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: wysiwyg Date: 20 Oct 00 - 02:06 AM Aw Ebbie, you've carried this long and well, in lovely strength and humility. You get to lay your head down too. As soon as you need to. What a good thing you have done, what a wonderful friend and faithful watcher of all this and through all this. I know our Lord must be so pleased with you. Thank you for the chance to share it with you, to bear a piece of it with you, to travail with you. Ebbie... you are SO good, what a dear you have been. Thank you for every lesson you have yielded to, that has let you learn, and that has brought you to such a place now. Such love pours out of you. Do you know how clear and strong it comes through? It does. It does. Just a little longer, now. And not alone-- neither you, nor George, nor his wife, nor any of us, eh? In His Name, peace to you Ebbie-- ~Susan |
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Subject: Lyr Add: CALLING ALL ANGELS (Jean Siberry) From: WyoWoman Date: 20 Oct 00 - 02:17 AM Life is so full of wonder, isn't it? Such deep, deep sorrow, and such beauty and goodness. Here are the words to a song Jean Siberry and k.d. lang recorded that pretty much says it for me:
Calling All Angels
A man is placed upon the stairs
Then it's one foot, then the other
Calling all angels, calling all angels,
Ah, every day you gaze upon
Ah, but if you could, do you think you would
Calling all angels, calling all angels
Repeat: Calling all angels, calling all angels ww
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Gypsy Date: 21 Oct 00 - 12:54 AM Ebbie, the pneumonia? How is it going? You know, in the scheme of things, that at least can be fixed with drugs. And it might annoy him enough to wake up. Still praying for George, and you, and Mrs. George. Since there is no clue as to how much can be heard in a coma, i would talk, or play tapes, or have public radio on, 24/7. Might help. Take care to recharge YOUR batteries, too. this might take a while. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 21 Oct 00 - 03:25 AM I'm practically giddy tonight! The first bit of good news since 8 days ago. They put in a shunt yesterday to relieve the pressure on George's brain and he's swimming to the surface today. Wiggled his feet and toes in response to requests and nodded his head twice when asked to. Isn't that scrumptious... His pneumonia is better and they took out the ventilator again but they're having trouble keeping him oxygenated so he still has a mask on. Request: They have not been able to bring down his blood pressure. How about working on that, folks? And thank you in advance! Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: wysiwyg Date: 21 Oct 00 - 07:47 AM Ebbie, my BP also has been zooming (my own fault, ran out of meds) and it is now coming back down. As it does, I'll pray his coming down too. I always feel it happening... usually feels pretty awful... I'll give it to Him, for him. Lord, I give thanks for the steadfast protection and care you have given everyone concerned with this situation; may your glory shine through our weakness. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: katlaughing Date: 21 Oct 00 - 09:54 AM Ebbie, that is wonderful to hear. The BP will come down. I had a long bout with it this summer and eventually we found the right combo of chemicals to work. They will with him, too. I'd say the music, talking, etc. are doubly important now, esp. of the soothing type. Thanks for keping us posted. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: WyoWoman Date: 21 Oct 00 - 10:51 AM Great news, Ebbie. Thanks for letting us know ... We'll keep beaming the positive vibes that direction ... ww |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 22 Oct 00 - 02:01 AM Today a doctor said, of George, that he's "having more brisk signs." Such eloquence! Still BP problems and electrolyte problems. You know, the idea of a God who had to have people groveling at his/her feet in continual pleas to have a need met always turned me off. But I've come to realize that it is not God who needs the prayers, it's the people. It is the purity of identified purpose that creates a conduit through which change can travel. (And don't forget- a conduit is open at both ends!) Thanks, folks. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: wysiwyg Date: 22 Oct 00 - 03:59 PM Dear Ebbie, YES. What I experience, often, is that the prayer is the way we make our will known to God-- that we need to hear ourselves out loud to believe and commit ourselves to what we must, in order for Him to work with us and in us and through us to do what He has longed to do-- but which He will not force upon us in any way. We must be clear with ourtselves that we are willing to have BE what He will make SO. It is a different view than one often assumed in the whole notion of prayer, eh? Lovely how we learn from it, when we do it. Your MudSister, Susan |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Jimmy C Date: 22 Oct 00 - 11:59 PM Ebbie, Delighted with the news, he has been in my and my family's thoughts and prayers since you first posted the message. Praying and hoping the news continues to get better. God, I feel very close to him, you and his family, God Bless
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 23 Oct 00 - 01:57 AM Praise, Jimmy C- and all you other lovely people: George is continuing to take small steps back.(and not so small- when we remember just earlier this week!) Gave a tiny nod when he was asked by his daughter if he knew who she was, has again wiggled his toes on command, sipped a little water today, his temp is just about normal, his blood oxygen level is coming up, they're "gaining on the pneumonia", he's coughing up gunk, they may move him out of icu tomorrow... All marvelous. Doesn't yet open his eyes. And his blood pressure is still not responding properly, which is worrisome. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: KT Date: 23 Oct 00 - 04:34 AM Come on, George, you can do it!! If you just read that sentence, please, go back and read it one more time. Out loud. Thanks, all.
