Lightfoot Concert Cancelled. Sept 16, 2006. [Archive]

seafarer62

09-17-2006, 01:51 PM

Hi All:

My wife and I just returned from Harris, MI. One weird weekend. It is our wedding anniversary today and we had looked forward to the trip to the U.P. of Michigan for about the past 6 months. We left Friday morning expecting a weekend full of fall leaves and Gord in concert.

Anyway.. Friday night we walked into a tent adjacent to the Island Resort Casino in Harris, Michigan about 15 west of Escanaba off U.S. Highway 2. Our seats were front and center, 8th row. Allright !!

The band came out Friday night and Gord shortly followed. He looked great but almost immediately, something was obviously wrong. Gord strapped a 12-string on but was not playing Cotton Jenny but only singing. He kept fumbling with guitar picks, switching his hold on the pick, etc. After Carefree Highway, I think he recognized he needed to provide some explanation.

He said that he had had a "mini stroke" and that he had intermittent muscular movement of his right arm. He said that it had happened before while at home but never while on the road. He said he was struck right during sound check Friday afternoon. He said they decided to go ahead with the concert and were considering flying home to Toronto immediately after the concert to get checked.

The songs continued and on one level, Gord provided a gutsy performance, strumming occasionally but I believe his guitar mike was turned off more than it was on. He moved around the stage a lot directing and adjusting the band on the fly. Once in a while, it looked like he was starting to play again only to be interrupted by a painful grimace and again he stopped.

After 30 GL concerts in nearly 30 years, I had never seen anything like it. I had never seen Gord dance on stage like he did. I was dying for the guy inside, at once inspired that he was doing the concert but also terribly concerned by someone who I have met, talked with, and who has meant so much to me through my thicks and thins.

The lyrics in "14 Karat Gold", "In My Fashion", and "Painter Passing Through" were positively haunting seeing our revered poet performing with one arm. Gord did everything he could to keep rhythm including slapping his thigh, encouraging the audience to sing on familiar refrains, encouraging Terry on solos, etc. He made only one major lyrical goof, singing the 5th verse of Edmund Fitzgerald twice. As he repeated the verse, he held one finger up and nodded his head acknowledging the mistake but kept the song going right to the end. One thing I thought was so interesting was that he switched guitars for the songs as he normally would have.

The band looked very concerned about Gord and were doing their best to adjust on the fly. Before beginning "Let It Ride", he and Mike decided how they were going to do the intro. Gord said that Mike was going to have do the rhythm piece.

With these casino shows, he does not take an intermission and the voice was growing more hoarse as the concert progressed. I will never question that integrity and perseverance of this man after he said I know you want to hear the Trilogy and I will try it. The high notes at the end were tough but he plugged through it.

He did "Old Dan's Records" and the band walked off. Rather than an encore, Gord simply came back himself, thanked the audience and said goodnight.

Here is the set list:

1) Cotton Jenny
2) Carefree Highway
3) Sea of Tranquility
4) Never Too Close
5) 14 Karat Gold
6) In My Fashion
7) A Painter Passing Through
8) Spanish Moss
9) Shadows
10) Rainy Day People
11) The Watchman's Gone
12) Ribbon of Darkness
13) Sundown
14) Wreck of the E.F.
15) Beautiful
16) Let It Ride
17) If You Could Read My Mind
18) Don Quixote
19) Baby Step Back
20) Blackberry Wine
21) Canadian Railroad Trilogy
22) Old Dan's Records

We had no idea what to expect Saturday. We checked in at the casino a couple of times during the day and everything was still on. When we arrived at the casino for the show, there were large signs saying that structural problems were discovered with the tent and the performance was cancelled. The sign I read said that the cancellation "was not related to Mr. Lightfoot's illness." When we looked at the tent, it did appear that part of the roof looked sunken. Refunds were offered and those who had paid by credit card would have refunds done automatically.

So we are back here in the Twin Cities after a 6 hour/ 325 mile drive. I have tickets to the show in Minneapolis tonight and plan to take my 17-year old son as he has been learning guitar. Don't know what to expect tonight. I will search some local websites and the State Theatre website to see if the show is still on for tonight.

If the show goes on, I will post a set list and observations in the morning.

Everyone should say a prayer for Gord and his condition.

John- Suburban Twin Cities, MN

Claudia

09-17-2006, 02:23 PM

John,

have you heard anything about his concert tonight? I have tickets too and just tried to get in touch with the State Theater but had no luck. Their website didn't say anything about a cancelation. I'm really sad but even more worried about Gordon. I'm probably hoping for a miracle and that he will be allright tonight... Were are your seats? I'm sitting Row J, seat 11
Hope to see you there!!!

Claudia

seafarer62

09-17-2006, 02:55 PM

Hi Claudia. Nothing new on any websites. I am proceeding as if the concert is on. Will check again right before I leave about 5:30 p.m. Gordon mentioned in Friday's concert that his medical situation has happened before and has cleared in a day or two.

We will be in Main Floor 2, Row W, Seats 1-2.

Stop on over and say hello. I will look for you too.

Claudia

09-17-2006, 03:02 PM

Originally posted by seafarer62:
Hi Claudia. Nothing new on any websites. I am proceeding as if the concert is on. Will check again right before I leave about 5:30 p.m. Gordon mentioned in Friday's concert that his medical situation has happened before and has cleared in a day or two.

We will be in Main Floor 2, Row W, Seats 1-2.

Stop on over and say hello. I will look for you too. Alright. Let's hope he'll be fine and everybody has an enjoyable evening. I'm worried about Gordon as it would be one of my kids who isn't feeling right, funny, isn't it?
I'll be on the lookout for you!! I'm there with my hubby, would be his first time to see Gordon. I saw him for the very first time this year at 7 Springs - was just wonderful!!

RussWig

09-17-2006, 04:02 PM

I'm so sorry to read this. I hope and pray he's ok.

My Name is Ann

09-17-2006, 04:02 PM

I'm so sorry to read this. I hope and pray he's ok.

Auburn Annie

09-17-2006, 04:26 PM

"Mini" strokes are nothing to sneeze at and he's right to get himself to the doctor asap; they are very often the prelude to a full-blown stroke.

For the non-medical: a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient stroke that lasts only a few minutes. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly interrupted. TIA symptoms, which usually occur suddenly, are similar to those of stroke but do not last as long. Most symptoms of a TIA disappear within an hour, although they may persist for up to 24 hours. Symptoms can include: numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or difficulty in talking or understanding speech; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; and difficulty with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.

Because there is no way to tell whether symptoms are from a TIA or an acute stroke, patients should assume that all stroke-like symptoms signal an emergency and should not wait to see if they go away. A prompt evaluation (within 60 minutes) is necessary to identify the cause of the TIA and determine appropriate therapy. Depending on a patient's medical history and the results of a medical examination, the doctor may recommend drug therapy or surgery to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have had a TIA. The use of antiplatelet agents, particularly aspirin, is a standard treatment for patients at risk for stroke. People with atrial fibrillation (irregular beating of the heart) may be prescribed anticoagulants.

TIAs are often warning signs that a person is at risk for a more serious and debilitating stroke. About one-third of those who have a TIA will have an acute stroke some time in the future. Many strokes can be prevented by heeding the warning signs of TIAs and treating underlying risk factors. The most important treatable factors linked to TIAs and stroke are high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, heart disease, carotid artery disease, diabetes, and heavy use of alcohol. Medical help is available to reduce and eliminate these factors. Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining healthy weight, exercising, and enrolling in smoking and alcohol cessation programs can also reduce these factors.

____________________________________________

My mom had a stroke 11 years ago at age 68. She was a non-smoker and had no high blood pressure but did have a stenotic mitral valve as a result of rheumatic fever she had as a girl, which we think is what caused a clot to break off and cause the stroke. In her case it was a right-sided infarct, which affected the left side of her body. She has no use of her left arm, little of the left leg, and her short term memory is shot to blazes. But she was fortunate; strokes affecting the right side also often affect the ability to speak or understand other's speech.

