Well, my reservations are made and I'll be arriving in Boise, Idaho, just about an hour before the New Year.
Obviously, I wish the circumstances were better, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet a man whom I'm proud to call my friend, and happy for the opportunity to meet Pat's friend Steve (Vetterone), who by all indications is a very fine fellow indeed. See you soon guys!
Thanks to the wonderful women we're blessed to have in our lives. For Pat, his wife Barb, a source of inspiration and a tower of strength; and for me, my wife Lis, who never even came close to complaining about my leaving on New Year's Eve to visit Pat.
And to all, a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Warmest regards,
Paul |
Hi Aceto (and everyone),
Thank you for your kind comment. I don't mean to speak for Pat, but I think that, at this time, Pat needs exactly what has been shown to him on this thread: the support, care and concern of his many, many friends here to help sustain his spirit.
Reading this thread, one gets an idea of how often Pat took time to send people LPs they were looking for or that he thought they'd enjoy; or helped a newbie enter the domain of audiophiledom (okay, I made that word up); or helped many of us not-so-newbies track down a system fault and tweak our systems; or provided advice on upgrade paths, system synergy, and recordings. In short, Pat has been a long-time positive force for the better in this community, and the above posts stand as firm testament to that fact.
Should I become aware that Pat has any specific needs, I will make them known here. But I think that what Pat needs now is for this thread to be a "mirror" -- to reflect back upon him the generosity, integrity, knowledge, friendliness, helpfulness and kindness he has so often shown so many of us ... and I think this thread goes a long way in doing just that.
Warmest regards,
Paul Frumkin |
Hi everyone,
I just got back from Idaho a couple hours ago. I was able to spend almost 3 days with Pat and his wife Barbara. I want to tell you, people, that Pat and Barbara are two of the nicest, most down-to-earth, most gracious, most talented, most open and most honest ... yet humble and grateful ... people you'll ever meet. Pat and Barb are wonderful people, the kind you feel honored to call your friend, the kind who quickly take up residence in your heart. Pat and Barb did everything they could to make me feel comfortable as a guest in their home; with everything going on, that speaks volumes to their characters.
It was great to spend some time with Pat spinning vinyl in his listening room ... recently remodeled to beautiful effect by Steve (Vetterone). Steve did all of the work as a surprise for Pat while Pat was on a brief vacation to Nebraska.
As you know, Pat was scheduled for, and had, his surgery Jan 3. The night before, Pat, Barbara, Pat and Barbara's daughter Amanda, Amanda's 18 month old son Scott (the apple of his grandad's eye), Steve and I had dinner together at Pat's house. Marinated flank steak and lobster tails on the barbie; chevre cheese fondue; baked Idahos; French carrots; salad, rolls and desert. It was, as you might expect, a subdued celebration: Pat had been advised that, post-surgery, normal meals would be a thing of the past. More than one somewhat uncomfortable reference was made to the "Last Supper."
I've got this third hand (from Barb to my wife to me), but here's the update as I understand it. The lower 1/3 of Pat's stomach, and some of his intestines, were removed. The cancer has spread, which means that chemotherapy will be necessary. Pat has a feeding tube, and he faces a daunting recovery. It is the measure of the man that not once did he complain of his situation; not once did he protest the surgical insults to come. Pat accepted, with nearly unfathomable equanimity and aplomb, the consequences of his disease and their certain effect on quality of life issues.
The immediate course is for Pat to remain in the hospital for up to a week to regain his strength for discharge. Then there will be chemotherapy. Obviously, the battle is not over: only the opening salvos have been launched. Please keep Pat, Barb, Amanda and Scott in your prayers.
Please feel free to email or call (302. 836-0453) me if you have any questions or ideas you'd like to discuss. For those who would like to send something, you may address it to him (Patrick Malone) c/o St. Lukes Regional Medical Center, 190 East Bannock, Boise, ID 83712-9987.
