Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: jeffp
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 08:04 AM

Very happy to hear the good news! Never underestimate the power of Mudcat.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 08:44 AM

Mazel Tov and Simmentov, Mazel Tov and Simmentov
Pat you must remember what that all means from your catering job.
Maybe Karen's health be speedily returned from a few big bowls of home-made chicken soup with egg noodles, kreplach and bumba balls. I figure the firm matzah balls are best for healing.
How about a big piece of kugel and some gefilte fish to get her strength back.

Love Bonnie

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 10:04 AM

I am so happy you have had such great improvement, Karen. You keep on healing. I expect to see a post signed by you some day soon.

Pat, you get some rest and then go to the hospital and genuflect at the foot of her bed. Deliver up unto her the offerings of this site and this family.

You are all still in my heart and I'm beaming you tons of good wishes and healing energy.

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: BlueJay
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 11:31 AM

That's great, Spaw. I'm glad Karen's improving, and I'm also glad you're doing something fun with the boys. I'm sure they need a lot of special attention throughout such an ordeal. Thanks for the updates, please continue keeping your Mudcat friends informed. Thanks, BlueJay

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 11:42 AM

Today is Sunday, and I'm still holding my breath for Karen. Let us hear how things are going. I'm continually sending prayers, good thoughts and [[[HUGS]]]northward!

Mary

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 07:19 PM

I spoke with Karen and Pat early this evening. They let her get up and walk around and even use a BIG person's potty!**BG** She sounded really upbeat and really glad for the chance to stretch her legs.

Pat and the boys were there having dinner with her. They are saying she should get to go home sometime midweek. I am sure Spaw will post later on tonight, after he gets the kids tucked in. He said he was doing fine, when I grilled him.

Karen, still beaming lots of love and healing energy your way, darlin'.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 07:22 PM

Thanks for the update kat, very reassuring to know she is getting better. Spaw you "old fart" make sure you relax too; and take care mate. Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 07:28 PM

Still keeping you in our thoughts.

Rick and Heather

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Rich(bodhránai gan ciall)
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 07:41 PM

Spaw,

I've been off the Cat for a couple days or I would wrote sooner. Hope Karen's back on her feet and home soon, and may God keep her in the palm of his hand til then. My prayers are with you.


Rich

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 09:31 PM

Hi Gang........

Thanks again for all the support......simply unbelievable.

Karen is improving and as kat said, she can now walk the halls which is great. The meds are integrating well, no problem on that. We'll see what the docs have to say tomorrow, but we are over the hump here. Her breathing is still pretty labored, but a huge improvement over Thursday. She is getting rest and doing great. I shared all of the posts up to this afternoon with her and she is overwhelmed and knows as I do the power of good thoughts.

The boys go back to school tomorrow and Michael is less than enthused....He was hoping that as long as Mom was in the hospital he would be out of school. Such is life when you're 7........

I'm going to do a couple of chores and then come back and read a few threads. Tonight may be a better night's sleep. Our best back atcha'.........

Pat and Karen

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Troll
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 09:44 PM

I take off for three days to visit my mom and come back to this?
Spaw, Karen, all my prayers and good wishes go out to you and the kids. Spaw, PLEASE don't forget to take care of your head. In cases like this it's easy to forget that you have needs too. We all need your unique view of life to keep us from getting too serious.

troll

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Allan C.
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 09:49 PM

Tell Karen that if she can locate a couple of those laundry carts, they make really cool hurdles. If she gets a running start at the head of the hallway she can...oh...wait. I guess she's not quite up to that yet. But it does sound like she is recovering by leaps and bounds and that is great news.

'Spaw, I know you must be totally knackered by now. Thanks for taking the time to let us know what is going on. It means a lot to all of us.

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 01:46 AM

Great news about Karen, Pat. Probably the best thing for her was the hospital's ban on unrelated idiots hanging around. She just need a rest from your buddies--you'll have to work hard to keep Cletus and Paw and the Reg boys outa the house for a few weeks. I'd say you could ship them out here to stay with me, but my dogs would probably eat 'em and get sick and I don't relish cleaning up after the dumb critters (my dogs, that is). Oh, well. You'll think of something. I know! Send 'em all up to Fielding--you've been looking after those half-wit cousins of his long enough. It's his turn. But tell him he's gotta keep 'em away from my niece, okay?