Borderstone

09-17-2006, 04:32 PM

My prayers,just like in '02,are with him.

I don't even care if January's show here gets cancelled,as long as he'll be okay.

Gord H

09-17-2006, 04:44 PM

This is the first I have heard of this... I'm sure once the Toronto media gets wind of this we will all hear more details.

I certainly hope it's nothing too serious!

johnfowles

09-17-2006, 06:29 PM

Many thanks Annie for that great explanation regarding the TIA being a warning of an impending full stroke.I suddenly and for the first time realised what might well have happenned to me in January 2000 (within two months of my ambitious and sucessful North American tour in November 1999).during which I flew or drove the following itinerary:-
London>Montreal>Ottawa>Massey Hall (via a view of Christian Island)>Denver>Lubbock (Buddy Holly grave etc) Clovis NM (BH recording studio)>the grand Grand canyon>Phoenix AZ>San Fransisco>Vancouver>London.
Finally back at home and faced with the urgent necessity ofimproving my untidy English home n and a long and overdue process of adapting our non year 2000 compliant accounting/invoicing system I was obliged to spend a series of 24 hour working days during which I smoked far too many cigaretttes.
I am not sure when but one morning I felt wobbly at the top of the steepish flight of stairs leading down from my bedroom, and was extremely conscious that my then next door neighbour was still in hospital and paralysed after falling down her own identical staircase and injuring her back.In retrospect of course I should have consulted my doctor immediately as Gord has now done, but I did not. But instead within about a week on Monday January 16th I arose early and drove myself 120 miles to central London and worked all day helping install a new boiler flue system near Mayfair.I had minor trouble lifting things but climbed about 6 flights of stairs to check the flue as it came out on the rooftop. On the drive home I had some problems with vision on my left side. and retired to bed at about 9:30 GMT.Before I did I wrote a note to anybody who found me that actually said that I was having trouble holding my pen and that I thought I might have had a ministroke, and left instructions to contact my nearest and dearest. That actual note is here somewhere and my hand writing was clearly deteriorating.Fortunately in those days we had a 2 AM GMT chat session every Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning. so I awoke to my alarm and made my way downstairs. It did not take Susan long to see that my typing was erratic and made me call my doctor.See this contemporary, and still on line, article in the London Daily Telrgraph at:-
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/htmlContent.jhtml?html=%2Farchive%2F2000%2F03%2F18 %2Fnemail18.html
(Hence my enthusiasm and efforts to try to keep the remaining Friday chat sessions every week at 9 PM EST going see:-
http://www.glchat.notlong.com
The rest as they say is history and I am naturally extremely pleased to still be around.At the time I firmly believed that my stroke was brought on by my extreme over smoking;
No doubt the effects of carbon monoxide on my clotting-prone blood caused the neck artery blockage that led to the death of too many of my right side brain cells.
In point of fact my stroke I believe provided two strange "bonuses" for me.
1 subsequent cardiac tests over here belied the opinion of the cash strapped doctors working for the National Health Service in Dorset, who had repeatedly assured Susan that my heart was fine,resulting in my quintuple heart bypass operation the following October in New Jersey
Thus I have avoided, so far,a most likely heart attack:-
2. my enforced non-smoking whilst in hospital in England for about three months succeeded in breaking a bad habit of about 40 years and all checks to date show that my lungs though showing some damage are reasonably OK.
So be warned anybody still smoking out there or indeed anybody having a feeling of weekness or sight problems.
John Fowles
Praying that Gord will very soon be fully OK,
(I myself find it very hard to get my affected Left hand around the guitar fret, but my guitar playing had never been that good anyway)

[ September 18, 2006, 07:48: Message edited by: johnfowles ]

charlene

09-17-2006, 08:49 PM

Here in Toronto there has been nothing on the news as of 6 p.m. tonight. I've been in transit from Toronto since just after that time and will watch the 11 o'clock news for any reports..

Claudia

09-17-2006, 11:35 PM

I just came back from tonights concert in Minneapolis. John will give a more accurate review but just real quick before I go to bed.

Most notable: The concert was not canceled as we feared. But Gordon still had really big problems with his right hand which wouldn't cooperate like he would have liked it. He needed to adjust the pick several times with his left hand, once in a while even dropped it. He obviously had a hard time to control his muscles. Songs where he needed to finger pick, he tried to play rhythm with the most basic pattern and got through somehow.
But: The band was just amazing, adjusted very well to the situation and filled in wherever they could. Compliments to everyone, especially to Terry. And: Gordon was extremly open and talkative. Explained what happened to him and how he's going to make the best of it. Was very funny at times, joking around - the crowd just loved it. I think everybody was glad he was there and appreciated it very much. They gave standing ovations several times.

It took me by surprise, that he acutally had an opener that night - for half an hour and played himself a little less than usual and without an intermission.
Said he already had an CT and would see a neurologist tomorrow. My guess would be, he's going to the Mayo clinic here in Minnesota. Since he didn't cancel tonight, my hope is, that the CT didn't show anything what would have made him cancel the concert immediately. Hopefully, he'll recover fully real soon. From what I understood, his right hand already improved a bit, compared to Friday night.

But I really was sitting there very tense and just felt terrible for him. It's hard to see him struggle so much. But what a Pro to pull it off anyway, just amazing.

Claudia

Jesse Joe

09-18-2006, 05:09 AM

Thanks Claudia, for that update. Lets hope he can get to be 100% again. I would rather like to see him in good health, rather than having to do these concerts, in less than fine shape.~Jesse~

SilverHeels

09-18-2006, 05:34 AM

What's the latest?

charlene

09-18-2006, 06:27 AM

Still nothing here in Toronto...
I'd be a lot happier and alot less worried if he was at home with his own doctors and not traveling and performing...

Jesse Joe

09-18-2006, 06:36 AM

Same here Charlene, I dont care if they cancelled concerts that I was planning to attend. His health first. I will wait and see... :rolleyes: :)

SilverHeels

09-18-2006, 06:45 AM

<<I'd be a lot happier and alot less worried if he was at home with his own doctors and not traveling and performing... >>

Me too. :(

geodeticman

09-18-2006, 07:18 AM

Seafarer and Claudia - Thank you so much for the concert updates on Gordon's health.

SeaFarer, when I read your heartfelt description of the Harris.MI tent concert, I have never felt so much for Gord as through your description of his brave, professional, and painful performance.

I felt like I was reading about me and my wife's favourite performer's slipping away, and was astounded by how strong my reaction was.

Claudia - yours too, same.

I was moved so strongly by the the thought (God forbid) of losing Gordon that I am not too embarrassed to say as a grown man I had tears rolling down as I said a prayer for Gordon, and his family and friends.

He has been such an incredible inspiration to me for nigh on 35 years now as a fan, I can't imagine losing this powerful and talented performer and influence upon my life, and will quietly pray until I hear he is back to doing what he loves without pain and the arm problem.

Thank you all - JJ too for bringing up this subject I had not heard yet. Thank you Annie for the medical perspective and do hope your Mom does OK. And John - thank you for the recount of your ordeal that must have been such a trying time for you. Susan must be an amazing woman - you are forunate too.

This is one of those rare times in a music forum where the power of prayer, positive thoughts, or whatever your individual belief sets dictate to wish for better things and recovery are so appropriate. I will keep saying my prayers, and am subtly encouraged he is still plugging away and near the Mayo as I understand above ?

What a dedicated and brave performer who literally gives all he has to his beloved audiences. God Bless Gordon Lightfoot.

Please forgive my strong mention of my faith - I'm sure we all are having similar thoughts of some type in various, personal ways - religious, or spiritual,or heartfelt well-wishing.

He seems like a member of the family in a sense, doesn't he ? How a man's music could have such a powerful influence on my life without thinking of him as a brother of sorts, I don't know.