Thank you, Pat, for letting me get to know you better; for letting me help as best I could; for the honor of calling you my friend; and for the honor of calling me your friend. As we reflect upon the new year and count our blessings, surely we include among them a man we call Mr. Patrick Malone.
God bless,
Paul |
Pssssst! Steve! Shhhhhh. Go for the outlets in the rooms with the imaging equipment. And grab some of that ultra-polished, teflon-encapsulated silver wire out of an MRI machine. It makes great tonearm wire. It's what I'm using in my tonearm.
Guess when I talk with Pat I'll have to ask: "Think there's any gold wire around here?" That'll get him going!
Best regards to all,
Paul |
I spoke with Pat tonight. Poor guy has a dozen different tubes sticking out of him ... draining this, putting in that. They are giving him some nourishment via a feeding tube into his intestines, but the intestines have not yet "awakened" from the surgery and responded. So he's being sustained on a glucose IV. He did not complain, but he also said that he's not real interested in listening to music right now ... so clearly he's not well and not ready to leave the hospital yet.
Can you believe that, two days after this drastic surgery, he was solicited -- in the hospital and apparently with the hospital's approval -- to buy a car from certain selected Boise auto dealers? Pat was livid about that. I would be, too.
All in all, Pat's spirits are good, and that, as well all know, is so important to recovery. I'll continue to keep you posted, and I'm sure Steve (Vetterone) will too once he returns from the Las Vegas CES. |
Welcome back, Patrick! I'm sure it's a comfort, for both you and Barb, for you to be back home. I'm surprised -- happily surprised -- that you've been discharged: just yesterday you had so many tubes stuck in you that you looked like you got nailed in an explosion in a manicotti factory.
Pat, I hope you don't mind my sharing this with our Audiogon friends, but guys, the truth is that no one knew for sure what would be the outcome of the surgeon's "look-see" and surgery. No one knew if Pat's entire stomach would be removed. There was a possibility that Pat would never be able to eat normally again, but that he would have to be fed through a feeding tube inserted into his intestines. So too, it was possible the surgeon would see such a mess that she would just close Pat back up and tell him to say his prayers. That's how serious this was.
Indeed, the surgeon did not want Pat to travel far from emergency medical care facilities because the surgeon was concerned that Pat could bleed out at any time ... and obviously, that could have happened during the surgery. Plainly stated, Pat's surviving the surgery was not a sure thing. Again, that's how serious this was.
Had it been me, I would have been a freakin' mess. They would have had to tranquilize me to near the point of unconsciousness. The mere thought that I might never again eat normally would have completely freaked my cookies. I would have totally lost it.
But not Pat. Friends, let me tell you that not once did Pat express pity for himself, or even fear for himself. Not once did fear express itself in an angry outburst. The man did not even once complain. Pat, his wife Barb and I discussed his last wishes ... and the man made humorous comments. I was there when the hospital chaplain "just happened" to show up to talk with Pat. I was with Pat and Barb until they took him back for the pre-op preps. And again, not once did Pat express self-pity, despair or fear.
I tell you all of this so that when I say that Pat is the bravest man I've ever known, you'll know these are not just words but truth. This thread is replete with stories of Pat's generosity, his helpfulness, his willingness to go out of his way to help others, and of his integrity. To these we can now safely add his bravery. In short, Pat is a man ... the kind of man I can only hope I would be under even far less trying circumstances. Thank you, Pat, for showing me how a man should face life's most challenging moments.
Thank you, too, for your kind words for Steve and me. But just wait until you see what your wide circle of Audiogon buddies have been cooking up for you! (More on this later).
An hour before Pat had to report to the hospital, we stopped at Pat's favorite haunt -- the Nampa new and used vinyl store. I spied a Mo-Fi Rickie Lee Jones that was graded mint, and I quietly took it out of the bin and up to the cashier. A few minutes later we were at the hospital, and I pulled Ms. Jones out of the bag. I told Pat that he better come back to us, or I was going to keep the album. Pat, I'm so glad Ms. Jones is yours.
