Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts

Subject: BS: Kat's Sparky needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jan 04 - 09:12 PM

Some of you may remember my dad, Sparky, and maybe have his tape of Cow Songs. He's going to be 87 this May and until earlier this past year, was still driving 60 miles round trip once or twice per week to "entertain the old folks" in nursing homes.

Yesterday, when I had my weekly chat with him, he said his "waterworks" were plugged up and that the specialist whom he was to see, today, would probably be able to fix things.

His wife just called me this evening. She said the urologist said there is not much to be done because of age (surgery is out) so he'll be faced with daily catheterization and more meds. for the long term, it seems. It's not cancer or anything, apparently just old plumbing.:-)

Anyway, it's really getting him down. His short-term memory is scant and he's not been in his music room to practise for the past month; the first time in memory that has happened. He has a physical therapist and home health aid coming in everyday and the physo told him today that they'd have him playing music again, soon, so hopefully he'll try to focus on that and feel better. He is talking a lot about checking out and we've talked about it, in the past, and he knows that's okay, but his wife and docs don't think it's in the cards, right now, at least.

So, my thought was if his Mudcat friends would like to post some good thoughts/messages, I'd print them off and send them over or take them over, whichever comes first and maybe that would help cheer him up and to feel better. He's always appreciated your messages so much as I have, too.

Thanks so much,

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Kat's Sparky needs some good thoughts
From: magician
Date: 15 Jan 04 - 09:18 PM

I will do what I can under the cicumstances and from this distance. I have just discovered that it is possible to recover with help.

Thinking of you,

Daffydd

Subject: RE: BS: Kat's Sparky needs some good thoughts
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Jan 04 - 09:22 PM

Blessings on him- and on you, kat.

Have they thought of simply leaving a catheter in, with a catch bag? It's not painful and far less invasive than repeated insertions. One can walk around with it too. Infection from either method is a possibility that has to be guarded against.

Tell him that you have made a lot of friends for him on the Mudcat! Many of us will be thinking about him and bathing him with light.

Subject: RE: BS: Kat's Sparky needs some good thoughts
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jan 04 - 10:32 PM

Well, I love his songs, and I am cheering him on. If he wants to check out, I reckon he will, but if he has a few songs left in him to play, I would love to know he is making them happen.

A

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Morticia
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 07:50 AM

Well, Sparky, your tape is one of my most treasured of 'Catter's music and I am so sorry this crap stuff is happening to you, but I would really appreciate another tape one of these days, so could you hang on in there, please?

Thinking strong, positive, soothing thoughts from over the pond,

much love

Terri

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: GUEST,The Manager
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 08:56 AM

Dear sir,

I wish to appologise for the inconvineiance that you have suffered due to the problems with the plumbing at our Hotel. Let me assure you that we are doing everything possible to make repairs but as you can imagine, with such a beautiful old building we sometimes have to work round a problem in order to get to a solution. Can I please assure you that we have absolutely no intention of asking you to "check out" and move on and that we hope you will be a much valued guest here for a long long time.

yours sincerely

The Manager

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: artbrooks
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 09:13 AM

Best of luck to him. An occupational therapy consult might be useful...one who has music of his/her own (like my wife, Jenn) would probably have some suggestions.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Partridge
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 10:31 AM

Thinking good positive thoughts for your Dad Kat and sending some in your direction too. Take care,

love

Pat xx

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 11:24 AM

Dads are precious: they need a lot of love. (Sounds like Sparky has his fair share already!) My dad's only in his 70s (as is Mom), but is beginning to show signs of wear and tear, so I know it's important to keep the Good Vibes going for him. Who was it said "youth is wasted on the young"? They were right -- we should keep some back for when we're old enough to apreciate it!

Steve

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 11:28 AM

Thank you all...you're making me cry, but it's good tears of gratitude all wrapped up a bunch of other emotions. I love my dad so much.

The Manager...you passed go and went straight to my heart.

luvya'llkat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 11:34 AM

Come on Sparky, you know it ain't time......gotta go play for the old folks some more....you're like fine wine, you aren't old, just well aged.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Jeanie
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 11:47 AM

Good thoughts zooming your way, Sparky, from over here in England.

- jeanie x

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Tinker
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 12:21 PM

I've got a rambling big ol' house. In fact, some Mudcatters have best described it as funky. Amongst it's charms is a wonderful woodburning stove in the front foyer that the insurance agents made us disconnect when the previous owners couldn't produce the papers proving it was installed to code 25 yeras before. Now you could argue that it's just an aged out shell with no purpose left, but you'd be wrong. It's still the hearth. When you open its doors, it now holds a dragon of burnished red metal who holds the flame on his tounge, in his heart, in his belly, and at his source. He's burning now and even though he no longer provides the burning flames that blast one from the room with heat, he provides a centering steady burn guide us through.   today he flames for his namesake. Tend the flame Sparky, and let it guide you, as long as the embers are burning, tend, rekindle, and fuel....