I guess losing my father months ago, fear of losing my wife presently, and now the importance of Gord's taking care of himself with such strength in the midst of what must be his own personal fear and pain is all rolling into one for me. That I even put these three people so close to me in different ways is a testament I guess to how much I admire and appreciate Gord.

Long live Gordon Lightfoot !

geo Steve

[ September 22, 2006, 08:27: Message edited by: geodeticman ]

Jesse Joe

09-18-2006, 07:40 AM

Very well said Geo Steve. As usual you express yourself, as a very good friend to Gord, and to many of us.

May Gordon find his full strenght.

All the best to you & the Mrs... ~Jesse~

:)

Auburn Annie

09-18-2006, 07:45 AM

Thanks, Steve. Mom is holding her own, and plans to be with us next year when she turns 80 - in Las Vegas! She does love those slots, and it's good to have a goal to look forward to reaching.

I'm sure we're all offering up whatever good wishes, prayers or positive vibes - to each his/her own - for Gord's good health. Nothing like the power of positive thinking. But I'm with the others - if he has to postpone or rearrange his performing schedule for treatment, rest, whatever, he needs to do that.

Cathy

09-18-2006, 10:27 AM

Annie, I think aspirin therapy, or any blood thinner, given his past medical problems, would be a last resort. I know I can't take any aspirin based products, or any similar blood thinners.

Auburn Annie

09-18-2006, 11:11 AM

There are some new direct thrombin inhibitors, different from heparin, Coumadin, or standard blood thinners, which do not require the same ongoing careful monitoring. They can be taken twice a day, and have fewer side effects. Don't know whether these would apply to Gord (or you), but I'm sure the doctors would know.

Jesse Joe

09-18-2006, 02:04 PM

Hey Cathy, I found this about Type 2 diabetes, thought it might be of some interest to you?

TORONTO (CP) - A drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes appears to prevent onset of the disease in some people who are at high risk of developing it, authors of a large international study reported Friday.

The Canadian-led trial found people who took the drug rosiglitazone (sold as Avandia) and who were given advice about lowering their risk through diet and exercise were substantially less likely to develop diabetes in the three years of followup than people who received lifestyle advice and took a placebo.

PJP

09-18-2006, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Gordon was in concert, in Harris Mi. Sept 15, which he did, but told the audience he could not use his right arm, for guitar strumming.

He apologized to the audience, saying he was going to fly to Toronto after the show.

And last night concert, again in Harris Mi. was cancelled. Sept 16.

Does anyone know anything about this? ~Jesse~

PJP

09-18-2006, 02:28 PM

He has had a minor stroke. He was able to play last night in Minneapolis but was struggling at times.

PJP

charlene

09-18-2006, 02:52 PM

Originally posted by PJP:
He has had a minor stroke. He was able to play last night in Minneapolis but was struggling at times.

PJP Hi PJP - Seafarer mentioned the stroke earlier - did you speak directly with him? Today?

This is going to be a very long week for everyone....until he safely home.

louisemnnpls

09-18-2006, 02:58 PM

We saw Gord in concert last night in Minneapolis.
They did the whole set straight through. (Have to go backwards and read these posts.) But, yes, we pray for him, too. Have been VERY concerned, as has been husband. By last night, Gord was using his hand. He said that the pointer finger and the pinky worked, so he had been practicing that way. He did play on most of the songs. He said that he felt great. He did at one point address his fingers to work correctly. No, I have never seen him like that before, but it was poignant, and something thing else that I can't explain, all at the same time. He was Gord, he sounded and looked like Gord, but there was a feeling of "oneness" in that auditorium. Something that I have never before felt. God, please keep him safe.

Jesse Joe

09-18-2006, 03:07 PM

Thank's louise, for this latest update.

Charlene, I imagine there is nothing in the Toronto papers? Ive been checking newsflash, and health news, breaking news, nothing on our poet genius.

This new character PJP, if not a former corfidian should answer your question, I suspect a fraud. Just my opinion tho.~Jesse~

09-18-2006, 03:49 PM

At the risk of casting aspersions.....

I find it interesting that 3 new members made their appearance today : #1462, #1463, and #1464. There is nothing in their posts that could not have been gleaned from what others had already stated, except for the PJP assertion that he/she had a conversation with Lightfoot today.

Yea........right......Is someone talking to themselves again ?

Jenney

09-18-2006, 05:42 PM

Originally posted by RMD:
At the risk of casting aspersions.....

I find it interesting that 3 new members made their appearance today : #1462, #1463, and #1464. There is nothing in their posts that could not have been gleaned from what others had already stated, except for the PJP assertion that he/she had a conversation with Lightfoot today.

Yea........right......Is someone talking to themselves again ? I suspect there are a lot of people out there that just lurk, and never felt they had anything they wanted to share before. Since our newcomers were at the show, they probably felt they could contribute posts that no one else could.
Just my assumption.
Jenney

louisemnnpls

09-18-2006, 05:48 PM

Oop! I did belong before, but then my husband became ill, and I got away from it. I don't remember what my screen name was. Probably John Fowles would know, as he had tried at one time to help me get into the chat room, as I was so computer challanged. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

But, after experiencing last night's performance and the bravery of Gord on the most human level, I had to come back. He is just "one of a kind". I was painful to see, and on the other hand it was almost like a religious experience. It was people experiencing another's pain and dedication and tenacity, intimately on a whole new level.

There is a whole in my heart for Gord and for my husband, because they are not what they were, but
they are even MORE than they were before.

louisemnnpls

09-18-2006, 05:52 PM

WE were in seats "T 7 and T 8" last night in Minneapolis.

Louise

Cathy

09-18-2006, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by RMD:
At the risk of casting aspersions.....

I find it interesting that 3 new members made their appearance today : #1462, #1463, and #1464. There is nothing in their posts that could not have been gleaned from what others had already stated, except for the PJP assertion that he/she had a conversation with Lightfoot today.

Yea........right......Is someone talking to themselves again ? I suspect they're lurkers in real life, and their concern for Lightfoot's health has finally given them a reason to post.

Jennifer

09-18-2006, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by seafarer62:
Gordon mentioned in Friday's concert that his medical situation has happened before and has cleared in a day or two.

We will be in Main Floor 2, Row W, Seats 1-2.

Stop on over and say hello. I will look for you too. Poor Gordon. He is in my thoughts and my fingers are crossed that he will be ok! I am supposed to see him for the first time this upcoming Sunday. Of course I would be disappointed if the show was cancelled but I am more concerned for his health and would like to see him with us for many more years, so I hope he takes care of himself first.

I am experiencing a whole slew of emotions: the first being concern for his well-being/health, the second being disappointment that I might not get to see the greatest singer/songwriter ever, and last I must say I am amazed and a bit in awe that this man continues to go on with the show at his age with said health concerns. What a trooper he is.

09-18-2006, 06:22 PM

Originally posted by Jenney:
quote: I suspect there are a lot of people out there that just lurk, and never felt they had anything they wanted to share before. Since our newcomers were at the show, they probably felt they could contribute posts that no one else could.
Just my assumption.
Jenney [/QB][/QUOTE]Jenney,

I considered the fact that the news of Lightfoot's
limitations might evoke responses from those who never post. I understood the risk and took it. I think I still need to learn how to "Let it Ride".

formerlylavender

09-18-2006, 06:46 PM

I hope, as Louise stated, that Gord's condition is improving. Personally, I'd pay to hear him read/sing his "poetry" without musical accompaniment, but I hope it doesn't come to that.

Get better soon...

Jesse Joe

09-18-2006, 07:50 PM

Originally posted by Cathy:
quote:Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Hey Cathy, I found this about Type 2 diabetes, thought it might be of some interest to you?

TORONTO (CP) - A drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes appears to prevent onset of the disease in some people who are at high risk of developing it, authors of a large international study reported Friday.