Warmest regards,
Paul |
Well, crap. Another role model bites the dust.
:-) |
Pat, I think it's safe to say we Audiogoners speak with one voice when I say how sad it is to hear this news. You're one of the good guys here ... actually, one of the best ... and we wish you could stick around forever. But none of us have a "forever" ticket in life, and the best we can do is to make the best of the time we are given ... short or long. As I see it, you've been doing just that, and I have little doubt that you will continuing doing just that.
Quite a few of us have pitched in with various contributions, which we hope will make your days a little more pleasant. (In a couple days, I will start a separate thread about that). This thread, the calls, cards and letters you've received, and the items you will soon receive, are a living testament to how much we all care for you, how much we wish you well, and how much we wish to brighten your days. If only a cure was ours to send your way, it would have already arrived on your doorstep wrapped in bows and ribbons!
Pat, I'm sure this news was not easy to share with us. Thank you for your courage. We hope that same courage serves you well in the days that lay ahead, and that in each one of them, you find enough that is good to keep keeping on.
With warmest regards,
Paul |
Pat, they may have removed part of your stomach, but thank goodness they left your sense of humor intact. A massive coronary in the throes of orgasm, indeed! I myself hope to go by gunshot wound ... from some jealous husband when I'm 93 years old.
You're usually right on, but you've got it wrong when you say that you're undeserving of everyone's support. Do you really think you've got it right and all these folks got it wrong? And you say that "all" you can do is offer your thanks. But that's all that anyone can ask for or need.
Hang in there, my friend.
Best regards,
Paul
|
Welcome back, Pat. Glad to hear you beat that nasty infection and are now feeling better. Yeah ... have Steve help you get everything set up ... lay back in that recliner ... apply some enhancer ... and spin some vinyl. Now ain't that livin' large?
Here's hoping you feel stronger and better with every passing day.
Warmest regards,
Paul |
Oh well. Hair today, gone tomorrow.
While you deny it, I do think your decision to forego the chemo is a brave decision, as well as a wise one. As we discussed, 150 good days is better than 300 bad ones, and that first course of chemo certainly caused you some very bad days. And I doubt that it's totally a selfish decision; I'm sure that your suffering from the chemo wasn't easy on Barbara or Amanda ... or for anyone else that cares about you -- just ask Steve, or me, or any of us.
Those Snell K7 Monitors are amazing, aren't they? They image-up beautifully, with very liquid and gorgeous mids and highs. They provide a great deal of detail while also remaining very musical. They were designed by Joseph D'Appolito, the inventor of the famous D'Appolito array (tweeter flanked by 2 mids), which has been copied by almost every speaker manufacturer. BTW, I just called Snell, and the stands are on their way!
I wonder if, besides moving the location of the table, removing the dust cover or perhaps letting it rest on a couple small pieces of Sorbothane might reduce the port turbulence problem. I suspect Tom Lyons' Audiopoints will help a great deal, and allow you to successfully integrate all of the components in your listening room. And if not, give Snell's Bob Graffy a call -- he's a very knowledgeable guy and a very nice man to boot. Their website is www.snellacoustics.com.
I also agree with you about Robert's Schult's Ridge Street Audio cables -- they're great, and he's a great guy, too. As Steve mentioned earlier, audiophiles are a wonderful group of people, and this clearly extends to manufacturers who are in it for the love of it. This hobby has been called a sickness, a mania, an obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other (fairly accurate) terms. The beauty part is, we get to "suffer" with the best company! :-)
Have a great day,
Paul |
Glad to see you're back, Pat ... I was wondering. |
That is fabulous news about the chemo drug. Seems like a lot of folks are listening and applying the thinking of your musical "hero," Neil Young, when he sings "Long May You Run."
