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NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: jeffp Date: 20 Mar 01 - 11:35 AM Mick - Thank you for sharing your pain with us and allowing us to help you bear the burden. My condolences go out to all Jim's friends and family. jeffp |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Peter K (Fionn) Date: 20 Mar 01 - 01:43 PM What a strange, precious, ephemeral gift life is. We are indeed smiled upon each time we survive one day to the next. There but for fortune, as Phil Ochs said. Anyway, keep your pecker up, Mick, and that'll be some comfort for Darla. |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Barbara Date: 20 Mar 01 - 02:32 PM Ah, Mick, ya know, we always grieve our losses, and yet none of us get out of this place alive. I can't think of a better way to go than to be sung on my way by a dear friend and bandmember. What a blessing. Buy him a pint on me next time you're all together. Blessings, Barbara |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Big Mick Date: 21 Mar 01 - 12:19 AM For all the growing pains and lumps, this place is still a wonder to behold. Thanks to all of you for your concern and care. The old fart couldn't even wait til Monday. It was just like him to take off on March 15, just two days before St. Pat's. I can just hear him, "you people have to concentrate". To say that Thursday, Friday and Saturdays gigs were tough would be classic understatement. But we pulled together and got it done. In fact, Saturday we were on fire. Then came Monday. Jim was buried at St. Patrick's in Parnell, Michigan. This wonderful old church is located in a small, 4 corners village that was named after the great Irishman. I always thought it funny and prophetic that the town, with its Roman Catholic Church was named after a Protestant. The service was wonderful, and all the people that the old man had touched were there. He had shared music with so many people over the years. You cannot imagine the number of folks that came up to us and told us stories of how Jim had got them started on this instrument or that. Just listening to these, or stories about his cantankerous ways, made me miss him all the more. As we walked across the road to the cemetary, I was struck by how appropriate it was. Walking into that cemetary is like walking into another time. All the old Paddy's are there. The giant celtic crosses, all the old families........one can't help but feel the bond between the old land and the new. After the good Father did his duties, the Irish took over. The band and others played his favorite tunes. Jim always liked "Soldiers Joy" and "Over the Waterfall". He had asked that we sing "Hard Times" and we did. Then we sang his favorite song from the band. Jim just loved "The Ferryman". But the old coot could never get the name right. He would say, "Mick, sing me that Liffey song..........you know about the strawberry beds....." For some reason, he just loved that damn song. Then came the hard part. We sang "The Parting Glass" with a special verse just for Jim and his Darla. To say we all broke down is classic understatement. But we made it. We then cracked a bottle of Jameson's 1789, poured a little on the coffin (I think I saw the lid move.......LOL) and passed it around. I then took out the 22" inch bodhran with the big voice and drummed the coffin into the ground. Our way for one drummer to remain behind and to keep the pulse going until the coffin touches down. At exactly that moment, It stops and we leave. Parnell is a farming community, and one of the old timers said to me later that the drum sounded just like an old John Deere two cylinder. Perfect. Rest well, old friend. God be good to you. Mick |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Sorcha Date: 21 Mar 01 - 12:33 AM aaahh, Mick, another beautiful description of a beautiful memory. I wanted my mother "drummed down" but the cemetary workers/mortuary people would not let her down until EVERYONE had left. No argument. We did manage to send her with the last portion of Dad's ashes,(guess where?), both wedding rings and a red rose from each of her children and grandchildren. Had to fight hard for just that much.