The Canadian-led trial found people who took the drug rosiglitazone (sold as Avandia) and who were given advice about lowering their risk through diet and exercise were substantially less likely to develop diabetes in the three years of followup than people who received lifestyle advice and took a placebo. Strange you mention this. I watched a show about this very subject on CBC awhile back.
The problem is, I already have Type 2 Diabetes. The first time they checked my blood sugar, it was up in the 380 range. I now have it down around 200, which is still high, but it's dropping steadily every day. And I go to the gym early each morning and walk for 45 minutes to an hour, then do stretching exercises with light weights about 4 times a week. Hey, it's working! I've lost 20 lbs, now that my thyroid, which was damaged by the aneurysm, is back to normal.
Thanks for the concern, and the great advice, Jesse.
I'll save this in my Diabetes folder. :) [/QUOTE]Good for you Cathy, losing 20 pounds. And your very welcome. Im glad it was of some interest for you.
~Jesse~ :)

BILLW

09-18-2006, 08:31 PM

Thanks everyone who has seen him in the last few days for posting. What else can you say ? We'll keep praying for him and hope for the best. Sad that he's so far off the mainstream radar that he doesn't even rate a mention in the 'entertainment' press any longer. What do they know anyway...

Bill :(

ELizabeth

09-19-2006, 09:25 AM

Right on BILLW. The press (and other media) persistes in thinking or maybe hoping is more appropriate, that no one over the age of 10 or those w/ a high school diploma read their paper. The NY Times, Christian Science Monitor, and WSJ may be exceptions. 'Lisbet. Thanks again for that name Sir John

Kelly Davis

09-19-2006, 09:32 AM

I plan to see Gord Saturday in Aurora, IL no matter what state his right hand playing is in.

Going to a Gordon Lightfoot concert has become a family event for us (family of 5). I even have a picture of Terry Clements tying my son's shoe lace (he was 4 years old at the time).

My prayers have already gone out to Gordon.

johnfowles

09-19-2006, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by louisemnnpls:
Oop! I did belong before, but then my husband became ill, and I got away from it. I don't remember what my screen name was. Probably John Fowles would know, as he had tried at one time to help me get into the chat room, as I was so computer challanged. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Quite correct Louise you even signed in (in duplicate I seem to remember) on the guest book on my lightfoot page, Fortunately my memory remembers such trivia as the fact that you used to post as "LAM" something so a search for that in the directory quickly found your member name most recently as
"LAM3346E" member(Member # 534) from Minnesota
see a list of your postings at:-
http://www.corfid.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=recent_user_posts;u=00000534
I think you did at least once succeed in getting into the chat room . If I am wrong please try again this coming Friday at 9 pm EST at:-
http://www.glchat.notlong.com.
If you, or for that matter anybody else wishing to join in to no doubt discuss the latest news, do not have a non-java applet challenged old computeer you will have to get and install mIRC
John Fowles
edited to add what i consider in the circumstances is a most appropriate
graphic:
http://members.myepath.com/rskmjgrossman/gordlive3.jpg
Being the most recent and brilliant, not to mention earily prophetic, creation of arch graphic designer zoneranger

[ September 19, 2006, 10:02: Message edited by: johnfowles ]

Jesse Joe

09-19-2006, 11:35 AM

What a great photo, thank's for posting this John, and Zoneranger, for a beautiful piece of work, as usual...~Jesse~ :)

louisemnnpls

09-19-2006, 02:34 PM

Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
What a great photo, thank's for posting this John, and Zoneranger, for a beautiful piece of work, as usual...~Jesse~ :) John, thanks much for "finding" me. Yes, I did manage to get into the chatroom a couple of times. Sure would like to be able to again. Still have that same old computer. Am supposed to be getting a new one, it's just a matter of when.

Thank you SO MUCH for the photo. That is exactly how he looked Sunday night. That's a "keeper"!!!
My husband agreed that this was the most touching , beautiful and poignant concert ever. What a lesson in life Gord taught us, by example.

Kathy in Michigan

09-19-2006, 04:48 PM

We also drove 300+ miles for the Saturday nite concert and were terribly disappointed. I saw the band in the restaurant that night and really wanted to talk to them, but thought that it would be rude to interrupt their dinner. I did, however, take several trips to the salad bar (they were in the same room) and I was sort of waiting by the exit, but they got by me! I was feeling like a 16 year old groupie (I'm 50+)and really did not know what I was going to say, so it's probably just as well. The stroke story was going around, but someone said that Gordon got checked out and was alright.

On Monday night in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, I talked to a man in the elevator about it. He was from Niagra Falls, Canada. He said that Gordon was suffering from throat cancer!!! Any thoughts on this? I just figured it was another one of those 'telephone' rumors, you know, the illness changes everytime someone passes it on.

I'm hoping and praying that I will be able to see him next time and hopefully there will be a next time!
Kathy in Michigan

Jesse Joe

09-19-2006, 04:55 PM

Dear Kathy in Michigan, I hope the throat cancer thing is a rumor. I have not heard anything about this. Thanks for posting your evening tho, it was an interesting read...~Jesse~ :)

Jenney

09-19-2006, 05:14 PM

The throat cancer is an absolute rumor! No truth what so ever about it.
Besides, look at it logically, people that have seen him before (Seafarer for example) said he sounded better than ever, just a bit hoarse on the high notes. It appeared that the problem was with his hand, not his throat.

I think that throat cancer rumor has gone around before.
Jenney

Jesse Joe

09-19-2006, 05:30 PM

Thank goodness Jenney, it is true that people can say anything. Like a grain of sand, turning into a mountain. Funny also not a mention of his past days, on ET Canada, and other show biz news.~Jesse~

Jesse Joe

09-19-2006, 05:30 PM

Thank goodness Jenney, it is true that people can say anything. Like a grain of sand, turning into a mountain. Funny also not a mention of his past days, on ET Canada, and other show biz news.~Jesse~

seafarer62

09-19-2006, 08:22 PM

Yes, the throat cancer rumor goes back to the days between "Waiting for You" and "Painter Passing Through" when the internet was brand-new and some of us got to know each other. It was a thread on the old alt.music.lightfoot newsgroup !! (If any of you remember that..... take a bow.)

As I recall, the rumor appeared in some newspaper or publications and was quickly dismissed.

Gord's voice is not what it was but I have aged a lot too in the 29 years since I first saw him in concert. Having just seen him twice in the past five days, one observation strikes me. The range of his voice is largely gone but for a line or two of a song, I can see and hear the Gord of years gone by. That's the magic for me: It transports me back to another time and for an entertainer to be able to do that to someone.... that's rare.

John/MN

Jesse Joe

09-20-2006, 07:08 AM

Originally posted by BILLW:
Thanks everyone who has seen him in the last few days for posting. What else can you say ? We'll keep praying for him and hope for the best. Sad that he's so far off the mainstream radar that he doesn't even rate a mention in the 'entertainment' press any longer. What do they know anyway...

Bill :( Very well said Bill. I agree with you to the fullest... :) ~Jesse-Joe~

louisemnnpls

09-20-2006, 07:34 AM

Hi all,

Was there a concert last night? If so, how is Gord and how did it go? Have been in prayer almost continually for him the last few days. No matter where we go or what we are doing, his songs keep coming to mind.

Louise M.
aka.....lam3346e......aka......aime_41

Doug

09-20-2006, 08:06 AM

Hi Louise,

I know he played in Wausau/WI last night and I know for sure the concert was on. But it seems, nobody from the newsgroup went. I guess we have to wait until later this week to get an update about his right hand.
I also just checked the lightfoot.ca site to see if there's already a setlist posted. It isn't yet. I would think if he did two sets with an intermission it would indicate that he's feeling better again.
But like you already said, he's constantly on my mind too. Too bad we can't just call him and ask how he's doing...:)

Claudia

Claudia

09-20-2006, 08:06 AM

seafarer62

09-20-2006, 12:43 PM

I really wanted to go to Wausau. I took a week of vacation when I found out his tour schedule and was all set to do four concerts in five nights, but only got to see two. I couldn't anticipate a tent collapse in Harris, MI and the unexpected demand out of Wausau.

A couple of times this summer I called Wausau and they said they have never sold out on an event on the first day. So I didn't think I would have any problem.