Cigar smoke gives me cluster headaches. Cognac, too. My back is bothering me and I can't sit very long at a time. The hearing is falling off in my left ear. And I always thought dip switches were named for me. But I hope you guys have a good time. :-)
Now you've got me thinking about whether I should use a step-up transformer between my low output (0.5mV) Grado The Statement and my Plinius Jarrah phono stage. Just what my wife wanted: for me to spend more money on gear. I'm telling her it's your fault, Pat.
Warmest regards to all,
Paul |
Michael ... I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you and your wife are facing. I'm sending wishes and prayers your way, and hope you will have the strength to prevail.
Pat, I had heard that smoking was bad for your health, but I had no idea it could cause instaneous combustion of the hair. What a hoot.
In high school, two of us went with a third friend to his dad's karate club and sauna late at night. We were without papers or a pipe. Being resourceful, I found some gum in someone's drawer and a garden hose in the basement. I got the foil from the gum, laid it in the hose, and perforated the foil with a paper clip. Wallah -- instant pipe. My friend borrowed the pipe-contraption ... and a day later got pulled over, and the police found that pipe and busted him. Two months later, he borrowed a gag pipe I had made from a gasmask and a corncob. Yep ... he got pulled over again and the police found that one as well. They made him get therapy. LOL.
But seriously, Michael, Pat ... please know that you and your wives are in my prayers. |
Bin ... that was indeed beautiful. Thank you for sharing your feelings with us.
When my mom was dying, she urged my dad to re-marry. In fact, she named some women she thought would be good for my dad ... and 1 year after my mom died, my dad married the woman who was #1 on my mom's list. My sister felt that my dad had soiled mom's memory. I felt 180 degrees differently. I thought that the fact that my dad sought re-marriage soon was, in fact, a testament to my parents' marriage: that it had been so wonderful, my dad soon wanted to have that feeling again. I know my mom smiled from heaven when my dad re-married. She didn't want him to be lonely in some sort of misguided idea of "honoring" their marriage by being alone and miserable.
Pat, when you write "I hope some really nice, deserving guy wins [Barb's] heart someday," it is clear that you share my mom's hope that her spouse find the way to be happy after you are gone. I believed, when my mom so encouraged my dad, that it took one hell of a strong and wonderful person to express such a sentiment ... and I believe that now when you express much the same on Barb's behalf.
Tonight I called and spoke with Pat. I asked if he needed any more Audio Intelligent cleaning formulas. He replied: "I have enough to last me for the rest of my life." I didn't know what to say. Then I laughed, and said: "You asshole!"
Pat, there is no need to apologize for not being able to make the trip to attend the Stereo Times Award Party. I am sorry you're not physically up to making the trip. Lis will come with me, and we'll try to video tape at least that part of the awards party when I go up and receive the award for Audio Intelligent. We'll send that video to you, so you can be there in spirit and share the moment with us.
You write that asking us to support Barb after you're gone is difficult for you. For me, the difficult part of that is hearing you plan for when you are gone ... because I, selfishly, do not want to contemplate a world where my dear friend is gone. But Pat, I swear to you, in front of these witnesses, that I will help Barb, and stay in touch with Barb, to the best of my ability, for as long as I shall live. You have my word on it.
Warmest regards,
Paul |
That's great news about getting a cartridge and a personal note from John Grado, Pat. He's really a very decent man: generous, kind and helpful. He donated one of his more expensive pairs of headphones when the Audiogoners got together, last summer, to put together a home theater system for a young woman who was paralyzed when she got hit by a drunk driver.
Thank you, Pat and Albert, for your congrats on Audio Intelligent's award from Stereo Times ... a "Most Wanted Component" award. Lis and I attended the awards party in NYC last Saturday night.
I've come to believe that the folks here on Audiogon are the finest group of people I've ever known. Where else do people donate a complete home theater system to help a recently paralyzed young woman cope with her situation? Where else can you get all the audio advice you need, just for the asking? This thread is the latest example of the character of you people. I'm proud to be a member of this fine group.
