Sobering Development...

[smitty_p]

So, a guitar-playing friend of mine, who contracted Parkinson's disease a few years ago, made kind of an odd request to me today.

He said, "You know...my skills are fading fast. I have some ideas for some original music that I'd like you to help me complete before I get to the point where I can't play anymore."

Man, that was hard to hear. He's a stubborn sort, and to hear him sort of acquiesce to his disease was both saddening and dismaying. I figured he'd just keep fighting.

So, we've got some work to do, but it's still a hard thing to see happen.

 

[Cadorman]

There seems to be a lot of Parkinsons coming up lately. Sorry to hear about your friend. It is sad, but hopefully having a project to do will keep him focused and in a positive mood.

 

[mcblink]

Oh man.
Parkinson's is ty.

 

[jjudas]

Sounds like a rewarding project.

 

[eSGEe]

SMitty-- your friend IS STILL FIGHTING --

Sounds to me like he has put on his "Big Boy Pants" is ACKNOWLEDGING the coming struggle and PREPPING the battle field to make a few last stabs at the top of the Hill before realty makes it impossible.

I wish you and him much success-- it will be hard at times -- but GO and make it happen man -- dont KNOW what I can do -- but if I can help in some way let me know--

Im sure others here will "pitch in" if we can provide some input or assistance.

 

[Session 5]

Very well said Adrian.

 

[Mitch Pearrow SJMP]

So sad to hear this Smitty, but what a great gesture, I do hope you guys pull off a great couple of tunes, better than getting a call that he is gone, far better, and his mind is still sharp, play on brother.
Best wishes
Mitch

 

[Truss_rod]

Very sad Smitty.

 

[Thatbastarddon]

I’m with Adrian on this. did I just type that?
It could prove to be a rewarding experience.

 

[eSGEe]

I’m with Adrian on this. did I just type that?

If I was easily offended Id take offense -- but IF I WAS EASILY OFFENDED -- Hell I wouldnt be ME!

I will agree with the Distinguished Bastard above me and agree-- it could be a very rewarding experience for both of you.

NOt making light -- and i know this is a heavy subject Ive had family members who passed with this disease--and it was not fun to watch as a kid even.

Smitty-- DO IT ---

 

[smitty_p]

I’m with Adrian on this. did I just type that?
It could prove to be a rewarding experience.

Yeah. I’ve been thinking the same. He and I just really need to take the time to shift our schedules around to make it happen. He is the same guy who asked me a few weeks ago to work with him at his friend’s studio. Now, I’m seeing what he’s thinking.

He’s played for quite while...longer than me...going back to the ‘70s. He was a personal friend of the late Danny Gatton. So, he’s been around the scene for awhile. This has got to be really tough on him.

 

[iblive]

Can’t add much to what’s already been said. I think it’s awesome you’re looking at working with this friend. I see it as a rewarding venture for both. Having a father in law that came down with Parkinson’s late in life, I know the mind continues to work just fine. His ideas. You’ll become his hands. If more of us gave of ourselves like this, this rock would be a whole lot nicer place to live.

 

[Mr Grumpy]

Sounds like a rewarding project.

Yes, I agree with this and the general sentiment of the thread.

 

[jtcnj]

Best wishes to your friend, and I hope this collaboration is a fun and satisfying experience for you both.

 

[BFT Gibson]

Srry to hear,,that sounds like an honor to be able to help your friend. You will be providing him some good times as this awful illness manifests itself. Can be some amazing music !!

 

[SG John]

I hope you guys get some great tracks down.

 

[ChasFred]

The way I see it, you really as a friend, have no choice but to grant his request.
I am sure there will be emotional moments, but in the end what you and your friend will receive will last forever.

 

[Amp Mad Scientist]

So, a guitar-playing friend of mine, who contracted Parkinson's disease a few years ago, made kind of an odd request to me today.

He said, "You know...my skills are fading fast. I have some ideas for some original music that I'd like you to help me complete before I get to the point where I can't play anymore."

Man, that was hard to hear. He's a stubborn sort, and to hear him sort of acquiesce to his disease was both saddening and dismaying. I figured he'd just keep fighting.

So, we've got some work to do, but it's still a hard thing to see happen.

The most important thing is to help your friend.
It's a mission from God herself.

 

[mcblink]

Oh man.
Parkinson's is ty.

To elaborate on this a bit....I believe I posted this in the Ozzy thread as well...
My grandma had Parkinson's as long as I knew her, and she made it to 93 years old. Now my uncle has it, he's in his 70s. My uncle, at one point before his diagnosis, wanted to learn guitar. He has these GIANT sausage fingers, and so he had a very very nice custom build from Taylor made for himself, with a nice wide neck that would allow those sausages to finger chords without too much 'clutter'. He was probably only 3 or 4 months into taking lessons when he was diagnosed. He never played that guitar again, and eventually gave it to a guy that married one of his daughters. He's still with us, but all he does now is smoke herb, sleep a lot...it's been tough on him...

So yeah, grant your friend his request, help him out with his project, and more important, be sure to be his friend through it all. He's going to need you. It's a ty disease.

 

[smitty_p]

The way I see it, you really as a friend, have no choice but to grant his request.

Believe me...I intend to!

I think the biggest obstacle will actually be him. He owns and runs his own business, which often leaves him pretty worn out. So, I can see times when he just won’t be up to getting together, even if I’m ready to go.

The other saddening thing is that he also loves to bow hunt. So, if this takes a toll on his archery skills, it’ll be one huge double-whammy.

Playing guitar and hunting from his deer stand are his two biggest loves in life. Both are now in jeopardy.

It‘s tough to see.