I called in late July and they said they were selling tickets only if you bought tickets to at least four productions in the upcoming season. I explained I was from out-of-town and only wanted to see Gord. I begged for dispensation but they said there shouldn't be any problem if you call on the first day of general sales.

I monitored the website for several weeks and I called the first day of general sales about 11:30 a.m. on my lunch break. Wouldn't you know, the concert was sold out? They said they couldn't believe how fast tickets went.

I was put on a waiting list on August 23. I called Sept. 18 and I was still 22nd on the waiting list. (Started at 30th in line.) They said there were 350+ on the waiting list.

Tried eBay for tickets. Plenty on sale for Vancouver but no luck for Wausau.

So my failure to land Wausau tickets was not due to lack of effort.

Anyway, I hope someone would post from Wausau but these things happen. Please, please, whoever is seeing him in southern Wisconsin and Chicago later this week, post a set list and make some notes for the rest of us.

Thanks to all who have sent me their appreciation for noting the set lists from Sept. 15 and 17 and all the observations. I have learned to write in the dark on a small notebook over the years. I also try to provide what I would like others to do for me when I am not at a concert. That's what makes this group so special.

John/ MN

hock

09-20-2006, 05:33 PM

Hi, I'm a new member and found this board while looking for news on Gordon's health. I was at the concert in Wausau last night. My husband noticed something was wrong right away because he knows a lot about playing a guitar. I've only seen Gordon perform one other time, 12 years ago. Last night his voice was beautiful! Much better than the other time I saw him. He sounded great. He didn't play as long as he would have without health issues, but it was a good concert, sold out and a receptive audience.
He seemed to get frustrated at times but kept right on going. He made a comment "I keep going through adversities and hope this is what I'm doing till the end" not his exact words but similar.
I didn't know of his health problem till he announced it at the concert and there was a gasp from the audience when he told what was going on with his health.
The audience was supportive and I think he was pleased. I enjoyed every minute of it.
I pray he will be ok!

Auburn Annie

09-20-2006, 05:40 PM

Thanks for posting, Finesse. Did he say exactly what the problem was? He'd mentioned mini-stroke as a possibility last week but was seeing a neurologist while on tour to check him out.

Gitchigumee

09-20-2006, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by Finesse:
He made a comment "I keep going through adversities and hope this is what I'm doing till the end" not his exact words but similar.
That statement breaks my heart. Gord, keep fighting! We love you so much!

Lee

09-20-2006, 07:08 PM

You cant keep a good man down. :cool:

hock

09-20-2006, 07:44 PM

Originally posted by Gitchigumee:
quote:Originally posted by Finesse:
He made a comment "I keep going through adversities and hope this is what I'm doing till the end" not his exact words but similar.
That statement breaks my heart. Gord, keep fighting! We love you so much! [/QUOTE]

hock

09-20-2006, 07:52 PM

He said he had spent the last two days in hospitals and having MRI's He said he had a transient stroke.
I forgot to mention when I posted before, he had a guy named Spider John (I think that's the name?) open for him. Gordon didn't have the stamina to do a lengthy concert. Once out there though, I think he was having a good time, other than a few frustrating moments. He had a great sense of humor and made jokes throughout. He also told little quips about some of the songs. I give him soooo much credit for getting out there and doing what he did. I hope he is not feeling self conscious. He should be very proud!

seafarer62

09-20-2006, 08:12 PM

Thanks for post (Finesse) and welcome to the newsgroup. Your observations are very important because it appeared that no one in the newsgroup was able to get to tickets to the Wausau concert since it sold out so quickly.

Seems like concert-goers in the near future can expect an opening act followed by the "casino" set of 21 or 22 songs. It is very reminscent of concerts back to the 1970's when Gord frequently used an opening act. After about 1980, Gord started doing two sets of about 27-28 songs in total.

Gord was talkative in the Sept 15 concert (Harris, MI) and very personable in the Sept 17 concert (Minneapolis) in the midst of his hand and finger problems. I can't help but wonder if he is compensating for his guitar deficiency by providing a little more crowd interaction. I think most in the audience are 45+ and can empathize with a physical condition and limitations. In no way do I think he is trying to get sympathy; I think he recognizes that people paid good money to see him and deserve an explanation for what is going on.

I am still in awe of his courage and determination. If he were ending a leg of a tour, I wouldn't be as worried. However, he is starting an aggresive six-week stretch (Oct through mid-November) and I am very concerned for him. I sure hope he isn't defying medical advice. This man has nothing left to prove and his health should be paramount.

Doug

09-20-2006, 08:17 PM

What starts to worry me is the fact that the symptoms of a TIA are supposed to last only 24 hours or less. But he already has the limitations since Friday afternoon. That certainly brings up the question if there is something even more severe about that "Mini stroke". I don't even dare to think about it.

Finesse - how was his playing affected in Wausau? In Minneapolis he needed to adjust the pick with his left hand constantly and sometimes even dropped it. Was that going any better last night?

Claudia

Claudia

09-20-2006, 08:17 PM

louisemnnpls

09-20-2006, 08:21 PM

Hi all,

Finesse, and everyone who just commented, thanks.
Gord has been on my mind all day. The words " 'til the end", cause this sinking feeling in my heart. May that be a lo-n-n-n-n-g time away. May God sustain this wonderful man, who has given so much of himself.

Melissa

09-20-2006, 08:56 PM

Thanks very much to all who have posted about the recent events. I rarely check this site, but have done so lately, out of concern about Gord. Gord is such a trooper. I am so proud of him, and can't wait to see him, and all of you, in Toronto!

Melissa

hock

09-20-2006, 09:14 PM

He adjusted the pick with his left hand and his mouth. He dropped the pick once that I noticed.
He couldn't maintain a constant strumming pattern on most songs, the only one he really kept up with was Edmund Fitzgerald.
He seemed to want to please the audience and maybe felt he was letting people down, but really I was just so grateful to be able to see him. His voice was marvelous. I remember the last time I saw him 12 years ago and he didn't sound nearly as good then. He sounded great last night.

I too am worried he may be overdoing it. I think he is devoted to his fans but he really needs to take care of himself right now. I know I would have been so disappointed if he would have had to cancel last night but his health comes first.

This show will always be a wonderful memory for me.

Finesse - how was his playing affected in Wausau? In Minneapolis he needed to adjust the pick with his left hand constantly and sometimes even dropped it. Was that going any better last night?

Claudia [/QB][/QUOTE]

louisemnnpls

09-20-2006, 09:18 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by johnfowles:
[QUOTE] "please try again this coming Friday at 9 pm EST at:-
http://www.glchat.notlong.com.
If you, or for that matter anybody else wishing to join in to no doubt discuss the latest news, do not have a non-java applet challenged old computeer you will have to get and install mIRC
John Fowles

John,
went to your site and first encountered a message that said "IRC is not a registered protocol."

Tried the next icon and It kept typing "Trying to resolve the IP address of - usdilexnet.net and then dilexnet.net6667. Then a separate window came up that said "Java Console". Is there anything that can be done to access the chat by Friday.

Prayers for Gord.

hock

09-20-2006, 09:21 PM

My feeling from him saying that is, on stage is where he wants to be and he wants to do this till his time on this earth is through. He didn't say it in a depressed way, it was more like this is where he wants to be and he's glad to be able to still do it. He's very determined and I think he will succeed in getting back to where he was physically if it's possible. I too think he might be overdoing it but I don't think he'd want it any other way.

Originally posted by louisemnnpls:
Hi all,

Finesse, and everyone who just commented, thanks.
Gord has been on my mind all day. The words " 'til the end", cause this sinking feeling in my heart. May that be a lo-n-n-n-n-g time away. May God sustain this wonderful man, who has given so much of himself.

louisemnnpls

09-20-2006, 09:40 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Finesse:
My feeling from him saying that is, on stage is where he wants to be and he wants to do this till his time on this earth is through. He didn't say it in a depressed way, it was more like this is where he wants to be and he's glad to be able to still do it. He's very determined and I think he will succeed in getting back to where he was physically if it's possible. I too think he might be overdoing it but I don't think he'd want it any other way.
.................................................
Finesse,

Thank you for saying it that way. (You DO have
"Finesse" :) ) And you're right, for him to not be able to perform might be worse for him than
forging ahead as he is doing.