Blessings and Light

tinker

PS Kat I'll send you a picture when my dial up connection stops jumping on and off from the cold.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 02:23 PM

Sparky,

Already your name tells me a lot about you. You have spunk and spark! You have to hang around a bit to pass the music talent along to your great grandchild. Heaven knows that his grandmother doesn't have any! *BG*. So, I officially hereby charge you with the job of being the great grandfather music talent passer on. See that you do your job properly, great grand!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{BIG Cherokee bear hug goin' to ya}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

W.E.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 04:29 PM

Dear Kat's Dad, I'm sure that anyone who has earned the name Sparky is not going to be knocked down by waterworks problems. You'll come through I know, and you'll be getting those 'old folks' dancing in the aisles and singing the choruses to raise the roof. Tons of good luck to you sir, from over here in the UK. Burl and Mrs Burl.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: open mike
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 04:56 PM

Any chance of any other copies of the cow songs tape? sounds precious..
I could trade a tape of my most recent radio show i did in December..
or the one i am going to do tomorrow...january songs to warm us up in the middle of winter...(recorded music) and food songs.....from a live radio performance i will be presenting from----moi! the name SPARKY ,
as was mentioned, has connotations of energy, vigor, and cracklin' fire!
Come a ti-yi-yipee-yippee-YO! well, gotta go practice my songs!! and I hope to hear you are doing the same, Sparky! Laurel

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 05:07 PM

Dear Sparky, You are a bright light for Kat and for all of us. Chin up, and try to get yourself to the music room again- I've found it the best antidote for what ails ye, although my ailments aren't physical.
Blessings on you and your loved ones!

Allison

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: DougR
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 05:55 PM

Sparky,
I think I know what might get the old water works back in shape. Hit to old campaign trail for George W. Bush! Take your guitar, banjo, fiddle, or whatever along and sing some cowboy songs. Soon lots of folks will gather around to see what the old cowboy is singing and before you know it, you will have a huge crowd gathered so that George can make speech inviting their votes come this November.

Your daughter will be VERY proud of you! Hee Hee Hee!

Take care,

DougR

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: CarolC
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 06:30 PM

Good luck to you, Sparky. Sometimes bodies just don't want to cooperate. I hope you will be able to find enjoyment in your life for as long as you live.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Micca
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 06:44 PM

Dear Mr Hudson, Forgive the formality of address but I would feel quite cheeky to address you as "Sparky" when I hardly know you. I felt I must write and say , hang in there, Fella, play music, sing, it is among the best medicine you can get.
You are known of, and respected in more parts of the world than you probably suspect,even though many of us only know of you through your "Cow songs" recording but we are all pulling for you and hope you will feel better in your self soon. We look forward to future recordings and to your mrmories of life in Colorado in harder times, Yours, with Respect Micca

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Bobert
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 08:10 PM

Yo, Sparky,

First of all, ignore Doug's suggestion.

Second of all, it's okay to not wanta get in yer car and drive 60 mph to play fir other folks but it ain't okay not to play. Sp play what ya' can. Music has an amazing ability to heal. Plus, clears out yer danged head a tad... (No jokes, thank you...).

I am not one of those who has been blessed to hear yer music but would like to. Maybe you can let me know how to get a CD, 'er tape, 'er wax, 'er....

Now, go play a little music... fir yer own pleasure...

Peace

Bobert

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Art Thieme
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 08:14 PM

Kat,

Sorry to hear this but you remember to tell him all about that urologist twho sings the blues. URETHRA FRANKLIN !!

Sparky, I love your tape of cowboy songs--but you know that. I thought it was as good as so many of the Library Of Congress colllected cowboy songs. Matter of fact, I'm gonna send a copy of it to Joe Hickerson--now retired from the Folklife Center there. (I'll only do that if it's o.k. with you.) I know Joe will enjoy it and make sure it's archived there with all the great collections of lore and music.

Another thing to keep in mind is that back a few years nobody had catheters. But BEN FRANKLIN, knowing the old adage, "Necessity is the mother of strange bedfellows", when he had troubles like yours and mine, he improvised and used the hollow quill of a porcupine.
Remember, Surgilube is cheaper than K-Y. Pretty much the generic brand that doctors use.) Yes, I know all about these things. If you guys need to talk, Kat has our phone number.((((((**BIG SMILE with hugs to boot**)))))

Art

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Peace
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 09:04 PM

Hello, Sparky. We have never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I can see by what your daughter says that you are a performer. I'm glad to hear that you can help keep the older ladies and lads entertained.