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: wysiwyg Date: 23 Oct 00 - 05:30 AM How's the wife???? ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: GUEST,Pete Peterson Date: 23 Oct 00 - 11:57 AM thanks for good news! still in my thoughts and prayers, never thirst! |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: wysiwyg Date: 23 Oct 00 - 12:14 PM Yes-- let's not shut off the flow of support now. What's the next prayer item in this, Ebbie? And how are YOU doing? ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: katlaughing Date: 23 Oct 00 - 12:40 PM Ebbie, thansk for keeping us posted. That is very good news. I continue to hold George, his family, and you and his other friends in the Light. Giving thanks for his complete recovery; this or something better for the highest good of all concerned. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Gypsy Date: 26 Oct 00 - 11:42 PM I love good news! Been away for a couple of days, and when I didn't see a current posting was worried. May Georges BP go down and his electrolytes go up! How is Mrs. George, and of course, how are you holding up, Ebbie? Still praying for the 3 of you. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 27 Oct 00 - 01:22 PM Well, another development. After 30 days in ICU and two days in the general ward, the powers that be have decided George is ready for a nursing facility, and require that he be moved forthwith. His blood pressure is still very high and electrolytes are not yet in balance so the prospect of moving him dismays his family, but they are looking for a suitable place. It is my hope, if he has to be released, that he can be brought home where his friends can help. And life goes on... Thank you all for the almost palpable love and support you have given. It is awesome. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Áine Date: 27 Oct 00 - 01:34 PM Thanks for update, Ebbie. Still keeping your friend and his family in our thoughts and prayers. And remember, even 'baby steps' are steps forward, and should be cheered just as loudly as 'giant steps'. -- Áine |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: SINSULL Date: 27 Oct 00 - 03:26 PM George - We are all awaiting a banjo recital on Hearme. Shall we schedule the date for Dec 15,2000? Just one simple chorus of Darlin' Cory will suffice...Well???? |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: catspaw49 Date: 27 Oct 00 - 03:49 PM Ebbie, we still continue to think of George and his familt.....and of course you too. The situation of the move may not sound good now, but I have seen people come out of their comas after such a move with no ill effects from the move. He still needs nursing care and he still needs to hear from all of you. I'm with Sins.......We're waiting for the concert. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 27 Oct 00 - 05:28 PM Hey! I'll pass that on! George is a good singer who knows a lot of bluegrass songs and definitely does Darlin' Corey. The song I first think of in connection with him is Little Darlin', Pal of Mine. Geo's best friend emailed me the other day that he wants us to get together with just the other parts of the core of the band- there are 5 of us, including George- to play in George's honor. I agreed- I told him that since right now George is not firmly inserted into his body I have a feeling he'll be there! Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Gypsy Date: 27 Oct 00 - 10:37 PM Ebbie...it is the deacon in me talking. When George gets home, try to coodinate people to help, so that no one gets burned out. Be nice to have at least 12 people, then there wouldn't be more than 3 shifts a month per person. Drafting volunteers for cooking instant food is good, too. So glad to hear that George has been promoted to a nursing facility! Take his banjo in to visit! For that matter, take musicians in to visit, and play! |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: katlaughing Date: 28 Oct 00 - 12:32 AM Ebbie, these are all good ideas. The thing about a nursing home is that it will be more open for all of his friends to visit, not near the restrictions of a hospital. When I worked in a nursing home, I saw some amazing things, one woman came out of a coma of over a year in duration, spent 2 in the nursing, unable to to walk or talk, or move herself, because of the massive stroke which caused the coma. Her husband put a bulletin board up by her bed, put her driver's license on it and a few other things which kept her focussed and motivated AND he bought a van and took her out in her wheelchair every Sunday to the Moose club for a beer! The only thing she could say at that point was a garbled "Oh, gawd!" She walked out of there at the end of those 2 years and she had not even been expected to live, much less wake up, even less to be able to walk again. I believe most of her success came from her attitude and determination and that of her husband, plus the absolute love he showed towards her all of the time. She was one of our favourite patients and one of our triumphs. If Nellie could come out of the deep, deep coma she'd been I for so long, anyone can. I hope that some time, soon, you other band members will be able to go to George and play for him. In case you