It is such a lovely thing to be able to walk to the graveyard, but not often possible in these days when it is miles from the Church. Sounds like Jim had a great send off, and will have grand craic where he is now. Was Darla able to attend the service? I hope so.........and sure, he was in heaven before the devil knew he was dead. |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Big Mick Date: 21 Mar 01 - 12:41 AM Yes, Sorcha, she was there. I have always said that Irish women walk with grace, and a griddle. That is so they can put up with Irish men. This astounding woman, living with all the indignities that this disease puts on her, still manages to carry herself through this ordeal with such a sense of propriety and caring for others. Her children continue to amaze all who see them. You should have heard the tribute that their son read to Jim. It was a very touching moment. Well done. |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: wysiwyg Date: 21 Mar 01 - 09:15 AM Mick, do you think they would like it posted here? And will you be posting that special verse? ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Big Mick Date: 21 Mar 01 - 09:25 AM No, my friend, that was all very private. I don't mind sharing the general details, but the real personal stuff, especially the poem written by the son, are theirs to cherish. I feel the same way about the verse. I guess I should tell you also that we waked the old man proper. Thanks again for all of your support. I will pass it on to the family. And I will keep you posted on Darla's progress. All prayers and good thoughts, healing energies are appreciated. Mick |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: SINSULL Date: 21 Mar 01 - 11:22 AM Tears on the keyboard, again. My fellow inmates at work think I am a little daft. I read this just after looking at the picture of Mick and Barry at the Getaway. So much strength and dignity in trying times. Bless you, Mick. |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: wysiwyg Date: 21 Mar 01 - 11:37 AM Mick, the prayers will continue. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: WyoWoman Date: 27 Mar 01 - 01:27 PM I arrived to this thread somewhat late and am moved deeply by its unfolding. Thank you for opening this story up to us, Mick. This is the true value of community, isn't it? In our times of transistion, community and tradition are what enable us to keep marching on. I know what you wrote here, in both threads, will deepen our own ability to provide this kind of connection and support to the people in our own physical communities, and with each other here in Mudcatland as well. Again, you increase our bounty by the sharing of yourself, Biggus Mickus. I love you. ww |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Greyeyes Date: 27 Mar 01 - 06:28 PM Nothing to be said. Feelings run deep. |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Liam's Brother Date: 28 Mar 01 - 03:10 PM I hardly know what to say, Mick. The last 12 months have been very tough on people we know and love and there's more bad to come of course. I've seen many older people grieved with the death of friends and family members. The older I got, the older they seemed to get and it seemed to go on for them without affecting my generation. Our turn came up and 2000 was like being hit with a two-by-four. If I tell you that I feel sympathy for Jim's family and friends, it's because I share their pain.
All the best,
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Big Mick Date: 28 Mar 01 - 10:31 PM Thanks Dan. Your heart and your pain show right through in that post. I understand and appreciate the difficulty that the reading and writing caused. I am sorry for your loss as well. WW, I am very glad that I dropped you that email asking where the hell you were. The simple act of coming back brought a great deal of happiness back to this place. I love you as well, and appreciate your feelings. To GreyEyes and the rest of you, you should know that this place has become a very important part of my developement as a musician, singer and human being. You are the reason for that. Thanks for all the kind comments. I will keep this going as this plays itself out. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: katlaughing Date: 28 Mar 01 - 11:18 PM Mick and Liam, you may like the song I posted in the "Memoriam for Many" thread which I started, today. It is one that Holly Near sings and just seems appropriate, to me, at least, for what a lot of us are going through. luvyadarlins'...with lot of hugs kat
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Big Mick Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:10 PM And so the great wheel has turned, and the sun has risen again. Today we got the word that one of Jim's children has agreed to join us and complete the CD playing the instruments that Jim played. Shelly is a wonderfully gifted young mother of two who gave up serious playing 10 years ago to raise her kids. Her devotion to her kids and her partner and husband is the stuff that stories are written about. I have always hoped that this band would have generational legs, in that our children would replace us as we got to old, which of course will never happen to me, but these other layabouts are aging before my eyes..........LOL. And lo, it has happened. Shelly's husband told her that no matter what it takes, he wanted her to do this thing. When our banjo player, Mike, approached her at all of our urging, she agreed. And when he told our Darla, she had tears on her face. We have found his voice, at least for a while. She has agreed to finish the CD in her father's stead, and may stay with us as well. I am so happy that I am repeating meself..............Weave and mend, weave and mend. Mick |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Dave Swan Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:15 PM Weave & mend, indeed pal. The wheel has turned in its time, which this time is pretty fast. Best to you all. Love, D&P |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Sorcha Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:23 PM Ah, Mick, that's wonderful. Leaking again. The Wheel does indeed turn, whether we will it or no. My "band" does not have even one "generational" member, and it sort of hurts, but there are all my "other" kids out there, too. Good to hear this, thanks. |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Art Thieme Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:32 PM Yes, amazing how the wheel makes things seem to come full circle and begin again --- different yet so similar it makes one amazed at the sight of it. And the envelope of ourselves is pushed yet another time... Mick, I've got to send you a tape of the recording of Utah Phillips' radio show #77 where he used that tape I made of Paul Durst 40 years back. I always KNEW that was a valuable interview in the hands of someone who recognized what it was --- what Paul represented. Utah was the perfect one to see it for what it is---and he was in the position to utilize it and show it off. I'm truly glad it happened while I'm still around to see it (and hear it) happen. It drives me nuts when people are dead before some of their work gets noticed. So----the wheel --- the same one you mentioned ---spun in this case too. I wish old Paul could know he's still being a factor at this latter date. Some would say he does know---but I really doubt that. Onward... Art Thieme |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: catspaw49 Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:44 PM This damn place.................I'd try to tell you how special this is but I can't type well with all this sniffling I'm doing...................just grand Mick. