Aristocat
Well-known member
Don't quite know how to process this one at all. Conflicted emotions on my front big time.
I was chatting with my Foster Dad and he dropped the bomb that something big is going down. Figured I'd ditch the e-mail parlaying and give him a ring. He proceeds to tell me that a long time friend/collaborator of his and inspiration was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with metastases in both the liver and the lungs. It's predicted that he has about a year left.
It's sudden and couldn't happen a nicer, more salt of the earth guy. This is guy who when I turned 16 showed up at my door with a box of effect pedals and his own CDs and said, "Have at it kid". Same guy who every time I saw him, would hand me both Ruby and Sapphire (his red and blue Custom 22 PRS') and let me jam on them (no one ever played them but Fran and I). Same guy that would lend me his Fender Twin for fill in gigs when I was amp less. Teach me about time and space and how and when to play the right notes. In simple words, the kinda guy who would give you the shirt off his back. But for a kid with no one to look up to, this guy was the man.
I contacted Fran last night but he's already undergoing chemo as of Friday. I'm hoping to get to see him when I go back to MA this December. I've had family members who have had cancer in the past but I've never known of anyone to have terminal cancer so I know he could take a sudden turn.
To make matters worse, the guy just separated from his wife this summer and his daughter is graduating College this May. I haven't spoke with her since we've graduated but I can't imagine how Libby's feeling right now.
Not trying to spam, but this guy's talent was/is insane. He's also hoping to eek out one more CD before his number is called.
http://www.macjams.com/song/10930
I'm fucking bummed and I don't quite know what to say.
I was chatting with my Foster Dad and he dropped the bomb that something big is going down. Figured I'd ditch the e-mail parlaying and give him a ring. He proceeds to tell me that a long time friend/collaborator of his and inspiration was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with metastases in both the liver and the lungs. It's predicted that he has about a year left.
It's sudden and couldn't happen a nicer, more salt of the earth guy. This is guy who when I turned 16 showed up at my door with a box of effect pedals and his own CDs and said, "Have at it kid". Same guy who every time I saw him, would hand me both Ruby and Sapphire (his red and blue Custom 22 PRS') and let me jam on them (no one ever played them but Fran and I). Same guy that would lend me his Fender Twin for fill in gigs when I was amp less. Teach me about time and space and how and when to play the right notes. In simple words, the kinda guy who would give you the shirt off his back. But for a kid with no one to look up to, this guy was the man.
I contacted Fran last night but he's already undergoing chemo as of Friday. I'm hoping to get to see him when I go back to MA this December. I've had family members who have had cancer in the past but I've never known of anyone to have terminal cancer so I know he could take a sudden turn.
To make matters worse, the guy just separated from his wife this summer and his daughter is graduating College this May. I haven't spoke with her since we've graduated but I can't imagine how Libby's feeling right now.
Not trying to spam, but this guy's talent was/is insane. He's also hoping to eek out one more CD before his number is called.
http://www.macjams.com/song/10930
I'm fucking bummed and I don't quite know what to say.
Theres not much you can say.. But I'd make it a point to see him as soon as possible. I'd be positive and let him know your graditude for the inspiration he has given you. My friends mother was given 6 weeks to 6 months...it was 6 weeks. So don't put it off. My thoughts are with you.
