Barry Finn: Organ Transplant, March, 2001

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: GUEST,Barry, who wasn't finished
Date: 12 Mar 01 - 03:32 PM

That should also have read San Francisco for a week but all this is premature & only if God's willing. I don't know when I'll have internet access again my sister's will be needing her laptop tonight so I'll post when I can. Thanks & love to all of you, Barry

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 12 Mar 01 - 03:31 PM

Hi Barry!

About that $50 you owe me...

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: GUEST,Barry (on Sis's notebook from the hospital)
Date: 12 Mar 01 - 03:26 PM

Thanks John for starting this, I'm awed & very humbled by all the outpouring of support, thank you all. The battery situation is ok here my son has seen to those wants & needs but if any are inclined to a card would be just as cherished if not more so, but there's a correction to the address John posted above, here's the corrected address for any who'd be interested.

Barry Finn
Mass General Hospital
55 Fruit St.
Blake Bldg, 6th floor
Boston, Mass.

It all started at John Nolan's world class Burns Night (nothing to do with John's cooking), people kept asking "how'd ya keep ya tan for sae lang" I knew I was in trouble, I was yellow not tanned (I think they were also in a bit of trouble themselves). By the time I got to the Doc's & all the tests were in I was told that at this point I'd need a new liver within a week so started all the work to bring my kidneys & other organs back in balance. Within the following week or so they had my levels coming back to the point where I can stand to ride out the wait fo a liver safely.

I've been catching up on & cleaning up on some songs that I've written & Abby, please forgive me, the Roger Abrahams promised you for Roger that's been so long over due is a loose end that I did not want to have pass unattended. The family at this very moment is trying to find where I may have filed it, it needs only some finishing touches & it's off to you it'll go (thanks Abby, they are treating me mighty fine here).

I'm not a religous person but that would never give me cause not to except the kind prayers of other so although I don't know what a prayer chain is by all means any prayers that were to be said in my behalf would be heard on my part as a token of your care & hopefully heard by any who'd see fit to find me worthy of their care too.
I will be, I'm sure ok by the time Mystic rolls around in June but I'm going to try to shoot for NEFFA in April if there's any possibly. Again I'd like to just say that it's so nice to hear from all of you & hopefully I can get back to those that the love of music has blessed us in friendship. My wife says that when this ordeal is behind us the kids & her & I should plan to relax for a few weeks at some of the places that I once haunted, so Mahalo & aloha Mark, it's here today & gone to Maui, & I'll be spending some

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Mar 01 - 01:07 PM

Barry is an integral part of this place and everyone knows of his strong and powerful voice, but he endeared himself to me at the beginning because being a sailor, he nailed my name immediately. Plus a guy that has a Weimaraner can't be all bad! Then I found the real voice of Barry Finn, another kind of voice, that of poet and songwriter. Anyone who has missed this priceless piece of work below has missed the heart of the man.

You Wouldn't Know It To Look At Me
Words--BarryFinn
Tune--Australian, Trad. "One Of The Has Beens"

You're not listening to me are you deaf in both ears.
Don't you see what you've caused, have you been blind all these years.
Could you just give an answer, so I know you're not dumb.
For Christ's sake, you bird brain has a cat got your tongue"?

Chorus:

I'm as cute as any other kid,
I can run, jump & shout.
You wouldn't know it to look at me,
At times I can't work things out.
I'm not stupid, I'm not lazy, I try very hard.
With a little compassion I could go pretty far.

Well, school is a torture, the teasing won't quit.
My thoughts go off track and my aide has a fit.
There are some things I excel in, so much that I'm bored,
You wouldn't know it to look at me, it takes all that I'm worth.

The kids scorn & laugh at me, I don't have a friend.
You can feel my heart break, I wonder when this will end.
The mistreatment & abuse I take, it's really a crime,
But I'm told to ignore it, though it happens all of the time.

Chorus:

I know it's hard on my family, I can't change a thing.
The aunts & uncles blame it on my folks & say it's poor upbringing.
The love & affection others get all the time,
I only hear people yell at me, when I ask where is mine.