It's been that way with my husband. He is going back to work Monday, after seven months, and now he is getting sick again. But, to tell him he had to retire would probably kill him. It brings to mind Pope John Paul and Mother (Saint) Theresa.
They worked until the very end. And they were people like Gord. They gave everything that they had to give.

Gord may God sustain you and strengthen you.
We LOVE you.

hock

09-20-2006, 09:46 PM

Thanks for the compliment. :)

I don't want to leave anyone with the impression that he seemed depressed and upset. Frustrated at times, yes, but for the most part upbeat, amusing and AMAZING.

I hope your husband will be ok. I'll pray for him as well as GL tonight.

Originally posted by louisemnnpls:

Finesse,

Thank you for saying it that way. (You DO have
"Finesse" :) ) And you're right, for him to not be able to perform might be worse for him than
forging ahead as he is doing.

It's been that way with my husband. He is going back to work Monday, after seven months, and now he is getting sick again. But, to tell him he had to retire would probably kill him. It brings to mind Pope John Paul and Mother (Saint) Theresa.
They worked until the very end. And they were people like Gord. They gave everything that they had to give.

Gord may God sustain you and strengthen you.
We LOVE you. [/QB]

Tom

09-20-2006, 09:51 PM

It saddens me to read this thread, I sincerely hope Gordon is going to be okay. I wish we could have seen him in February when he was here in Florida. I'll be fasting & praying for him all day tomorrow.

[ September 20, 2006, 22:11: Message edited by: Tom ]

Jesse Joe

09-21-2006, 04:44 AM

Like Tom, this thread is getting to be discouraging. Is there anyway, to actually find out the truth, about his situation. Hospital stay, adjusting his pick with, teeth, and left hand.

"The symptoms of a TIA are supposed to last only 24 hours or less. But he already has the limitations since Friday afternoon. That certainly brings up the question if there is something even more severe about that "Mini stroke". I don't even dare to think about it."

I cant understand why the press has not pick up on this. Maybe we Corfidians who love him so dearly, are making more to this, than there really is. But we dont know everthing, so time will tell. Im pretty sure he knows what he's doing.

Cant wait for October 1st, to see how things will be with him. Starting the Canadian leg of the tour.

Dont want to offend anyone, appreciate all your reports,and comments, just overly concerned,{worried}, like you all. Keep those reports coming, when you attend one of his concerts. Lets hope things will get better...~Jesse-Joe~ :)

[ September 21, 2006, 04:53: Message edited by: Jesse -Joe ]

BILLW

09-21-2006, 05:33 AM

Originally posted by Finesse:
I forgot to mention when I posted before, he had a guy named Spider John (I think that's the name?) open for him.Spider John Koerner is one of two surviving members of the blues/folk trio Koerner, Ray & Glover. He wrote 'I Ain't Blue' which was covered by Bonnie Raitt on her first album. The late Dave Ray recorded Bonnie's first album at his studio in the north woods. For those of us who love his work this would have been a 'dream double-bill'. Koerner opens for Lightfoot, WOW !

Check it out: http://www.mwt.net/~koerner/

Bill :)

MorningGlory

09-21-2006, 08:54 AM

Originally posted by Tom:
It saddens me to read this thread, I sincerely hope Gordon is going to be okay. I wish we could have seen him in February when he was here in Florida. I'll be fasting & praying for him all day tomorrow. Tom, where in Florida do you live? I live in Jacksonville.

Sending prayers and healing thoughts for Gord every day from J-ville.

Mary

Kelly Davis

09-21-2006, 09:09 AM

I am going to the Aurora show Sat. , Lord willing.

I will give a set list and maybe some more insight on how Gord is doing.

Can't wait!

BILLW

09-21-2006, 09:41 AM

What concerns me is that Gord should have never gone onstage after the TIA occured. If it was severe enough for is right hand/arm to be impaired, he should have cancelled his shows maybe for the rest of the year, knowing that TIA's could indicate something bigger to come. I'm concerned that his desire to work is filling in some voids in his life that he would rather be on stage unable to properly play his guitar, than be back in Toronto undergoing physical therapy on his arm. It's time to cool it, rest,
deal with the problem, then,if the doctors say ok, pick it up next year...with a less ambitious schedule. I love the guy, but I'm ticked at him right now.

Rob1956

09-21-2006, 09:41 AM

Gitchigumee

09-21-2006, 10:03 AM

OK as I laid down to sleep last night, I said a prayer for Gordon's health and well being. And then, because I agree that this thread has become very depressing, I decided to do something about it.

Since I have a little knowledge about strokes, I thought I'd share my experiences of the past few months.

My father, who is 12 years older than Gord, suffered a "mild" stroke on Mothers Day in May. It affected his left side. How strokes work, if it's the right side of the brain, it affects the left side of your body. And if it's the left side of the brain, it affects the right side of the body AND your speach, swallowing abilities, etc. Since Gord's right hand was affected, it was obviously the left side of his brain. Now...his speach wasn't affected at all (praise the Lord), and I can tell you from personal observation of him on Sunday night in Minneapolis, that his legs were not affected at all either. He stood during the entire concert, even though 3 of his band members were sitting. So that is GOOD NEWS!

Other than perhaps being a surgeon, I cannot imagine an occupation that would be hindered more by a stroke, than being a guitar player. Gord was able to play a little, and to my untrained eye, he appeared to still be playing more than most people (like me) would be able to do. Of course he wasn't up to his normal playing capabilities, and I think that it must be very frustrating for him--kind of like losing your eyesight if you're a painter. HOWEVER, like I said in a previous post, he was very upbeat, kept flexing his hand and saying that he felt encouraged that the feeling was going to come back.

One thing I always thought about strokes was that they were like lightening flashes, and then they were done, and maybe some of them are, but the one my dad had lasted for about 48 hours. It started with his middle finger on his left hand going numb, and then it was his hand, arm, and leg. The left side of his face did not droop, but his left eye wouldn't stop watering. Because my dad had heart surgery a few years back, he is on a blood thinner and was not a candidate for the reversal drug they sometimes give stroke victims. I suspect, because of his prior health issues, Gordon may also have NOT been a candidate for the reversal drug. What we were told with my dad is, that if you get to the Dr. w/i 3 hours of the onset of the symptoms, then they can give you a drug to reverse the effects of a stroke. But like I said, my dad was not a candidate for that and I doubt Gord was either.

The MRI my dad had, and which I believe Gord had, was to see if there had been any bleeding on the brain. In my dad's case, there was none. In Gord's case, there must not have been any either, which is VERY GOOD NEWS because that can be really, really bad.

I think it is very common for stroke victims to go through depression afterwards. What helped my dad overcome this was, when he was going through physical therapy, he saw people much younger than him that were in much worse condition. He saw how bad it could have been, and was determined to "come back" all the way. I was so proud of the way he became a role model for the other patients. Now it has been about 4 months since his stroke happened, and I would say he is about 90% back to the way he was before the stroke.

As in the case with all of us worrying about Gordon, and as was the case with my father, I found myself worrying incessantly about subsequent strokes occurring. Unfortunately, it is difficult if not impossible to predict if more strokes will occur. I finally resolved myself to the fact that if it happens, it happens, and there's nothing we can do about it. All we can do is live each day to the fullest, enjoy our time together, and hope for the best. We cannot let the situation depress us to the point where we cannot enjoy life, but instead must be thankful for the time we have together. Perhaps the most encouraging news of all with my dad, is that he has had NO SUBSEQUENT STROKES, and God willing, neither will Gord!

