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
I need to say something - my heart is crying out to - even if my mind can't figure out the right words.

I am so grateful to have experienced your great love and goodness, Pat and Barb, though I am 1500 miles away and will never see you in person in this life. I so wish I were closer to you, so I could reach out a hand to be of greater practical help. Thank you again to those from this community who have done so in the stead of those who cannot.

May peace rest upon you, and comfort come in the midst of the unavoidable grief. May you feel the prayers of other lifting you up. You have been in my earnest prayers and will continue to be.
Clearly these are hard days for us all. As I check for news four or five times a day, I realize we are all at a lose for words as we await Past's inevitable death. I have spent so much time with this topic in my life that I feel it might be my place to comment.

Barb, I know from my wife Julie how hard it is to wait for some new chapter of a sick spouse's life. Yours is harder in that you can not pray for health, but only comfort for Pat. My heart aches for you, and I know you are living an amazing experience. I can not however know how you actually feel, and so I feel sad in that I lack the words.

Pat, you continue to inspire. Your strength reminded me of a very dear friend who died many years ago from cancer, and he too was a source of amazement to me. The day before he died at home I was with him for a few hours. He continued to be upbeat and strong despite the pain associated with the cancer that had spread to his bones and digestive system. He had a license plate "Atit2d" or attitude. What a great example of faith he was, and yes you too have achieved his stature.

Your a great leader for us, and I pray for a quick end to this long journey you have walked. I have also learned Barb is a lot like Julie, both of these amazing women have a strength beyond words, and are the support you and I lean on.

I pray that you both receive an ease to your pain soon. This is so hard to me, I can not even imagine...

God speed my friend, I love you.

JD
Hi everyone - It is a rainy evening here and this day is about over. The nurse just left and the house is silent.
Pat is finally resting now after a couple of shots in the butt. He leaves his glasses on his nose though in case he decides to open his eyes and look at the TV (don't tell him but I turned it off!) I am warming up the tubes because tonight the music will play instead.

The x-rays showed that the gastric tube is fine. I believe that there is not much fluid left to drain. So until tomorrow - keep looking up. Reporting from Pat's computer.
Barb
Pat ,Im so glad that you are recieving some comfort,rest,and plenty of love(and rootbeer)!All my love , prayers and thoughts are with you,Barb and you gene pool,Ray
Barb,
Gina sure loved speaking with you on the phone the other night. And she can't wait to meet you.

You and Pat seem to make your way into many of our conversations. I miss you both already!

Howard