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About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone

Many of us have come to know Patrick Malone (Lugnut) as a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind individual. He is a frequent and enthusiastic contributor to our analog discussion forum. He has initiated only 17 threads, but responded to 559 threads. I would guess that many, if not most, of us can recall a time when Pat replied with helpful advice to a question we posted or helped us track down a rare recording. I have come to love Pat as a friend, and to respect him as a man, and I suspect many of you share those feelings.

Today I write to share difficult news with you. Pat has been diagnosed with an aggressive stomach cancer. It has yet to be determined whether surgery will even be worth it. If surgery is performed, most or all of the stomach will be removed, and Pat would face a difficult and long post-op period in the hospital. The medical course is still uncertain, but will be determined soon. Whatever is decided, it will not be easy or pleasant.

Something may be planned in the future to assist the family. For now, Pat could use some of the friendship he so often and willingly showed us. You can email Pat at: lugnut50@msn.com. You can also mail cards, letters ... or whatever. You may email me for Pat's mailing address. My email is: pfrumkin1@comcast.net.

I hope to spend a few days with Pat in Idaho or Nebraska (from which he hails) soon. Between this news, my legal work, getting ready for family arriving for the holidays, Audio Intelligent, and trying to make plans to visit Pat, my head is spinning. If you email me and I don't respond, please understand that I am not ignoring you, but rather simply do not have time to reply.

Pat may or may not have time to respond to posts here, to emails, or to cards mailed to him. But he has asked me to convey to each and every one of you that he has cherished your friendship, your comradery, and sharing our common hobby on this great website.

As we prepare for our holiday season celebrations, and look forward to -- as we should -- enjoying this time of year, I ask that you keep Pat and his family in mind ... and softly offer up, in quiet moments in the still of night and early morning, prayers for Pat and his family. God bless.

Warmest regards to all,
Paul Frumkin
paul_frumkin
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
Maybe yesterday's post was a little too matter of fact. I did the chemo today and seem okay with it. I do hope it helps. I'd love to feel well enough to go to the Audio Fest and get to spend some time again with Frank. Besides, there would probably be a bunch of you guys there that I haven't yet met.

I'd like you guys to keep this thing in perspective. I'm not miserable. I'm uncomfortable at times and a lot of things that are unique to cancer and the various medications cause me some grief but it's not that big a deal. Honest. If this was just some sickness in passing then it would be no big deal to wait it out and get better. I can rise to the occassion whenever the phone rings or I have a visitor. I still enjoy both. Left to my own devices by myself I just want to lay down and rest. In better times I'd be listening and cleaning vinyl if nothing else.

I've reduced my list of things to do to a very short and do-able one. So, I'm going to stop feeling miserable about not finishing things up. I'm also growing up some. Meaning that I'm not responsible for things the cancer either makes me do or not do.

Remember to not take today for granted. Make the most of it and reach out to someone you love NOW! Those of you that have followed this thread closely must realize that my circumstances have made it possible for me to mend fences, reaffirm love and find peace. Sure, maybe a heart attack or fatal stroke would be easier to endure but remember that you won't have the time to make things right if that is how God chooses to take you home. Make things right for yourself and others now while you have time. Life will be more robust and pleasurable for doing so. I don't want to preach to you about this and I certianly don't want to come across as some old guru sitting on a hilltop. It's just that the things I speak of have unfolded for me and I want very much for you to gain from this. You won't be taking one single thing with you when you go but you'll be leaving a lot behind. Let your legacy be one that made peace.

Go Lance!
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Sure, maybe a heart attack or fatal stroke would be easier to endure but remember that you won't have the time to make things right if that is how God chooses to take you home.

Maybe God gives extra time to those he is calling when they are needed to bring about a change in those who are watching and listening?

Seems that's the case for both Lance and Lugnut.
jadem6's avatar
jadem6
1,074 posts
 
Albert you got it right. Pat, you are a wise and yet approachable teacher. Your time is to be spent doing the good work you are doing here. Thank you for being our mentor my friend.

JD
danlib1
819 posts
 
Lugnut;

I'm thinking of you and taking your advice to heart. Thanks for sharing in this most difficult time.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Maybe God gives extra time to those he is calling when they are needed to bring about a change in those who are watching and listening?
I wish I'd thought of that myself. Thank you, Albert.

Pat,

I've been following along without posting much. I suppose I couldn't think of much worth saying. I still can't, except to thank you again for continuing to share your journey with all of us, your friends.

Hello and best wishes from both Paul and me. Should we have another chance to meet, we both promise not to treat you like the luscious hunk of meat you are! ;-) We're not concerned about sparing you any embarassment of course. You could handle it. We forbear only out of a proper respect for Barbara's prerogative!

Jadem6's advice and your confirming response remind me of Gandalf's admonishment to Frodo: All who live through difficult times wish that it were otherwise, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to do is choose what to do with the time that is given to us.

It seems to me you are choosing very well indeed.
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