I think if we all knew more details about Gord, we would probably feel a bit better about this situation. Unfortunately, Gord probably doesn't know much more than we do, and besides, it is a private thing that Gord and his circle of family & friends will have to deal with. We can all pray that Gordon will return to full health and be able to continue reaching out to his "extended family" through more concerts and more songwriting for many, many years to come.

Sorry for the length. I hope it helped some of you make peace with this situation.

[ September 21, 2006, 10:18: Message edited by: Gitchigumee ]

BILLW

09-21-2006, 10:36 AM

I've had some experience with TIA's in my family, but they were all people in their mid 70's and 80's. So Gord being "only" 67 causes more concern.

Rob1956

09-21-2006, 10:36 AM

I've had some experience with TIA's in my family, but they were all people in their mid 70's and 80's. So Gord being "only" 67 causes more concern.

Jay Dubbe

09-21-2006, 10:41 AM

Like Finesse, I am new to this group, and stumbled upon it when searching for news on Gordon’s mini-stroke. I am still surprised that there was no mention of it anywhere in the mainstream press, or even the trade papers (i.e., Rolling Stone, Billboard, etc.)

My wife and I attended the concert last night (9/20) in Whitewater, Wisc., and were stunned, like almost everyone else in the theater, to hear Gordo relate the news to us right after his opening song (Cotton Jenny). We were totally ignorant of the incident, as was the vast majority of the audience, and there was a loud groan, followed by hushed silence. As I looked around, after a few songs, more than a few people were crying.

Most of the things that occurred (Gordon’s statements, physical movements, etc.), have already been related by others who attended the shows in Harris, Minneapolis, and Wausau, so I won’t repeat them--they're practically identical to what we saw last night. But, I will add a few personal observations. . .

This is the first time I have ever seen him in concert, (I had bought tickets, way back in 1983, to a concert in Madison that was cancelled at the last minute.) So, I was just struck at how professional he was on stage—in the sense that he made it painfully clear that he cared very much whether we were pleased by his performance. After his encore (only one—by his choice, I think,) he came back out, alone, for one last bow. The whole theater was standing, of course, and he looked at us and shrugged his shoulders a bit, as if to say, “How was I?” When we roared our approval, he gave us a quick nod, showed a double-thumbs up, and nodded, as is to say, “Great!”, and he made his exit.

He had a momentary lapse of memory during “Don Quixote”, and began repeating verse one, rather than starting verse three, and he suddenly stopped and quietly apologized to us, before resuming the verse. My wife and I both were both struck by the self-deprecation, and thought, “That wasn’t necessary.” It was a quiet, little, revealing moment about his performance ethic, I think.

He apologized, at another point, saying, “I wish I could play the more ethereal pieces for you. . . but this thing,” [holding up his right hand] “looks like it’s going to take a while.”

The clear highlight for everyone, I am confident in saying, was "Wreck"--he gave a lengthy intro, and seemed to give it extra gusto and feeling.

I know I'm a novice (some might even say lurker,) but I just have to say that it was a pretty emotional night for my wife and me: the lack of any public word about his travails, prior to the concert, seeming very incongruent to his legendary status (at least, in our hearts and minds); his obvious courage in pressing on with the tour; his clear concern that we wouldn't be "disappointed" with his performance; his uncertain future; and, of course, the memories, stretching all the way back to childhood. It was long ride home after the concert. . .

Mt. Horeb Cub Fan

09-21-2006, 10:41 AM

Melissa

09-21-2006, 10:47 AM

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060921/WDH04/609210375&SearchID=73257537495703

I found this online this morning and wanted to pass it along.

Gitchigumee

09-21-2006, 10:49 AM

I found this web-site regarding TIA's:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4781

Check it out. The encouraging thing is, my dad did not have a TIA, he had a stroke (albeit a mild one), and he is doing great!

I am sure Gord's doctors are on top of this situation, and will do everything they possibly can to prevent another TIA or a stroke.

charlene

09-21-2006, 11:44 AM

Originally posted by LTFT Fan:
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060921/WDH04/609210375&SearchID=73257537495703

I found this online this morning and wanted to pass it along. Humble and gracious...he's doing the job he came to do and damn it to hell he'll get it done somehow!
He's The Man...no doubt about it...

louisemnnpls

09-21-2006, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by LTFT Fan:
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060921/WDH04/609210375&SearchID=73257537495703

I found this online this morning and wanted to pass it along. Wonderful tribute to Gord. That kind of puts it all in perspective.

And kudos to Gitchigumee (best of luck to your dad), and to all who posted afterwards. Your efforts to lift us out of the doldrums are much appreciated. :) And, your're all so right. All
each one of us really has is just this moment.
But for this moment, let us embrace it and really live it.

Gitchigumee

09-21-2006, 04:37 PM

Originally posted by louisemnnpls:
All each one of us really has is just this moment. But for this moment, let us embrace it and really live it. [/QB]Amen.

Moosedog

09-21-2006, 06:02 PM

I was at the Whitewater show last night, and Gordon did a great job! Spider John opened, and Gordon thanked him several times during the performance for stepping in to help out. Gordon explained his situation to the audience, and put on a great show for us.

I was fortunate enough to speak with him after the show, and his spirits are high. He was joking, smiling, and typical Gordon. :) He apologized for not being able to sign anything for his fans, but said everyone who was backstage was more than welcome to get some pictures with him. He indicated that he expects it may take 3 months for him to get full use of his right hand back. Let's hope it's sooner for him, and that he feels some improvement every day! :)

Vickie

johnfowles

09-21-2006, 06:22 PM

Originally posted by louisemnnpls:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by johnfowles:
[QUOTE] "please try again this coming Friday at 9 pm EST at:-
http://www.glchat.notlong.com.
If you, or for that matter anybody else wishing to join in to no doubt discuss the latest news, do not have a non-java applet challenged old computeer you will have to get and install mIRC
John Fowles

John,
went to your site and first encountered a message that said "IRC is not a registered protocol."

Tried the next icon and It kept typing "Trying to resolve the IP address of - usdilexnet.net and then dilexnet.net6667. Then a separate window came up that said "Java Console". Is there anything that can be done to access the chat by Friday. All very strange Louise. I have just tried both methods as descibed on my page
http://www.glchat.notlong.com
I found that clicking the nice red button quickly got me into the correct chat room using mIRC

so please reboot if necesary and try again

I have no idea where the entirely spurious "not a registered protocol" message came from unless you have a virus with a
warped sense of humo(u)r
nor the strange address "resolving" message
Of course there is something that cvan be done/already done.Please realise anybody else who encounters the problem Louise had, that the current setup was carefully selected to continue what the chatroom founer Rik Stevens always intended,
This was a twofold approach
1.for the best possible and most fully featured and generally agreed most reliable method of using IRC (Internet Relay Chat) using a very simple to install and use programme known as mIRC (wher the "m" signifies the surname of the programmes compiler Khaled Mardam-Bey of London, England
I gave fully illustrated details for installing and fully configuring mIRC at:
http://www.johnfowles.org.uk/LIGHTFOOT/chat/settingupmIRC.htm
that is the page you will get if you press my green button
the beauty of the red button is that except for entering your nickname the first time you use it the red button link will like magic to fully
automatically open the mIRC progamme and configure it to connect you to the Lightfoot chat room channel
the mIRC installation file you would get as a download from http://www.mirc.com is is an evecutable file currently
"The mIRC cabinet named mirc62.exe. This is a rather small file of 1121693 bytes"
mir62.exe signifies version 6.2 and is a quick download on even the slowest modem connection
very simply clicking on the downloaded file will very quickly install it, and the only possible problem from then on is the opening nag screen that appears with Khaled's picture suggesting that you might like to cough up a variable sum of money to continue using it,but if you decline and simply press continue you get the chance to enter your preferred nickname and a back
up name then to the best of my knowledge the programme will continue to function perfectly ad infinitem, albeit with the nag screen on every start up. but no problem as I do have a working free serial number and associated ID available if anybody wishes to have it
2.for those reluctant or prejudiced against mIRC a universal alternative using a Java Applet tht is actually stored and downloaded from my own website
to use method 2 pressing the blue button might get you in to chat unless your computer's setup is new and, in accordance with Microsoft's legal agreement with Sun Microsystems, its Internet Explorer does not have a Microsoft JVM (Java Virtual Machine)
My new desktop has Windows XP Media Center Edition with Service Pack 2 and its Interrnet Exploder is showing that it is version 6.0.2900.21280.xpsp.sp2... and will not open any Java applets but my old Windows 98SE computer with IE6.2600.000015 has no problem loading the applet and gaining entry to the room.
Finally I do appreciate being told of problems but am at a loss to explain what you saw and must conclude that going the mIRC route is the way for you
John Fowles
I should point out that the red button method is useless unless you do indeed have mIRC installed
on your computer