We understand that you have been feeling poorly of late, and we wanted to wish you a speedy recovery. Medical problems sure can get a person down, but we know that musicians always bounce back. We will keep you in out prayers, Sparky, and someday we hope to hear you sing in person. Bless you, buddy.

A gang of us in Alberta, Canada.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Mark Clark
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 09:46 PM

Kat, I'm sure sorry to hear this news. He'll get every good thought I can muster… well I may save a few for you too.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: karen k
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 11:25 PM

My thoughts are with you for a speedy recovery. Your tape is a favorite. Hope you will be back making music soon.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 12:26 AM

Sparky, you made a good'un when you made Kat, and she has blessed many a life. In her and in so many other ways, you have left this world a better place than you found it. May the next world be a constant wonder and delight.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Escamillo
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 02:27 AM

Blessings on Sparky and his proud daughter, from this far land of the tango. Please be back to music very soon !

Un abrazo
Andrés (in Buenos Aires)

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: fat B****rd
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 04:51 AM

All of the above and more from the fB.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Sonnet
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 10:19 AM

Hello Sparky,
This is just to let you know that positive thoughts for you are coming from near Sheffield, England. Kat's frequently the first to respond in times of crisis, and has shown kindness to me, although we're unlikely ever to meet.

Love, light and hugs,

Jay McS

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Peg
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 10:54 AM

Sounds like your Dad has a good support system! I hope he can remain positive in the face of this challenge. There are some Chinese herbal treatments that strengthen the kidney and bladder and these tend to work subtly but effectively within a few days...might make him feel a bit better. (Like vitamins or herbal supplements, but they each have a combnation of herbs) I can get the herbs or treatments in Chinatown, let me know if you're interested.
Best wishes to Sparky.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 11:47 AM

Hey, Sparky!

We're sending prayers out to you that you will remember how much you still have to GIVE. I'd fix you up with my Mother if you were closer to her. But, you're kinda young for her. She's going to be 97. She's finally going to have to give in and use a wheel chair to get around because her legs are getting too weak. But, that won't stop her from trying to do things for others. Today, the Men's Chorus I sing with is singing at the 101st birthday of a member of our church.
She keeps busy by feeding those in the nursing home who don't have the strength in their hands to feed themselves any more.

You got yourself quite a daughter, you know...

Jerry and Ruth

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 01:24 PM

Sparky
When my kitty Fred had your problem, he occasionally surprised the vet with a healthy flow - just to let him know who was boss. Feel free to do the same.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prasyers. Kat is already there. Your daughter is very special to me.
SINS

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Hollowfox
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 05:08 PM

Well, sir, I haven't had the honor to meet you, but your daughter has made an awfully good impression on me, as well as a lot of other folks. Seems to me that anybody who can raise such a classy young'un must be an all right sort of fellow.
I've heard that you could use a bit of a pick me up, so when I get home from work tonight, I'm going to fire up one of my genuine purebred midwest @#$%-reduction candles to help the project along. Love, Mary

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: alanabit
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 06:16 PM

Another thumbs up from over here in Germany. Hope to hear you'll be back and at it again soon.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Jan 04 - 09:34 AM

You all mean the world to me, thanks so much. I will be printing this out for Dad, today, and send it out, tomorrow. He will be touched and the tears will spring to his eyes as they do mine, at your kinddess and caring. You are all truly reflections of what you give so freely and lovingly.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Art Thieme
Date: 18 Jan 04 - 11:23 AM

And Kat,

Thanks for the $50.00 ;-)

Love,

Art

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Jan 04 - 12:01 PM

LOL, you're most welcome, Art. Next time, how 'bout a hunnerd?