I never feel comfort, no shoulder, no hug.
A system to support me, was pulled out like a rug.
If you can't understand this, you may be worse off than me
But I won't hold it against you cause you're deaf & can't see.

Chorus:

I may be mildly autistic or just plain O.C.D.
I may twitch with Tourette's, or have A.D.D.
If you see me cross my eyes, instead of my T's
You wouldn't know it to look at me that I have special needs.

Chorus:

Copyright Barry Finn 1998

Get well Barry. Get this over and out of the way as soon as you can and give us more of all your voices. Best thoughts still comin' atcha'.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: folk1234
Date: 12 Mar 01 - 12:02 PM

I've long admired Barry's input to Mudcat. I met him for the first time at last year's Getaway. Unfortunately, I spoke very little with - we were singing to much. Thanks John for alerting us to his challenge. A card will go out today.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Abby Sale
Date: 12 Mar 01 - 11:53 AM

A very old friend has agreed to go over to MGH "early this week" and visit & make sure they're treating Barry right. She is quite capable of stringing up by the thumbs any out-of-line medicos. What kind of batteries? Anything else come to mind to bring? She doesn't happen to have an extra laptop, though. Please e-mail me Click to e-mail as I get that several times a day but don't come here more than onc't.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Abby Sale
Date: 12 Mar 01 - 11:50 AM

A very old friend has agreed to go over to MGH "early this week" and visit & make sure they're treating Barry right. She is quite capable of stringing up by the thumbs any out-of-line medicos. What kind of batteries? Anything else come to mind to bring? She doesn't happen to have an extra laptop, though.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 12 Mar 01 - 08:48 AM

Having enjoyed Barry's singing immensely while sitting quietly in the background listening at Paddy Burke's one night a bit over a year ago may I send out my very best wishes to him for a completely successful treatment and very speedy recovery to top form.

Very best regards,

mcmoo

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Mar 01 - 02:02 AM

Thanks, Liam's Brother.

~S~

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 08:04 PM

Anyone know what size batteries he could use for the CD player?

Thanks, Rita, for sharing from the recipient end. It is deeply appreciated.

I was shocked to learn that even though my driver's license says DONOR on it, they couldn't just go by that. All my family know that my parts are up for grabs when I go, as are theirs.

Just in case he gets chance to read this (printed out or whatever):

Barry, remember all the work the Mudcatters did for Catspaw? Well, it is all right here for you and your family, too and we are mighty powerful, so just soak it up and start thinking about what you will be doing when you get out of there, okay?!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Ferrara
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 07:48 PM

Thanks to all, John, Mick, Dan etc for keeping us informed about Barry. I met him at the last two FSGW Getaways and had lots of e-mail exchanges with him beforehand as we worked out the details of his workshops. I can't imagine anyone not being moved by knowing him. A treasure of a human being.

As to when he'll be up and about, transplants are pretty unpredictable, but let's hope it will be one of the smooth, nothing-to-it experiences.

Thanks, too, Alison, for informing people that donor cards aren't enough. In the U.S., at least, the family's wishes take precedence. The most important thing, is to make your family aware of your wishes -- and ask about theirs. Luckily, the choice never arises for most people. If it ever did, though, and you had to make the decision, it would help if you knew you were doing exactly what he or she would want, either way.

(Being on the recipient end, I've thought about this a lot.)

Rita Ferrara

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 06:43 PM

Hi WYSIWYG!

Because you would like to send it out, I think you should. No harm done and Barry's a kind and thoughtful person unlikely to be offended.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 06:22 PM

Can someone lend a laptop for PalTalk then?

Do any of you who know Barry think he would be offended if I sent this all out to the prayer chain? I see no answer from John Nolan, and it's due out tomorrow. Yay or nay?

~S~

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 06:18 PM

My wife, Bonnie, and I spent a half-hour on the phone with Barry last night. I had assumed that his computer had died when he did not reply to my last e-mail. Sandy & Caroline Paton told me he was ill during my visit with them yesterday.

