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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 14:16:56 GMT -5
Sorry to hear about this, Martin, and wish you all the best. If I may ask, how long ago did you find out? ...not that long ago... scrooge figured it out, and Jim might have had an inkling... no pun intended, lol... |
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 14:19:54 GMT -5
I am sorry to hear that you have ALS Martin. As I am sure you are aware, my sister recently lost her fight with it. If you are wondering what to expect and to educate your loved ones on what would help, should the condition progress, I can think of no one better to speak to than my brother in law. He was by my sister's side through it all, and understood what she tried to communicate when nobody else could understand...just let me know, and I can put you in contact. Having said all of that, we will be praying for you in the days ahead. I appreciate that, Charlie. Thank you. |
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 14:20:49 GMT -5
I'm sorry to hear your sad news, Martin. I'm always here if you need me. Thanks, pal. I'll ring you in the next few days. |
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 14:23:11 GMT -5
Martin... I am beyond words. Really, I am. Sending you a big ol' bear hug from Maryland. Love ya, brother. Aww, thanks buddy... same here. |
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 14:30:43 GMT -5
You are a mainstay around here with a byline which always catches my attention with your combination of well thought out responses and writing ability. I'm very sorry to hear of your plight, and will add you to my prayers. We can't expect miracles, but it is my belief that these sorts of things are brought into our lives to teach us fundamental spiritual lessons. My prayers will of course be for healing above all, but also that you become aware of what is being offered to you through your hardship. My own health issues have taught me much about humility, compassion, and empathy. If I had to chose between who I was in good health (and I wasn't a bad person) and who I am now after God began with my spiritual schooling, I would have to pick the pain and fatigue as I know it's my path, just as you will have yours. Still, fight and hang on as best you can and know that, as strange as it is, through the medium of the internet, you've found a tribe who cares about you. ...many thanks, David... it's a good tribe... |
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 14:32:43 GMT -5
I am sorry to hear this news Martin. I've admired your style and grace in the short time I've known you through this forum. The manner in which you are approaching your diagnosis is both admirable and courageous. Know this, I will treasure the pipes I've purchased from you and think of you when smoking them. My prayer for you is that you are able to fight the good fight with continued style and grace. With love my friend. ...much appreciated, Kelly... same sentiments to you... |
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 14:38:43 GMT -5
Martin, I know what it’s like to have a non curable disease as I have three of them all related to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. The first is related to Leukemia as it is a blood non Hodgkin Lymphoma called Mantle Cell Lymphoma, the second is a kidney disease known as FSGS and was due to my MCL manifesting itself in my kidneys and I went into kidney failure which is how they found them. The third is Stiff Person Syndrome and it’s a Neurological Disorder caused by my autoimmune system being out of whack from the MCL, I have weekly ivIG infusions for the SPS to prevent end stage but that will only go along until the treatments can no longer stem it, these cost over $1M annually and I’m blessed to have insurance coverage that handles the bulk of this. I wake up everyday and look in the mirror and tell the person looking back at me they can be my best friend today or my worst enemy, after choosing the former I always say “I love you”. I hope that you can have the strength to carry on with as much goodness in your life. I think for the purpose of being able to reach out to folks you can find an app that responds to your voice then you can dictate what you ordinarily would type be it email or even stopping by to say hello, you are in my prayers sir,warmest regards. banjo ...I appreciate the note, banjo... I really do... the whole thing started last year, when one of my physicians saw me walking down the hall and said "WTF?" and sent me to a neurologist... can't feel my legs from the knee down anymore, and haven't been able to play my guitars for about 6 months... but you folks make my days pretty bright. |
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 14:51:53 GMT -5
Martin, you and I joined within a few weeks of each other and I feel like we've been journeying together in the patch. You were the first one to offer to send me pipes. I'll never forget that. Your presence here is truly appreciated, as is your knowledge. The way you write is superb and you'll be forever known as the ellipsis King. Buddy, I'm gonna miss you here. I hope it's a long time before you leave for good. It's been a pleasure knowing you. ...lol... yeah, the elipses... it seems to me more like talking than writing... shows up in my plays, too. |
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 14:59:02 GMT -5
Sincerely grateful for all the kind and thoughtful remarks. It took me a while to decide whether or not to say anything about it around here, but Jim and I were talking a while back about some folks who have suddenly disappeared from the 'Patch, and that we have no way of knowing what happened... I wanted to make sure you guys and gals knew how much I valued your friendship.
