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
Hi Pat,

This is my first post in this thread even though I have been lurking here since Paul started it. Why am I posting? The reason is because you stated, “I just hate to leave things unsaid and undone.” I am the same way and felt moved to write today.

Your journey documented here has shown me your zeal for life, family and friends. It also shows the compassion strangers can have for each other in a way that gives mutual strength to each party. Since this thread began, I have had to endure the passing of my Uncle, who I was very close with because he taught me how to play and win at chess and Jazz music at a very early age, and my father. During both situations when I hit the bottom of my perceived strength, I found your stories and words of advice tucked into my brain. They acted as a friendly security blanket to hold onto providing a calming affect with these loses I struggled through.

Also, during this time my best friend had kidney failure and has had to go on dialysis. In the beginning he did not handle the situation well but something inside of him clicked and he became brave and upbeat. His wife said I was a key player in this turnaround because I was always happy to be with him and encouraging him to keep on keeping on. I was able to provide a great mental attitude when I visited him because of what was shared here by you and others. My friend was told about this friend named “Pat or Lugnut” and the journey he is on. Pat even though we haven’t been introduced you entered part of my life. This means the other thing you posted, “I believe that God uses us to his benefit whenever possible”, came true for family, my friends and me.

The thread and posts made me laugh, cry, get angry at what was happening to you, get educated on all sorts of things and find a new mentor. Thank you Pat and the rest of audiogoners for sharing your thoughts and memories.

Pat, I recall many many posts ago you had asked if someone could capture all of these posts and send them to Barb in booklet form. My wife is in printing and we both want to volunteer to do this if no one else has stepped forward. Let me know my friend.

Go Lance go, but most importantly go Pat go!

Peace, blessing and warmest regards,
Lou
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Patrick, I've followed this thread very carefully since its' inception and heretofore never posted. Your strength and dignity as you continue fighting, remind me so very much of my wife's unsuccessful battle with breast cancer a few years ago. I just wanted to tell you how much admiration I have for you. You're an inspiration to all.
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Pat,
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I read this thread daily and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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We are blessed to have you and for the great gift of sharing you have bestowed on us. You are truly the bravest person I know. Keep the faith.
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Talk to you soon.
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Warmest Regards,
Larry
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Pat- I can only echo Larry's eloquent words. Every single one of them. In reading that post, I am reminded of Mark Twain's words (I'm paraphrasing here)- "I am sorry that my letter is so long, but I didn't have time to write a shorter one". I think about you several times each day, frustrated that there is nothing concrete I can do for you. And Patrick, don't underestimate your strength, composure and grace. There are many others who have not shown your style. Maybe it will give you some pride to know that I aspire to be half as honest to myself and others, as you have been. Our combined experience here has opened my eyes to the positive power in the internet, FWIW. This is a real "virtual village" here at Audiogon.

WC- I'm sorry for your loss. My wife is one dose ot taxol away from finishing her breast cancer treatment (oops, except for the tamoxifen. Its been easy for me to think that this is the end of her illness; you have reminded me that its just one battle and that I need to focus on living in the present, since the future is a big question mark. This should not take a cancer diagnosis for a loved one to fully appreciate, but sometimes it does.