At the Stereo Times awards party, I had the distinct pleasure to meet Steve (Audiogon's proprietor) and Albert Porter. Man, are these guys my kind of people! They are both a real class act -- smart, knowledgeable, funny as heck, and just fun to be around. A huge "thank you" goes out from me to Steve and Albert for coming to the awards party to support me. I am truly humbled by their kindness.
Warmest regards to everyone,
Paul |
Hi Pat and everyone,
A ride in a WWII warbird? That's great. I've always wanted to go up in a warbird. What a great Father's Day present!
Sorry to hear that you're not feeling well, Pat. Maybe it's time to heed the doctor's call to a grazing approach. Whatever it is or whatever it takes, I hope you find a solution so you feel better again soon.
I apologize that I've been AWOL. A planned 2 week stay in Detroit turned into a 3 week stay, and upon return to Delaware I was just beat ... slept most of the past 2 days.
Looks like we'll be moving to Michigan -- I've accepted an offer from a small but extremely talented and upcoming firm there. Lis and I will drive there shortly after the 4th. She'll house-hunt while I work, and hopefully we'll find a suitable house and conclude a purchase agreement within 2 or 3 weeks. Then Lis will fly back and begin packing, and I'll fly back a couple days before the big move to pack the really important stuff -- you all know what that is! I'll now turn to the backlog of AI inquiries and orders, and get those out in the next day or two. Sorry for the delay and thanks for your patience.
Pat, again, I hope you find a solution to your current discomfort. As always, my prayers are with you, Barb, Amanda and Scott. Hang in there, buddy.
Warmest regards,
Paul |
This is unfortunate news indeed, Pat. Let me get this right: the doc sent in the shrink because he didn't want you getting into his stash? But seriously, whatever comes, I know you will face it with the same courage and abiding faith in a loving God with which you have faced everything to date. Your faith will not fail you; your God will not fail you; your loving wife and daughter will not fail you; and your friends will not fail you.
If a chapter is closing, Barb and you provided the perfect punctuation: taking life for a wild ride in a warbird. God bless. |
Apologies for being AWOL so long. Life has been exceedingly busy. Since my first trip to see Pat in Idaho, I returned to see him again and made two round trip flights to Detroit (and back to Delaware), and drove to Detroit from Delaware. And that's just the beginning of it. The first Detroit trip was to meet two guys who were interested in meeting me to see if they'd like to hire me. They were, but I suggested that we live together for a while before getting married. Nothing like uprooting your family and moving half-way across the country only to learn you're not compatible with the two other guys in the office.
So I returned to Detroit and worked with them for two weeks, and we decided we would work well together. It's a botique litigation firm -- mostly commercial and personal injury litigation. I then returned to Delaware.
Lis and I then drove to Michigan in my '93 Stealth (152,000 miles and still drives like new). We set up a day with a Realtor and looked at 24 houses in one day. Whew, what a day! We liked one a lot, and tomorrow I close on the purchase. Then on Tuesday the carpets get cleaned and a carpenter is cutting an arch between two adjoining rooms for our 8 year old, Amanda (one room will be the sleeping room; the other for toys, desk, computer, etc.) I fly back to Delaware on Wednesday.
Then the real work begins -- packing everything for the move. I'm sure my bulging disc and rotated hip will love that *groan* Hopefully, we and the moving van pull out on the 22d and we all arrive in Michigan (Bloomfield Hills) on the 24th or 25th.
Work has been INTENSE, but I am enjoying it. Filed a med mal last week against a physician -- the $%*! freak -- who manipulated young boys to engage in bare butt spanking with him. Got a preliminary injunction against a city a couple days before that. Trial on that case on Tuesday -- stay tuned!
So that's why I've been AWOL from the group.