...and, hey... I ain't dead yet!
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Post by slowroll on Dec 16, 2018 15:46:42 GMT -5
That is truly terrible Martin. I am saddened to hear it and wish you miracles.
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 15:48:31 GMT -5
That is truly terrible Martin. I am saddened to hear it and wish you miracles. ...could be worse... might have lost my sense of humor... I do appreciate the good wishes... |
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rmb
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Post by rmb on Dec 16, 2018 16:04:49 GMT -5
I hope you are around here for years to come, always appreciate your posts. Praying for you and your family.
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Post by PhantomWolf on Dec 16, 2018 17:09:03 GMT -5
Gods do I feel like a braying arse. All my bellyaching about gout and anxiety- I thought we were commiserating... I had no idea what you were dealing with. You're so positive, on point, quick, and humorous, how could anyone? This really sucks, man. I feel absolutely terrible. Had I any idea, I would've bought a pipe from ya. Not to be morbid, but to remember one of my favourite pipe smokers and forum members. Heavy news... I really wish I could find some more positive things to say as I'm sure you have done your share of being pissed off already. I(we) hope to keep you around as long as possible. Sincerely hoping the universe sends something positive your direction.
If there is any way I can be of service, don't hesitate to ask.
Justin |
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Post by pepesdad1 on Dec 16, 2018 17:14:37 GMT -5
I think I can safely say, that whatever any of us can do for you, we would be honored to do so. You are a special fixture around here...one that would be terribly missed...but that is in the future, and no one can say how long any of us have in store for us in the future.
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Post by lestrout on Dec 16, 2018 17:42:29 GMT -5
Yow, Martin! I was just reflecting how bad ffishing was this last year, and deciding that, stock market notwithstanding (actually, more like falling), how my life was mainly only First World Problems. What you are dealing with is literally existential and very sobering to me. I look forward to my next Bay Area visit and will absolutely make the time to puff some bowls with you. I trust you will deal with all this with your customary style, grace and thoughtfulness, but I will add my thoughts of goodwill to them.
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Post by haebar on Dec 16, 2018 17:53:34 GMT -5
Martin, I'm very saddened to hear this news. You have been a bright shining light here at the Patch for as long as you have been here; I always enjoy your vibrant spirit shining through in your posts and comments! You will be in my prayers for your grace in the months and years to come.
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Post by Legend Lover on Dec 16, 2018 17:55:37 GMT -5
Gods do I feel like a braying arse. All my bellyaching about gout and anxiety- I thought we were commiserating... I had no idea what you were dealing with. You're so positive, on point, quick, and humorous, how could anyone? This really sucks, man. I feel absolutely terrible. Had I any idea, I would've bought a pipe from ya. Not to be morbid, but to remember one of my favourite pipe smokers and forum members. Heavy news... I really wish I could find some more positive things to say as I'm sure you have done your share of being pissed off already. I(we) hope to keep you around as long as possible. Sincerely hoping the universe sends something positive your direction.
If there is any way I can be of service, don't hesitate to ask.
Justin Mate, in my opinion you've nothing to feel bad for. Plus, whatever you're going through is relative to you. Sure, in the grand scheme of things it might be trivial, but in your own sphere of life it might be monumental. That said, your reaction goes to show the kind of guy you are. |
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 19:34:49 GMT -5
Gods do I feel like a braying arse. All my bellyaching about gout and anxiety- I thought we were commiserating... I had no idea what you were dealing with. You're so positive, on point, quick, and humorous, how could anyone? This really sucks, man. I feel absolutely terrible. Had I any idea, I would've bought a pipe from ya. Not to be morbid, but to remember one of my favourite pipe smokers and forum members. Heavy news... I really wish I could find some more positive things to say as I'm sure you have done your share of being pissed off already. I(we) hope to keep you around as long as possible. Sincerely hoping the universe sends something positive your direction.
If there is any way I can be of service, don't hesitate to ask.