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: open mike
Date: 18 Jan 04 - 02:25 PM

last night i visited my 92 year old fiddler friend in the hospital and sang a played a few songs for him. I was sending them out to Sparky too.
Luckily every time i do such a thing, others in the bldg get to hear it too--sharing music is a joy...both in the sending and receiving...glad
to hear that others are into it too! hang in there, and wishing you all the best! Laurel

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Mudlark
Date: 18 Jan 04 - 03:33 PM

Ah, the aging body humbles us all. Thank God we have the wisdom to know that the body is the least of what we are. Best thoughts and wishes to you, you've clearly made a lot of people very happy with your music, with your selflessness and caring, with your being. I hope to hear you are back in that music room soon.   nancy

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: KT
Date: 18 Jan 04 - 04:51 PM

Sparky, though we've not met, I have to say, you're an inspiration! It brings me joy to think of the many, many people you've touched with your music. From igniting kat's love of music, to sharing music with the seniors, bringing to them, great joy and healing, to the many, many folks with unknown faces who've heard your recorded music.....You've touched so many with your gift!   Take what time you need to rest a bit, then make some more music, and take what healing you can from it for yourself. Lots of good thoughts and prayers are being sent out there for ya, Sparky.   And when you feel up to it, jot us a note and tell us how you got the name Sparky!   All the best to you, KT

Hey kat, how 'bout telling us where to find some of these cow songs?

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 18 Jan 04 - 04:55 PM

Dear Mr. Sparky,
I am wishing you a speedy recovery so you can get yourself back out into the music scene and put some "spark" into those folks you play for.
Love, Rustic

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Jan 04 - 11:27 PM

I don't have the words to express my gratitude to you, each and every one. KT, the cow songs are on a homemade 4-track tape my dad did and I will gladly send one to you; you also, Laurel. If anyone else would like one, please let me know. You can read about it and the track list HERE. IT may take me awhile. We just moved my office from one end of the house to the other and I am not sure where everything is, yet!

Thank you all, very much,

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 01:42 AM

Thanks, kat! I'd love a copy!! Don't worry about sending it right away! Whenever you can get to it is fine!!   KT

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: artbrooks
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 08:53 AM

I couldn't get that to work...try this link.

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: JenEllen
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 12:16 PM

I'm sorry to have missed this. If it can't be in print, at least pass along love from me and the wondermutt, eh? (He's got a four-legged fan)~JE

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 04:53 PM

Well, I just called Dad and tol dhim about you all and your well-wishes. He sounded weak, but lucid and was moved to tears just knowing that you all are beaming good stuff his way and singing songs for him. I have just edited out all of the html stuff and am printing this out for this afternoon's mail. Thanks, again, so much. I'll keep you posted.

Oh, forgot to say: he got his nickname from making his living as one of the best damn oilfield welders there ever was!**bg** Ebbie and KT, he even worked up on Amchitka and loved the people on Alaska Airlines and in general. I still have a paper placemat from them which he brought to me from one trip.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Mickey191
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 05:56 PM

For Kat's Dad Sparky,
Sending you all my best wishes for recovery & a quick return to the music room and the seniors who share your love of music.Kat,hang in there kiddo.Mickey191

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 06:21 PM

Well now don't this really stink? I mean like I don't hang around and look what happens?

So Spark, ya' got plumbing problems huh? I ain't the guy to talk to about it. The plumbing in my house is a disaster so you don't need me working on yours. Now my plumbing works just fine, it's just that it's an amalgamation of various types of piping, including a few automotive parts thrown when I couldn't figure out a better way to fix something!

So here's what I can do for you.......I'll promise just to send some good thoughts your way and not try to fix you up with any auto parts if you'll promise to do what the doctor says and get better. Deal?

BTW, my Cockatiel has an infection that's also caused some plumbing problems for him. Turns out his whizz is dry! I didn't know you could do that and it sounds pretty painful. Anyway we found him on the floor of his cage and managed to get him to the Birdie ICU on time. He's on the mend now and gets released on Wednesday. You need to be encouraged by this because if they can fix a bird with dry whizz, you oughta' be a piece of cake.

Get Well and Beat Your Daughter,

Spaw

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: Alba
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 08:46 PM

Sparky, I am Thinking of you. I have heard so much about you and you sound so wonderful. You have so much more to share with us so don't leave the Music room empty for too long now ya hear!
You have given me a great Friend in your Daughter and I suspect that she got her very Kind Heart and Love of Music from you.
If you need ANYTHING just ask....Kat can pass it on to me.
You are and will continue to be in my Thoughts.
Blessings, Light and Love.
Jude

Subject: RE: Kat's Dad, Sparky, needs some good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jan 04 - 09:04 PM

Thanks, again, to all of you. I just spoke with dad. He received your messages, today, in the mail and was really so pleased and grateful. He just thinks the world of all of you.

He sounded a tiny bit stronger, and said he felt better than yesterday, but his wife said he's much the same. He will see the urologist again this Thursday.

His mental attitude sounded better, though. We both agreed it'd be pretty rotten to have to stick around with it being this way, but that he feels he will get well enough to put up with the indignities and not feel so awful while doing so.:-)

Please keep him in your thoughts and thank you,

luvyakat