--seed

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 02:19 AM

Don't rush, OK?

~S~

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 06:09 AM

It's great to hear that she's improving! Ain't hospitals handy to have around? Keep on in that direction and she'll be home before you know it.

Which brings to mind an awful thought. What is the condition of the house now? Between two young boys, Cletus, Cleigh, and the Reg boys, have you been able to keep up with the housework? You don't want Karen having some kind of relapse on the door step when she comes in the house! Time to muster a working party!

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 08:43 AM

I have it on good authority that Spaw is housebroken and quite capable of keeping the place under control. Of course, my "good authority" is the the Cat himself...The boys will see to it that Karen has no unwelcome surprises when she walks in the door. Amazing what can be hidden under a bed or two.

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Gervase
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 09:36 AM

The mind boggles as to what's under the beds...umpteen ocarinas, slightly charred from flaming flatulence, Cletus' early attempts at a simple still (similarly charred), the Reg boys' collection of expanding ammunition, the rear end of a La France fire tender...
'Spaw, better get a skip in there and start shifting stuff before Karen comes home!

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 10:23 AM

This one is for the Sons Of The 'Spaw:

Boys, you have been through an difficult and maybe even a scary time. Your Mom had to go off to that big old hospital and stay there. But I'm sure your Dad told you all about why she had to go and you know that she is getting better.

I want you to know that there are lots of people out here who were worried about her too. We were feeling the same way you were feeling. And now that we know she's coming home to you we are happy too.

Your Dad told us what good boys you've been and we are proud of you for being so helpful to him. this has been a hard time for him too and he has needed your help. Good for you!

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 10:37 AM

Thanks Naes, and I will read it to them when they get home. Tris went off as his usual happy self but Michael was about as glum as he can get......it was really cute.

Talked with Karen this AM and the Doc was in early and said she was very pleased with the progress and that her lungs and breathing sounded good. With luck, she may be home on Wednesday. She's starting to get aggravated over the silly stuff, like not being able to wash her hair, and that's great. I remember that well myself!

We're going up again after school and I want to again express my thanks for all these wonderful thoughts and also for all the e-mails and PM's. Simply the best.....all of you!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Wesley S
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 10:53 AM

Glad to hear that everything is going well. I'm sorry that you had to miss Neil Youngs birthday yesterday.

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 11:22 AM

Its a good sign when someone is becoming aggravated over the little stuff, it means the big stuff ain't so big anymore.
Pat, I am very happy for you all.

Love Bon

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 08:22 PM

Well, it looks better tonight and I'm happy to say her breathing has improved......not normal, but its a giant improvement. Looks like she'll be home on Wednesday with any luck. She sends her best to all and I know she wants to say that personally so maybe Wednesday night or Thursday...............

I'll run Cletus, Paw, and the Reg boys off for a few days. That shouldn't be hard as Paw and Cletus are both angling for positions for whichever guy gets elected. Paw is leanin' toward Bush since he thinks his Momma is "right fine lookin' for an ol' gal"...........Christ I hate to think about it, but at least they'll be outta' here for awhile.

Thanks for everything you all have done to make this a better experience and one easier to deal with through the support of friends.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 09:16 PM

I know I haven't been around much, but I did see this one down at the cop shop, and have been thinking hard about Karen, and wondering. (I can't just stay on line at the cop shop, ya know?) Glad to hear she is better.

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Bugsy
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 09:52 PM

Glad to hear it's all going well over there. Keep your pecker up. Only a few more days now.

Oh, and I may be the furtherst away in miles, but not in spirit.

Cheers 'Spaw, my friend.

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Amergin
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 10:33 PM

Keep his pecker up? Poor Karen's going to need lots more rest before any of that happens....

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 10:48 PM

Yeah, 'spaw, no hard breathing for her for quite a while yet so DON'T follow Bugsy's advice! *BG*

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: jaze
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 10:56 PM

I wanted to thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers. Being new here, it's especially kind of you. To those of you with teenagers, I ask you all PLEASE talk to them about the serious responsibility of driving safely. My daughter was in an accident that involved 6 teenagers. 3 were killed and three injured. I would hate to see anyone else have to go thru this. Thank you all again for your loving thoughts. James

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Bugsy
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 11:10 PM

Well Amergin and Naemanson, YOU may use "THAT" part of your anatomy to "Peck" with, but where I come from it refers to your nose, which being firmly implanted on the front of your face, means that if you keep it up, your chin has to move with it. So in other words, "Chin up old lad".