Justin Thanks so much, Justin. mean a lot to me. |
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 16, 2018 19:36:50 GMT -5
Yow, Martin! I was just reflecting how bad ffishing was this last year, and deciding that, stock market notwithstanding (actually, more like falling), how my life was mainly only First World Problems. What you are dealing with is literally existential and very sobering to me. I look forward to my next Bay Area visit and will absolutely make the time to puff some bowls with you. I trust you will deal with all this with your customary style, grace and thoughtfulness, but I will add my thoughts of goodwill to them. ...thanks, les... you were probably the first friend I had on here... can't wait to hang out... |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2018 19:49:30 GMT -5
Marian, I am deeply sadden to read the news of your illness. It also saddens me to know that there will be those who will not be able to meet you or read your words. I know and see you have a support system that is willing and able to assist you how they can. I add my prayers to the ones already given. The only advice I can offer is to take one day at a time.
Not to sound morbid but something to occupy your mind and hands. From what you have said in the past you have written anonymous. May be it is time to write something from your heart under your own identity. You have many stories behind you with multiple characters. Wrap a story (funny, sad, fantiacy, Sci-Fi ) around them.
BTW, that Falcon stem is a favorite.
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haveldad
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Post by haveldad on Dec 16, 2018 19:57:20 GMT -5
I hope you live the rest of the years happy, content, and fulfilled. May your remaining years be long and painless, Im sorry to here the news.
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Post by Yohanan on Dec 16, 2018 19:57:41 GMT -5
I'm at loss for words, and all I can do is wish you the Best under the circumstances. I'm very sorry that I can't do more.  |
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Post by kbareit on Dec 16, 2018 20:03:07 GMT -5
Martin,
So sad to hear this news. I know I have only been here a minute but can tell you are a really good guy who was dealt a pretty bad hand. I wish nothing but the best for you and your family and my thoughts and prayers. Here's to having many more minutes.
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Post by crapgame on Dec 16, 2018 23:23:56 GMT -5
I am so very sorry to such news..Many prayers
Mike
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Post by Scott W on Dec 16, 2018 23:24:50 GMT -5
Martin,
You made me feel welcome here from day one and since reading many of your posts I know you are a sincere and kind individual inside and out. I am sad to hear this news, sometimes bad shite happens to great people. I , as many others I’m sure will be doing, will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless my friend.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2018 23:48:54 GMT -5
Praying for you, Martin. You're one of my favorite people here at the patch.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2018 23:56:58 GMT -5
I wish you all the best, hopefully we will be around a few more years. I had a good life, it’s just the past 7 that I’ve been living in HELL. Just don’t know how much more of this I can put up with. My thoughts and Prayers are with you, feel better my friend. Continued prayers for you too, Ted. One of my other favorite people here. |
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Post by unknownpipesmoker on Dec 17, 2018 0:07:57 GMT -5
DT,
Just letting you know that I always appreciate your posts. Especially about the Grateful Dead and Jerry. I love hearing from people from that area of SF in the 60s and 70s because Jerry was so accessible and it seems that he knew/was friends with just about everyone. You're very fortunate.
My health problems are not immediately fatal (but can end that way), so I can't really imagine or understand how you are thinking or feeling right now. But you've got my back brother, and I hope they do figure something out, for you, and for all of us who are in harms way health wise.
Take care brother. I've got your back.
UPS
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 17, 2018 0:11:27 GMT -5
DT, Just letting you know that I always appreciate your posts. Especially about the Grateful Dead and Jerry. I love hearing from people from that area of SF in the 60s and 70s because Jerry was so accessible and it seems that he knew/was friends with just about everyone. You're very fortunate. My health problems are not immediately fatal (but can end that way), so I can't really imagine or understand how you are thinking or feeling right now. But you've got my back brother, and I hope they do figure something out, for you, and for all of us who are in harms way health wise. Take care brother. I've got your back. UPS ...thanks, brother... |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2018 3:31:16 GMT -5
I wish you all the best, hopefully we will be around a few more years. I had a good life, it’s just the past 7 that I’ve been living in HELL. Just don’t know how much more of this I can put up with. My thoughts and Prayers are with you, feel better my friend. Continued prayers for you too, Ted. One of my other favorite people here. Randy, thank you, your kind words mean much to me!! I look forward when I see you on here, your a big part of what makes this forum a warm, friendly place to hang out. Be well my friend |
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