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:52 PM Great, Mick , the music plays on. Aye! Dave |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: bbc Date: 13 Apr 01 - 11:11 PM Love you, dear. Good news, indeed! bbc |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Sorcha Date: 13 Apr 01 - 11:24 PM Waxing philosophical here, but what gets to me is that the older we get, the more we realize/accept The Wheel...sadness, maybe, but less fear and more acceptance. The Wheel IS, the Wheel will be, no matter our professed "faith" or religion......there is always the Wheel........ (whoops, I better get back to ducks, huh?) |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Liam's Brother Date: 13 Apr 01 - 11:42 PM Excellent! |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Amos Date: 14 Apr 01 - 01:06 AM Now, if we could only get OFF the damn thing once in a while, just to refresh ourselves, like... A |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: wysiwyg Date: 14 Apr 01 - 01:25 AM And I was just wondering how Darla was. Mick, blessings flow through and from all that surrounds you. Amos, I know how to do that. Read your e-mail for a clue about that, in fact. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: katlaughing Date: 14 Apr 01 - 03:27 AM That is just wonderful, Mick, really happy to hear that. You will let us know when the CD is ready, won't you? Sorcha, have you been reading Jordan's Wheel of Time books? |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Gervase Date: 14 Apr 01 - 05:13 AM Grand news, Mick. I love the wheel concept of life - as in Dave Webber's lovely parting song, written on the death of a close friend, which seems very apt in this thread: ALONG THE ROAD OF TIME Soon the morning sun will rise And dawn will bathe the sky. There's time for just this parting song Before we say goodbye. So sing together one and all And raise a glass of wine. Here's hoping we shall meet again Along the road of time. We've shared our stories, yours and mine, We've shared our hopes and fears. In memories of distant youth We've both rolled back the years. The ever-turning fateful wheel Must cause our ways to part, And bringing untold mysteries, Another day will start. From endings come beginnings, From the old shall come the new. We've hopes for tomorrow; We'll see our parting through. ( Copyright Dave Webber) |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Amergin Date: 14 Apr 01 - 05:29 AM Hey, katdarling, I love those books! Mick, my friend, that sounds wonderful! Just let us all know when the cd becomes available!
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Big Mick Date: 14 Apr 01 - 08:15 AM Art, that is not a surprise to me. And I am tickled that he used it and made it part of the archive of labor/music history. I am amazed at it every time I listen to it and read your notes. I am trying to write a song about the whole thing with you in a narrator's role. The whole story, right down to the ending is just too good not to use. Paul was an extraordinary character and I feel like his story must be told. But then again, so are you. And so it goes. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Joy Bennett Date: 14 Apr 01 - 09:04 AM great news -- the wheel turns once again--
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: karen k Date: 14 Apr 01 - 09:14 AM Mick, my dear friend, what wonderful news. I for one can't wait for the cd to come out. The Getaway would be a great place for a debut. Any chance?
Having just lost a good friend of more than 25 years (Bill Domler)a couple of weeks ago, I understand a little better what the loss of Jim has meant to you. How wonderful that his daughter can step in where he left off. The wheel truely is an amazing thing.
And speaking of the new, that new little grandson of yours, Conner, is absolutely precious. What a lucky little guy to start out life in the arms of such a loving grandfather. Thanks for including me among those gifted with the photo of Conner and his proud grandpa. Of course I printed the picture and it is now hanging right near my computer where I can see it often. Wish I had a color printer though. May Conner have a long, healthy, musical life. Boy, there's that wheel again! It just never stops, does it!
Much love, |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Dani Date: 14 Apr 01 - 12:14 PM OK, come clean, Mick. Can we see the picture? PLEASE... Dani |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Peg Date: 14 Apr 01 - 12:35 PM Mick. I don't know you and haven't really exchanged a lot of words with you but since all these fine folk think so highly of you, you must be worth the trouble! ;0 I lost a dear friend myself recently (28 years old, horrible car accident) and it is a shocking and sad event that changes everything... Here's hoping you will come through it, the sadness and shock, happy and healthy and ready for what comes next... Peg |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Big Mick Date: 14 Apr 01 - 12:47 PM AAAHHHH Peg, I am so sorry. I know how rough this is. All I can tell you by way of my own experiences over the years is to grieve hard, get it over with, and start looking for that persons voice in others. Pass it on, and they live. Withdraw into a shell, you die and they die. Comes down to that for me. Thanks for your very kind words. I love you too, Karen K, but you knew that already. I will print the picture in color and send it to you. Dani, the fact that you haven't received it already is only a mistake. I thought I had emailed it to you, my friend. It is on the way. Joy, I sure hope we see you at FSGW this year!! Mick |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Seamus Kennedy Date: 14 Apr 01 - 04:02 PM Great, Mick! That's as it should be. Put me down for a CD when it come out. Sedamus |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Seamus Kennedy Date: 14 Apr 01 - 04:04 PM Sedamus? That's the last time I try typing without looking at the keyboard. Seamus |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: catspaw49 Date: 14 Apr 01 - 05:17 PM I dunno Seamus.....sounds kind of regal.....SEDAMUS .....or at least biblical or something.