That said, Make sure your "other Pecker" is in working order too.

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 11:16 PM

Jaze, I have failed to offer my condolences on your loss and for that I am sorry. I have only been checking in for updates on Karen's condition and to read a post or two.

I take your warning to heart. I have two daughters at that vulnerable age when they could be riding to potential accidents in another's car. What happened to you is every parent's nightmare.

I'm so sorry and all I can do is offer a virtual hug.

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Nov 00 - 12:23 AM

Jaze, glad to see you joined us and please accept my condolences. I don't think I ever breathed very easily until all three of my children were out of that teen stage. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

May you find solace and comfort in your memories and with the help of friends and family and also among us, here, at the Mudcat. There are a lot of good and compassionate people here always willing to lend an ear, cry with you, laugh with you, sing with you, whatever you need there's bound to be someone here who can help. We may never erase the pain, but sometimes it might be temporarily lessened among the music and friends you will find here.

Welcome to the Mudcat,

kat

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Nov 00 - 01:05 AM

Jaze, I too am glad you have joined this community of friends and can only echo kat's and other's wishes to you. I am sorry for your loss. I have had two cases that touched very close and I know how difficult it was for my friends, the parents. "Was" is not the word though.......Sadly, the word is "is." But come with us and let's sing and talk and enjoy the best of what life still can offer. We're gald you're here and Welcome to the 'Cat.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Amergin
Date: 14 Nov 00 - 01:22 AM

Jaze, you have my thoughts lying with you, also....I don't really know what else to say....but do you write sing or play? If so you might try lancing your wounds with creativity, bleeding the pain out and making a piece of art that will stand as a monument to your daughter....I don't know about anyone else but the pen is the best therapist I have ever encountered....one more thing, the day will come when you will hold her in your arms again.

Amergin

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 14 Nov 00 - 02:39 AM

James, I'm sorry that in my haste to post something silly to Catspaw and Karen I failed to respond to your posting. You are, as others have said, welcome here, and I'm glad you feel enough at home to share your sorrow with us. Keep your daughter in your heart, remember her life. You have to grieve, but also feel blest for having had the years with her.

--seed(Charles Kratz)

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Bugsy
Date: 14 Nov 00 - 02:49 AM

Jaze, your posting wasn't on my computer when I posted my comments to Amergin and Naemanson, (guess I hadn''t refreshed or something)

Needless to say I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I have not lost either of my children but have lost a grandson who was very dear to my heart after only 3 months. We must remember them with fondness and love. I truly believe they have gone to a better place and that we will see them again one day.

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 14 Nov 00 - 08:34 AM

Glad to hear that Karen is on the mend. Still thinking of you both.

Jaze my condolences to you too. I get hell from my kid and Yet I still would go the xtra mile for her. I really am sorry.

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 14 Nov 00 - 10:22 AM

checking in-- I missed the crisis with Ms. Catspaw and am happy to hear she is healing; she has (of course) my good wishes which I hope you will pass on!
Jaze-- HUGS all 'round and sorry for your news! PETE

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 14 Nov 00 - 10:30 AM

Well, 'Spaw, we didn't miss Neil Young's birthday here at the Center. We were going to send Karen the remainder of the cake but Cletus was doing his party piece too close to the candles and...well, no-one had much of an appetite after that and we're still getting icing off the walls.
We were going to send her a bouquet from the Center garden but the DEA sniffer dogs won't let us near it at the moment so our continued good wishes is all we can send.
RtS (head bedpan operative NYCFTTS on behalf of all staff and inmates).

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Nov 00 - 08:42 AM

Is Karen home yet?

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Nov 00 - 11:03 AM

Well, I wish she was, but.........

Her breathing is still pretty tough, but a big improvement. This came on over a period of time and it will go away the same way. The Coumadin still has not stabilized to a therapeutic level and they won't release her until it does, so we wait. There's some indication from the tests that perhaps tomorrow will be the day. I hope so. She's getting antsy and the boys are worn out and the Ol' Man has about had it too. She's up and walking the halls and it shouldn't be long now. Neither of us want to push it until things are right.......Nothing worse that coming home and then going back!!!