Pat, happy 55! Hope you enjoy your evening with Barb in the Boise hotel. I hope your soon up to fishing again. A CDP? Patrick? No way ... I'm flabbergasted. Sorry to hear about your Syrah; man, those units have been giving you trouble. Please say hello to Bill, Steve and Ron for me.
BTW, it was me in the car with you when you yelled at that kid, "Turn that fu**er down!" Being from Detroit, I was hoping he realized it was you who yelled it ... and that he had good aim. His calmness didn't make me feel any better -- could have been reloading.
Nrchy, thanks for your comment "Didn't that other guy make horror movies." I was "that other guy." But I confess I'm not terribly photogenic; in fact, I'm sure my face has broken several cameras and mirrors.
Springbok, congrats on your string of victories. That's very cool.
And to everyone else ... hello again! I'll be AWOL again for a couple weeks during this move. See you all again soon, and God bless.
Best regards,
Paul |
I spoke with Barb last night and today. We weren't sure if Pat would see today, but he's still on this side, with us. Pat is in a great deal of discomfort, and he's too weak to take phone calls. This obviously is a difficult time for Pat, Barb, Amanda and other members of his family ... and for us as well, with whom Pat has bravely shared his story, and who have cheered his every triumph and held our breaths at news of every downturn.
I will have more to say at another time, but please know that you all have meant the world to Pat. Please join me in praying for Pat's comfortable journey, and for the family's healing.
Warmest regards,
Paul |
Patrick Malone: 1950--2005
Pat passed peaceably this morning about 9:15 am Eastern Time. He died as he lived, confident in a loving God and surrounded by his beloved wife Barb, his daughter Amanda, his sister Mary, and other dear family members. A wonderful human being is gone from us, my friends.
While this thread has nominally been about Pat's cancer and the road it took him on, on a deeper level it has been about spirituality: the sense of being connected, through thoughtfulness and love, to beings beyond ourselves. Barb shared Pat with us, Pat shared himself with us, and we shared ourselves with Pat and Barb. We talked about life, love, God, the great beyond ... and about the music, which in the latter stages provided Pat with greater sustenance than the few calories he could ingest.
This thread, and all that it spawned, was a great joy to Pat. When it was started, Pat told me he felt it saved him from something terrible. When I asked him what, he replied "I don't know." Closer to the end, Pat realized what it was: he was saved from feeling alone.
This community rallied behind Pat in a miraculous way that few of us could have ever imagined. In the last 16 months, Pat has gone on more vacations -- assisted by the unfledging generosity of many of you -- than in any previous time in his life. Trips to Nebraska, Florida, Texas, San Francisco, Seattle and Denver were part of this joyous itinerary, and he met many members in the process. So too, this community caused music to lovingly flow into Pat's and Barb's home, presenting them with a heavenly smorgasbord of both equipment and recordings. Even up to the last, Pat was exploring the wonders of previously unknown music, while still holding dear that music he had always treasured most.
Lest any of you doubt just how meaningful and important this thread has been to Pat and Barb, let me share with you a remarkable thing Pat told me just a few days ago. We were talking about what a great year it had been despite the cancer ... what a way to go out! Pat said: "It has been great. I wouldn't trade it for being well."
He wouldn't trade it for being well. Remarkable ... and yet, so like Pat, because in addition to being a music lover and audiophile, Pat was a people person. He loved people, and this showed in all his relationships, from that with his beloved Barb and other family members, to even the most casual relationships with store clerks. His love for life and for people fairly oozed out of him. He couldn't suppress it, for it was him.
This, surely, is a time for sadness. But let's not forget that it is also a time to celebrate the man, all that he shared with us, and all that we shared with him. Sleep well, my friend ... dream well ... and keep that heavenly sweet spot warm for us. God bless Pat, God bless Barb, and God bless you all.
-Paul |
Memorial for Pat
Davt has offered a Lugnut memorial "scholarship" for one night's lodging at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. Nrchy inquires about other ideas.