I can only echo what Big Mick wrote above. Barry is stable physically, in-line for a transplant and has a nice view of the Charles River from his hotel hospital room. I used to live a few blocks away from MGH (I'm now 240 miles away) and I feel sorry that I can't stop by and chew the fat with him. Barry was in good spirits and wondering whether last night (Saturday night) would bring him a new liver... and, yes, Barry has never been a big drinker.

Barry has a portable CD player in his room. If you don't have a spare CD to send him, send batteries instead. I'm sure the player is getting one helluva workout!

Thanks, Sandy, for letting me know and for getting "Irish in America" off to him.

All the best,
Dan Milner

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 12:55 PM

It's sad for me to hear the news that Barry is ill. Gratefully, there is good hope for recovery. I first met Barry through the 'Cat. I found we had a common interest in Work Songs. With a few personal messages we joined together to present a workshop at the first Mudcat influenced Getaway. I heard him singing before I saw him, but somehow I knew right away it was him. I was a bit daunted because he sings so powerfully and so emotionally. In the end, it was a wonderful experience and Barry is truly a graceful and warm hearted guy.

I travelled from Maryland to New Hampshire to go to the Mudcat sing the Barry organized at his house. It was 12 hours of acoustic music, cameraderie, food and fun. Barry made it happen and his guests lacked for nothing save sleep.

I don't get on the 'Cat often these days, but I am grateful to be here today so I can send Barry and his family a card of good wishes.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 11:11 AM

Art can channel anyone through his musical saw.

*G*

Are you sure he was talking about the liver though.

~S~

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Willie-O
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 10:43 AM

I don't think Art Thieme is David Crosby although they are both gentlemen of a certain age...but if you read Crosby's autobiography "Long Time Gone" you will understand that he is lucky to be alive, and not just on account of his liver...

But enough of that: I met Barry at the Portland shanty session (in December not January uncle J), and found after I heard his singular, impassioned singing style, that I suddenly understood where his impassioned postings spring from...

so all the best Barry, speedy recovery but don't start belting them out too hard until yer ready mate.

Best
Willie-O

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: bill\sables
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 09:54 AM

I met Barry at Animitera's in January 2000 and enjoyed his singing very much. I am sure he will fine and send him my best wishes and look forward to hearing him again soon.
Bill

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Naemanson
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 09:29 AM

Art Thieme is David Crosby?!!?

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 04:53 AM

A fine host, Barry, with a fine Finn family of welcomers all!
Good and positive wishes abounding,
Soon to hear your fine voice sounding.

Ewan

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Art Thieme
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 01:18 AM

Barry,

Mine works great and I'm sure/certain yours will too.

Be well and soon.

David Crosby

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: GUEST,pmharty
Date: 11 Mar 01 - 12:56 AM

I have liked and respected Barry for more than 20 years. I hought we might be related since my mother's maiden name was also Finn, but no. After hearing me sing "The Shearin's no for you", he gave me a verse I did not have. He is a great and a generous singer and fine person. Here's to Barry.

Paul

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Bert
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 11:51 PM

Oh Dammit! Just don't know what to say. Just you get well again Barry me hearty.
Love and best wishes from Mudcatville.

Bert

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 11:11 PM

Thanks for the heads - up and updates on Barry, Mates.

He and his family shall be in my thoughts and prayers.

We met at last January's Chantey-sing in Portland; I reflected after hearing him belt out a chantey or two that he projects a song like a bronze twenty-four pounder gives a broadside, and about has to be rolled back into battery at the conclusion of his song. That certainly makes an impression.

I do have one of those little organ-donor stickers on me licence, but at this age I doubt there is much left that would be of significant use to anybody. We understand that with this new stem-cell research, it may be possible to grow replacement organs before long, eliminating the need for some poor bloke to pass over Jordan in order to free one up. Apparently tissue other than fetal can now be used, which alleviates the medical/ethics issue that has made this frontier of medical research so controversial.

Do keep us posted.