Thanks for the thoughts again folks......You have no idea how much it means.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Nov 00 - 11:07 AM

Pat... catch your breath, too.

~S~

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Nov 00 - 11:51 AM

Spaw,
You are right. Don't rush it. Maybe you and the boys can rent a video or two, order a pizza, and just crash this weekend. Take care.
Mary

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Nov 00 - 05:30 PM

I called Karen, today, and we visited for quite a bit. She's getting bored, a good sign. She sounded a lot better, had a lot more breath and has been walking the halls.

She once again asked me to be sure to tell you all how much she appreciates your kindness and good wishes. Pat took her the first thread, completely printed and she was amazed and grateful. I told her this one was almost to 100, as the other and she just shook her head, even though I couldn't see it, I know she did. She was really pleased and I know it means a lot to her and Pat.

She did say she was glad he and the boys were going to stay home today. She's been trying to get him to do so for days, she said!**BG**

Thanks a bunch,

kat

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Nov 00 - 05:39 PM

Great news! Thanks for keeping us informed Kat.

Karen, keep up the good work. And remember, when you walk through the door try not to be shocked at the condition of the house. I find if you try to take on a big house cleaning job it's better to handle it in small bites. Of course, that doesn't mean I actually get the job done...

A line from Garrison Keilor comes to mind. He was describing a family working on spring cleaning. He said the wife and mother "...drove them like a dog drives sheep!" Have at it, kid.

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: alison
Date: 15 Nov 00 - 08:33 PM

Good news "spaw... glad Karen's on the mend...

Jaze... sorry to hear of your loss ... we are thinking of you at this time.....

welcome to mudcat..... the other family you never knew you had.....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: BK
Date: 15 Nov 00 - 10:50 PM

Spaw: glad to hear Karen's doing better, but don't rush the coumadin; it can be somewhat antsy to get right & better a small amount too much than a small amount too little (the statistics are surprising!). Yer doc's'll be talking about regulating it w/something called the "INR."

Na; it's got nuttin' ta do wit da TAX GUYS... It's the "International Normalization Ratio" - nominally a way of equalizing lab performance across various labs, so the numbers mean the same thing everywhere. They'll want it between 2.0 & 3.0; Above 3 is still quite ok for most people but 1.9 (or less) is not an ok number to stay at, period.

They'll also want her to be careful abt other meds & diet which might affect the fucntion (metabolism) of the coumadin (other name: Warfarin) & it may take many repeat blood tests & a lot of patience, so hang in there!

Were all rootin for you 'n Karen (& the boys)

Cheers, BK

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 08:53 AM

Karen,
Screw the cleaning. You will be safe in your own home. I hate hospitals- no telling what you can catch there.
Have Spaw spring for a one day cleaning service if it's really all that bad - they even do the refrigerator.
Did you get to wash your hair yet? i know I ached for some hot water and shampoo. Made me feel like a whole new person. Take it easy - you and Spaw and all the little Spaws.
Love you,
Mary

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 09:04 AM

Well......Looks like one more day.......(sigh)........The coumadin has not yet reached therapeutic level and although there was a bump, it still has to come up a bit. She sounded a lot better this AM though and the healing process is going on nicely so the news is basically good!!! We'll see what tonite's tests look like and hope for another bump.

The house is fine, or at least as fine as it normally is and the boys had a good night last night. both had a talk with Mom this morning before school.

Thanks for everything....As kat too said, we are overwhelmed and appreciative to say the least!! Much love back to all of you,

Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Tig
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 12:17 PM

Glad to hear that Karen is on the mend at last though she'll find the time when she first gets out of hospital very hard going - it's a whole different ball game.

Firecat and I are still sending lots of healing hugs in the direction of all of you.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: Amergin
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 12:28 PM

Glad to hear she's doing better, Spaw. You do know that friskiness is the real sign of recovery....has she started pinching male nurses and doctors yet?

Subject: RE: Healing for KarenSpaw - Continued
From: GUEST,Kernow Jon
Date: 16 Nov 00 - 05:22 PM

Spaw
Sometimes words don't say enough, but be sure that love and prayers are there for you all.
May your God bless you
KJ