weren't here when BSEEDCharlesKratz had threads going about his friend Sally, please read some of them. She was severly disabled by a bug bite if I remember correctly, was a musician and it was touch and go with her for quite awhile. She is still learning how to do a lot of physical things, but she is much, much better and I believe she is home again. The story about her and her recovery is very inspiring. Of course, so are the ones about our Spaw who tried to die on us a couple of times, 2 years ago last May. I think we had 5-6 threads, all running well over 100 posts...truly an incredible experience and inspiring read. I vote for the HearGeorge Concert, too. Still giving thanks, kat |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Gypsy Date: 24 Nov 00 - 09:43 PM Hey, Ebbie, howz George? Haven't heard from you lately. Any more improvements? |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 24 Nov 00 - 10:07 PM It's good to see this again! Thanks. George is in a top-ranked facility outside Seattle. His wife has remained down there with him and has a small apartment not far away. His children visit often. His birth family goes down for a week or two at a time. George has improved a lot but has gone through some tough times, including pneumonia three times. But he is responding in ways completely appropriate to the 'old' George, tells his wife he loves her, recognizes visitors from home... He's going through some intensive therapies. The current plan calls for him to be there six months. Because Seattle is almost 1,000 miles from here, not many Juneauites have visited him at this point- maybe 5 or 6- but George and his wife are getting letters, cards and packages from home every day. It's kind of like mudcatters showig their concern! Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: catspaw49 Date: 24 Nov 00 - 10:19 PM Thanks Gypsy......and thank you Ebbie for letting us know about George. Very tough times but he certainly is making a comeback. Its a long road, but he seems to have great friends and family, yourself included. Thanks again for bringing him to us and as he recovers, let him know we still think of him and his family. All my best. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Jimmy C Date: 25 Nov 00 - 12:04 PM Ebbie, Thanks for the update and the encouraging news. How can I get a Christmas card to him and his family ? |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 25 Nov 00 - 01:50 PM Jimmy C, that is very sweet of you but I'm not comfortable giving anyone their name and address. If it were my own family, that would be very different. But thank you very much for the thought. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Gypsy Date: 28 Nov 00 - 11:06 PM So glad to hear about George! Wow! what amazing news! Anyway, as i said before, pneumonia can be fixed with drugs, so that will be the least of his worries. Maybe there could be a forwarding postoffice box, so mudcatters could send cards, huh? Just a thought. Keep in touch |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Ebbie Date: 28 Nov 00 - 11:35 PM The news just keeps getting better and better. He has now gone 9 days without a setback. The other day his wife had him drawing circles and squares and so on, then she said,"What if someone put some paper in front of you and asked you to write your name, what would you do?" He said, promptly, "I'd sign it!" :) :) Quote: This really surprised her! She then got a clean piece paper and put a ball-point pen in his hand. She asked him to write his name, he wrote it, she asked for her name, he wrote it, she asked for (their daughters') names and he wrote those. For all four he wrote out their full names. When you look at them - you can tell his hand was pretty shaky and some parts were difficult to make out but (his wife's) name - was very easy to read as were some parts of each of the four names. Enquote Cool, huh! Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: katlaughing Date: 29 Nov 00 - 12:53 AM That is WONDERFUL, Ebbie!! Wow!! Thanks for keeping us posted! kat |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: GUEST,Pete Peterson Date: 29 Nov 00 - 09:23 AM Thanks for sharing good news! he is still in my thoughts. As I have said before banjo players are hard to kill |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: SINSULL Date: 29 Nov 00 - 09:31 AM I still pray for George every night. Some day I want to hear him play his banjo in Paltalk or Hearme or whatever is cooperating at the time. Thanks for the update, Ebbie. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: LR Mole Date: 30 Nov 00 - 09:03 AM Came in late on this one but thoughts and prayers from a rainy New England morning. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: jeffp Date: 30 Nov 00 - 09:15 AM Great news! Sounds like he is making excellent progress. I'm sending good thoughts across the country for more. jeffp |
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Subject: RE: Help: Recovery and Health for Banjo Player From: Gypsy Date: 30 Nov 00 - 10:27 PM I LOVE good news! Here's to George! His brains weren't scrambled from the coma. Yay! Next you know, he will (albeit shakily) be playing the banjo! |
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