One issue is whether our work should focus on the Malone family, whether it should be expanded beyond them, or both. Pat was concerned for his daughter's, Amanda's welfare. She and her husband, Nick, do website design and work. I've been using them for Audio Intelligent's website (which should soon be improved, thanks to them). If you could use Amanda's and Nick's services, feel free to e-mail me and I'll provide contact information. Pat also expressed concern for Amanda's and Nick's son, Pat's grandson, Scott. Starting a college fund now is an idea.
Regarding expanding the "circle," I recall the way this group generously contributed to the "Leslie Project." This project put together a home theater system for a young woman who was paralyzed when she was hit by a drunk driver. The system was presented to Leslie on August 15, 2004. Ozfly (amazingly!) purchased a new Denon home theater receiver, but the rest of the equipment was more or less spare equipment (and music and videos) that members had and generously donated.
Perhaps someone could act as the repository for such equipment (and music and videos), and when a system can be assembled, we could find some needy soul who could benefit from having music in their life. Perhaps we could coordinate with an agency that, say, specializes in assisting the paralyzed, the blind, or those with some other disability. The equipment could be donated in Pat's name -- The Patrick P. Malone Memorial Audio Award. Perhaps, too, it could structured so Barb could utilize the charitable giving tax deduction (if it's legal -- I don't do tax work).
Of course, Barb knew Pat the best, and so I encourage her weighing in on the subject to help us do something that Pat would most enjoy, and that honors his spirit. What does everyone think?
Best regards,
Paul |
p.s. A link to the "Leslie Project:"
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vhome&1093021674&openusid&zzPaul_frumkin&4&5#Paul_frumkin
Unfortunately, the main thread got pulled, but the above thread provides some information plus photos.
Best regards,
Paul
|
Several thoughts:
1. Barb, that IS a beautiful puppy. I hope it brings you much warmth, companionship and joy. What breed is it?
2. Snofun (Les), CEDIA's ELF foundation is a great organization. It installs home theaters in children's hospital wards. But it doesn't accept used gear, and used gear is something that we collectively can, from time to time, donate to allow someone to bring entertainment into their home. Zaikesman comments that we might stick closer to "home" with our giving, and perhaps, indeed, arranging some regular, official, award of home theaters and stereos to a deserving person is beyond our capability (and perhaps beyond our purpose). I anticipate that Barb (likely with my or someone else's assistance) will be auctioning or selling some of Pat's music collection. Maybe our giving -- in the absence of some specific request from Barb -- can for now be limited to bidding generously on these items. But if anyone knows of someone in Leslie's shoes (paralyzed by a drunk driver) or in some other quality of life threatening situation, and who lacks the means to purchase their own system, then I encourage you to turn to this group and see if we can't arrange something like the "Leslie Project" for them. I was absolutely stunned by this group's generosity in the "Leslie Project," and I suspect their kindness is not exhausted.
3. Last, a huge thank you to Audiogon. It's no secret this website exists not just to support this great hobby, but also to generate revenue. Audiogon did not have to let the "Leslie Project" thread be posted, and it did not have to allow this thread to be posted and to continue. THANK YOU, Steve (a/k/a Mr. Audiogon). Your kindness shows that that you consider this to be not just a commercial marketplace, but also a community. With respect and gratitude, I salute you, sir.
Best regards to all,
Paul |
J Sonic (and anyone else wanting to write to Barb)... please write me for Barb's address. When I last spoke with Barb, she was of course sad, but she was doing well. Howard, that's wonderful that Barb will be visiting you. I'm sure that will lift her spirits. Thanks for sharing that info with us.
Best regards to all,
Paul |
Uncle Jeff ... hope you got it in time, too. Best wishes there. Steve, Albert, everyone ... yeah, it's hard to believe it's been two years. Time to raise a glass in fond remembrance and gratitude.
Best wishes to everyone,
Paul |