Cathy

09-21-2006, 07:26 PM

Originally posted by Gitchigumee:

[snip].. How strokes work, if it's the right side of the brain, it affects the left side of your body. And if it's the left side of the brain, it affects the right side of the body AND your speach, swallowing abilities, etc. [snip again]

Other than perhaps being a surgeon, I cannot imagine an occupation that would be hindered more by a stroke, than being a guitar player. [snip again]

...I always thought about strokes was that they were like lightening flashes, and then they were done, and maybe some of them are, but the one my dad had lasted for about 48 hours. [snip again :eek: ]

Because my dad had heart surgery a few years back, he is on a blood thinner and was not a candidate for the reversal drug they sometimes give stroke victims. I suspect, because of his prior health issues, Gordon may also have NOT been a candidate for the reversal drug. What we were told with my dad is, that if you get to the Dr. w/i 3 hours of the onset of the symptoms, then they can give you a drug to reverse the effects of a stroke. But like I said, my dad was not a candidate for that and I doubt Gord was either.

The MRI my dad had, and which I believe Gord had, was to see if there had been any bleeding on the brain. In my dad's case, there was none. In Gord's case, there must not have been any either, which is VERY GOOD NEWS because that can be really, really bad.

I think it is very common for stroke victims to go through depression afterwards. [snip again]

As in the case with all of us worrying about Gordon, and as was the case with my father, I found myself worrying incessantly about subsequent strokes occurring. [snip (for the last time :rolleyes: ]

A stroke on the left side doesn't always affect speech and swallowing abiities. I had an aneurysm (which caused a stroke) on the left side and was unconscious for a month. When I woke up, a asked the nurse, "Where the hell am I and how did I get here?" I had no trouble with speech or swallowing. It really depends on the area where the stroke occurs.

I'm a guitar player, and for the first three or four months, I couldn't hold a pick, nor could I fingerpick. I remember telling my sister, "If I can't play the guitar, I don't see any sense in living." Of course, I changed my mind, considering the alternative, and started working on getting my movement back. It's just about back to normal now.

The length of a stroke depends on the severity and the location in the brain where it occurs. In my case, I went into the basement to do laundry and collapsed on the floor. My son found me and called 911, and they air lifted me to Mass Medical in Boston. I don't remember a thing about that day, or the month in Boston.

People who have had a history of ruptured aneurysms are generally steered clear of most types of blood thinners. Annie pointed out a couple of new ones that seem to be getting good results. I'm not allowed blood thinners, or any drug that ends in 'in'... Aspirin, Cumadin, Motrin, Excedrin, etc. They all thin the blood.

Yes, aneurysm or any type of bleeding in the brain can be deadly, for sure. Most people don't live to tell of them. My father died of a ruptured blood vessel in his brain just four years ago. With my aneurysm, I had a 6% chance of survival, and don't really have a clue why I'm not 6 ft under. I have regular CT scans to see if the repaired aneurysm has started bleeding, or if I've developed another. As far as reversing the effects of a stroke, again, it depends where it happens in the brain. There's so much of our brain that we don't use. A fortunate stroke victim would be lucky enough to have the stroke in that part of the brain.

Depression is very common with a stroke victims. For one, their way of life takes a complete flip flop. Most of them can't work. They lose their license and have to prove that they aren't a babbling idiot in order to get them back. And they're on an emotional roller coaster. I remember crying over the most insignificant things!

I've had therapy for a year now. I can now move everything and even play guitar and fiddle again, but I still suffer from some weird type of amnesia. I'll be traveling along a road that I've been on thousands of times, and I just lose track of where I'm going, why I'm going, and what road I'm on. Until that goes away, there's no driving for me. I also had short term memory problems at first. Couldn't remember a damned thing. It has improved quite a bit with therapy.

As far a subsquent strokes occuring, avoiding another stroke takes medical intervention and a change in lifestyle. In other words, stop smoking, stop eating too much, stop drinking, stop getting stressed out, watch your blood pressure... I'm sure you've heard all this. But it's the truth. If a stroke victim doesn't want to risk the chance of a reoccurance, he has to change whatever caused it in the first place, and become resigned to the fact that he has to see a doctor regularly.

Glad to hear your father is doing so well, and I'm sure Gord's doctors have told him all of the above. Now... he just has to become committed to getting better.

Gitchigumee

09-21-2006, 08:13 PM

Excellent info. Thanks, this is an awesome forum. I wish we could get Gord to read it. Think he does?

BILLW

09-22-2006, 05:22 AM

Originally posted by Gitchigumee:
Excellent info. Thanks, this is an awesome forum. I wish we could get Gord to read it. Think he does? In my opinion ? No he does not. Some speculate that his team peeks in from time to time but that has never been verified. But you're right it would be nice to have him actually post here.

Bill :)

Auburn Annie

09-22-2006, 06:11 AM

Not even post - just read it from time to time to see how much he is appreciated, though I'm sure the audience reaction he gets every night gives him a clue anyway, lol.

geodeticman

09-22-2006, 08:45 AM

I can't remember who organized the "card" to Gord a ways back, but is there any group interest in a "hang tough" get-well or similar card to Gord now ?

I do not wish to be presumptious, just trying to think of whatever we could do in addition to our continuing prayers, spritual thoughts, or well-wishing as the case may be.

Perhaps the long time, honoured members of our forum might have a good insight into this; moreover perhaps the surprising number who have met him, or even know him as an acquaintance or colleague past or present ? Maybe they would know what kind of gesture would not be too intrusive, but instead a show of the group's love, repect, and positive thoughts of encouragement and admiration. Simply a thought to ponder. My prayer's continue as well.....

geo Steve

Cathy

09-22-2006, 09:02 AM

Originally posted by Gitchigumee:
Excellent info. Thanks, this is an awesome forum. I wish we could get Gord to read it. Think he does? I doubt that Gord sits down and reads it. He has confessed that he's not into computers. I believe his band members and office crew probably peeks in from time to time. Think of it. If there were discussion groups about you on the Internet, wouldn't you be tempted to see what's going on?

charlene

09-22-2006, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by geodeticman:
I can't remember who organized the "card" to Gord a ways back, but is there any group interest in a "hang tough" get-well or similar card to Gord now ?

I do not wish to be presumptious, just trying to think of whatever we could do in addition to our continuing prayers, spritual thoughts, or well-wishing as the case may be.

Perhaps the long time, honoured members of our forum might have a good insight into this; moreover perhaps the surprising number who have met him, or even know him as an acquaintance or colleague past or present ? Maybe they would know what kind of gesture would not be too intrusive, but instead a show of the group's love, repect, and positive thoughts of encouragement and admiration. Simply a thought to ponder. My prayer's continue as well.....

geo Steve Long ago, members here posted their birthday wishes to Gord...Florian printed them, sent them to me and i trekked on down Yonge St. to EMP and delivered them to the office. Gord wasn't home that day but Anne and Barry accepted the package for him.
And then I returned to my body...lol

If members wish to post their wishes for him again (birthday and health wishes) I can print them out and hopefully give them to him in November.
Individual cards can be sent to him at:
EMP
1365 Yonge St. #207,
Toronto,Ontario
M4T 2P7