"Let me introduce you to Sedamus." Spaw |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Big Mick Date: 17 Feb 02 - 12:26 PM And so this chapter ends. We buried Darla yesterday. Her long, hard journey is at an end. Jed and I returned from our ramble to Toronto. Mary Lou let us share and babble over the wonderful time we had before she shared the news that Darla had passed away just before we got home. My 10 year old daughter, Ciara, said that Darla just got lonesome for Jim and wanted to be with him on Valentines Day. That is plenty good enough for me. Let me try to describe this woman to you. We all have friends we make along the way. Despite efforts to say otherwise by some, most of the folks I run into along the path are great folks and it makes me happy to have met them. But their is that small group one meets in his/her life. You know the ones, they are without guile. Wouldn't dream of sniping at someone. Always have a smile when you need one. If another is in need of cooking, cleaning, painting, or just a shoulder to cry on, they are there. You can usually tell them by the children they raise. This is Darla. If one is fortunate enough to know 5 others like her in their life, then they are truly blessed. And her children................God, please continue to bless these children. How often do we see folks that forget the sacrifices that their parents made for them, when the parents are ill. Not these kids. They were there for their Mother in her passing, just as she was in their coming. We gathered round the gravesite in the wind and blowing snow yesterday to lay her down beside Jim. There were autoharps, guitars, and mandolins. And not a dry eye anywhere. She left us after only 57 years, but we are blessed for her being here. Mick |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: CapriUni Date: 17 Feb 02 - 12:46 PM {{{{{{{{Big Mick}}}}}}}} Boy, oh, boy! What a chapter -- what an incredible pair of lives -- what a love! What can I say except: Individual lives may be fleeting as a cloud in the summer sky. But the love is eternal. :::Singing "May the Circle be Unbroken" in my head as I type this::: |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Rick Fielding Date: 17 Feb 02 - 01:38 PM Yup, ain't it the truth Mick. We are blessed to have folks like that in our lives. Our condolences. Rick and heather |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: SINSULL Date: 17 Feb 02 - 01:43 PM No words come. Bless you, Mick. |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Dave Swan Date: 17 Feb 02 - 01:49 PM Brother Fielding is right, we are blessed to have folks like that in our lives. Darla and Jim are blessed to have the Big Mick tell their story. Our warmest, Dave & Pam |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Steve Latimer Date: 17 Feb 02 - 01:57 PM My condolences Mick. |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Tinker Date: 17 Feb 02 - 02:02 PM A heartflet prayer and a huge hug Tinker |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: IvanB Date: 17 Feb 02 - 02:12 PM Mick, my eyes welled up with tears as I read this last bit of news. Although there must be rejoicing in heaven that Darla and Jim have been reunited, it's certainly a sad time for those left behind to cope. I'm sending warm hugs and love your way. Please pass on our love and concern to Darla's and Jim's children. |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Bill D Date: 17 Feb 02 - 02:42 PM I was a long struggle, but you...and she..faced it with strength & dignity....sounds like the kind of goodbye she would have liked.. take care |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Jeri Date: 17 Feb 02 - 02:46 PM Mick, because you told us about Darla and Jim, I feel like they were part of our community here. I've heard people say that to some extent, people pick their times to go. Ciara may have got it right. My condolences to you and Darla's family.
Love, |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: Amergin Date: 17 Feb 02 - 03:06 PM Quote from Mick....Always have a smile when you need one. If another is in need of cooking, cleaning, painting, or just a shoulder to cry on, they are there. You can usually tell them by the children they raise. Mick, those words describe to a T my own gramma....you are right...we are very fortunate to have people like them gracing our lives.... Like Jeri, I feel that Jim and Darla are members of this community....because you have told us so much about them....While I am sad for those she had left behind....I am happy for her....She is now with the love of her life....the love of her spirit. Take care, nathan |
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Subject: RE: NonMusic, NonBS:Big Mick Needs Hugs From: GUEST Date: 17 Feb 02 - 03:32 PM Yours, Aye. (you know who) |