The Lower Lights are burning.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: alison
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 11:02 PM

prayers, good thoughts, and hugs heading to Barry and his family.... send him a big hug from me next time you're talking Mick.....

over here... organ donation is actually stamped on our drivers licence.... so in the event of an accident.. hopefully the parmedics can find that quickly...

I have to add.... if you want to be an organ donor (and I hope you do)... it isn't enough to have a card.. you have to tell your family your wishes... because after you are gone.. they can over-rule your decision.... and grief doesn't always make people think straight....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 10:55 PM

Thanks for letting us know about Barry's condition. Card on the way. I, too, saw him at Paddy Burke's and Mystic after I posted here that I was going to Boston last June and asked about sessions. What a great guy he is! Thanks again, John Nolan.

-chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Sorcha
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 10:24 PM

Oh Barry! Lead with your chin, man! I'm signed up for Organ Donor, if there is anything left anybody could use.....rate I'm going, I'm gonna use it all up myself!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 10:10 PM

I met Barry for the first time at his home in Derry. He seemed so shy when I walked in that I didn't realize he was my host. Then he sang - well, if you haven't heard him you can't appreciate the change. Barry is a sweet, kind, talented, generous man with a beautiful family and a voice that fills a room.

Barry and family are in my thoughts and prayers. One more reason to look forward to the October Getaway. Cards going out on Monday.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 08:09 PM

Make sure he has a boombox by the bed that can play CDs!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Mark Clark
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 07:02 PM

I too met Barry at a singers' session at Paddy Burke's pub in Boston. He was kind enough to extened an invitation when I mentioned that I'd be in Boston last fall. A good fellow and a wonderful singer. I'll work at getting a card off. If you talk with him, give him my best wishes.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: CamiSu
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 06:57 PM

Allison-

Justine, Natalie & Gabriel 4 Summit Avenue Derry, NH 03038

Prayers for all! Barry, we want you whole, soon! The world hasn't heard enough of your songs.

Cami Su

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 06:54 PM

yes, catspaw...organ donation is mighty important. Without it, someone other than Ferrara (my wonderful wife, Rita) would have been doing the Getaway program the last 2 years...she has had her new heart for 5 1/2 years now.

Thanks, Mick, for getting us the news on Barry so quickly,...being at the top of the list sure makes the odds great! We hope to see posts about successful surgery soon!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 06:42 PM

Wow, thanks, John for letting us know and Big Mick for the update.

Like Peg, I will be working some magic for his best health and sending good thoughts, as well as get a card off to him.

I always look forward to your postings, Barry. You are an important and integral part of the Mudcat and very much appreciated. Take your time and heal well...I want to hear more stories about Boston and music:-)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 06:32 PM

I only know Barry's postings, but I certainly wish him well for the wait, the op and a speedy recovery!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 03:49 PM

Thanks for letting us know, John. Barry is a very important person to a lot of us. Give him my best, willya?

A couple of years ago, I was wondering about the "you cannot tie a bowline" version of "Haul on the Bowline." I got home from work one night, and there was a voice mail message waiting for me - no talking, just an amazingly powerful voice singing this song. I knew right away that it was Barry. It's the kind of guy he is, a man who is truly in love with the joy and passion of singing.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Naemanson
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 03:35 PM

Wow, I'd gotten so used to not seeing his name here that I didn't consider he might be sick. Here's hoping he'll be Barry Fine soon.

Now the important question is how soon he'll be back in the swing of things. I first met him at the sea music festival in Mystic and have come to look forward to seeing him there every June. What is the recovery time for this procedure. Will he be able to get to Mystic in June?

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 03:17 PM

Let's not forget the wife and kids. Does anyone who was at Barry's last Nov have their home address? I'd like to drop them a note, too.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 03:16 PM

Thanks Mick for getting in touch and updating the situation. Ain't modern medicine great? Still lots of things to happen yet, but I'm glad he's feeling better and is first in line.

Sorry to make another point here Barry on your thread, but its also a decent time to remind everybody the importance of organ donations. I have a close friend in Atlanta who tells of how difficult this can be for family members when a loved one dies. Be sure your intentions are known and documented. Its easier on your family and the need for donors is always there. What better than to pass on whatever you can to someone else..........That's real immortality.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 03:07 PM

Thanks, John, for letting us know. And thanks, Mick, for the reassuring update. We'll be sending Barry a couple of CDs to help him pass the time while he waits. (If anyone ever deserved a copy of "Irish in America," it's that great old Irishman from Boston with the big voice!) Hurry back to us, Barry, we're pulling for you!

Sandy

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 01:58 PM

I just got off the phone with Barry. He sounds in very good spirits, and is upbeat about his prognosis. This is in decided contrast to a couple of weeks ago when he checked in. Barry tells me that at that time they gave him a week to get a liver. But through the wonders of modern pharmacology, they have managed to balance out his chemistry and he is in much better shape. He is number one on the transplant list, and should be fine providing they can find the donor. This is an ailment he has had since he was a teenager.............and as he pointed out to me, not due to drink. In fact, Barry has never been much of a drinker. And he did say that he will definitely be mended in time for the October FSGW Getaway weekend.

Thanks again to John for making us aware of this. Cards would mean a lot to Barry, and he is working hard to get Internet access so he can give his own updates. He gave me his permission to make you all aware of this.

Thanks again, John. I look forward to you keeping us up to speed.

All the best,

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 01:20 PM

I have only met Barry in cyberspace but I have had the pleasure of hearing his superb singing on PalTalk. I hope all goes well - I want to hear him again - soon!.

Jon

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 01:10 PM

Barry is simply a fine fellow and a wonderful singer and one of the great discoveries at the last two Getaways....he will be hearing from us. And I sure hope he gets through this in time for this years Getaway!)

(A search on Barry's name here will reveal many wonderful and informative postings on chanties, Irish music and many other topics...)

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Peg
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 12:48 PM

I had not been to the singers' club in over a month and so missed this news; Barry didn't attend all that often in the last year, in any case; once a month on average, but it was always great to see (and hear) him!

Thanks for the address; I will send him a card and my good wishes, and work some magic for his recovery.

Peg

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 12:46 PM

I met Barry at a singers' session at Paddy Burke's pub in Boston last spring. He had invited me to the session when I mentioned here on the 'Cat I'd be in the area. It was a fine time, and I enjoyed his presence and singing very much. Sending good wishes and prayers from the healing island.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 12:42 PM

Damn...........this knocks me out. Thanks, John. I have come to care a great deal for this feisty little man. We became friends on the aul Cat, and then met at FSGW Getaway a few years ago. He is one of the main reasons I keep coming back. Please tell him Big Mick is thinking of him and I will send a card.

Thanks again,

Mick

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 12:39 PM

Barry is often out and about and I didn't give it a thought. John, I am so glad you've let us know and I'll be keeping a good thought that all goes well. Pullin' hard for you from Ohio Barry!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 12:27 PM

John, this prayer chain is a group of mostly-Mudcatters who pray about stuff. A lot of them post rarely because they are too busy to be here at Mudcat as some of us-- so they tend to miss seeing threads like this. Sometimes they send their personal good wishes as well, or post in threads like this, but the primary focus is just prayer. I will refresh the thread that describes it further. Because of some past misunderstandings, I don't send stuff out to the chain unless clear permission is given-- so that's why I asked and why I am replying now at some length.

If I do send it out, it will be by copying your posts and the URL to the the thread so people can come here for updates or to express their thoughts, if they wish.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 12:21 PM

John, thanks for letting us know. I was wondering why I hadn't seen him here for a while, and thought he'd just messed up his computer or something. Holy ****!!! He's relatively young and has always seemed healthy as a horse!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: John Nolan
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 12:18 PM

Question: What the hell is a prayer chain? Is it something that keeps him cheery and lets him know we're all rooting for him? Hey, go with the prayer chain. Answer: He's waiting for a new liver, Susan.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 12:16 PM

I will send him a card from the sunny South. You will all miss him at the weekly session, but I am sure he will be vack in giod health soon.

Murray