Many Thanks!!!

08-18-2006, 12:28 PM

Many Thanks to all Lightheads and to Gordon and the Band.

It started last May with what I thought was a sprained back. After several days in bed I found that my legs would not respond to my commands. A trip to the emerg dept by ambulance and numerous tests later showed that I had a blood infection which had spread to my spine. (rather ironic as I work as a microbiologist at a local hospital). After prolonged antibiotic therapy, a major surgery and several transfers to a variety of facilities, I find myself in a Rehab hospital driving a wheelchair.

Gord's music continues to lighten my days and face what the future may hold for me.

My special thanks goes out to Jenny Rivard and to Gordon Lightfoot and his band mates. I received a get well card which on opening I found was signed by Gordon and all the members of his band!!! I was totally blown away!!! Stuttering and uttering tearful gasps, I tryed to explain to the nursing staff what a generous gift I had just received! Then I see a photograph of Gordon signing my card and I became choked up all over again!!

Thank you Jenny for remembering me and making the effort to ask Gord and his band to sign my card. Thank You Gord!!
The card has been sent home to be framed, displayed and continuously enjoyed in what I hope will be happier days.

I cannot remember having missed a Lightfoot concert here in Southern Ontario in all my memory. Although I have tickets, I fear that this year may be the first that I won't make it to Massey...

Thanks again to all the Lightheads who have sent me words of encouragement and their prayers. Every e-mail and card was truly appreciated!

Lightheads are the best!!!

Kindest Regards,

Yuri Amatnieks

"the river is the melody, the sky is the refrain"

Yuri · 08-18-2006, 12:28 PM

Many Thanks to all Lightheads and to Gordon and the Band.

It started last May with what I thought was a sprained back. After several days in bed I found that my legs would not respond to my commands. A trip to the emerg dept by ambulance and numerous tests later showed that I had a blood infection which had spread to my spine. (rather ironic as I work as a microbiologist at a local hospital). After prolonged antibiotic therapy, a major surgery and several transfers to a variety of facilities, I find myself in a Rehab hospital driving a wheelchair.

Gord's music continues to lighten my days and face what the future may hold for me.

My special thanks goes out to Jenny Rivard and to Gordon Lightfoot and his band mates. I received a get well card which on opening I found was signed by Gordon and all the members of his band!!! I was totally blown away!!! Stuttering and uttering tearful gasps, I tryed to explain to the nursing staff what a generous gift I had just received! Then I see a photograph of Gordon signing my card and I became choked up all over again!!

Thank you Jenny for remembering me and making the effort to ask Gord and his band to sign my card. Thank You Gord!!
The card has been sent home to be framed, displayed and continuously enjoyed in what I hope will be happier days.

I cannot remember having missed a Lightfoot concert here in Southern Ontario in all my memory. Although I have tickets, I fear that this year may be the first that I won't make it to Massey...

Thanks again to all the Lightheads who have sent me words of encouragement and their prayers. Every e-mail and card was truly appreciated!

Lightheads are the best!!!

Kindest Regards,

Yuri Amatnieks

"the river is the melody, the sky is the refrain"

charlene · 08-18-2006, 12:30 PM

we'll see you at Massey in November Yuri!- you and Catherine!
keep up the good work and do what you're told!

Char

charlene · 08-18-2006, 12:30 PM

we'll see you at Massey in November Yuri!- you and Catherine!
keep up the good work and do what you're told!

Char

Janice · 08-18-2006, 10:47 PM

So good to see you posting, Yuri!

Our Jenney - she is one thoughtful lady! So nice of Gord and the guys to sign your card. I bet getting that made your day and will keep a grin on your face for some time to come

Don't give up on Massey, yet. You still have about three months to recuperate - you can make a lot of progress in that time. Even if you have to drive that ol' wheel chair down center aisle - no one will mind.

SilverHeels · 08-19-2006, 04:14 AM

Great to see you back, Yuri! And don't give up on Massey. You'll be there. You have to be - to thank Gord and the band in person, right?

I'll keep the candle burning in your name, my friend.

DellroyGM · 08-19-2006, 06:11 AM

Hi Yuri,
I don't post at all(don't know what to say!) - but I check in from time to time - afew years ago you were nice enouph to send me a VHS of a cbc show with an interview of Mr lightfoot ,
Im sorry to hear of your Illness, and sincerly
wish you the best and a speedy recovery
Take Care,
Mike
(northern vermont)

nvtmusic · 08-19-2006, 06:11 AM

Hi Yuri,
I don't post at all(don't know what to say!) - but I check in from time to time - afew years ago you were nice enouph to send me a VHS of a cbc show with an interview of Mr lightfoot ,
Im sorry to hear of your Illness, and sincerly
wish you the best and a speedy recovery
Take Care,
Mike
(northern vermont)

geodeticman · 08-19-2006, 06:27 AM

Yuri,

I have not posted to you before, but your story speaks to me. I am glad they found out what was wrong, and you had the courage to undertake the necessary "repairs". I hope you are not in too much pain, and rehab is going well for you.

Gordon's music sure does brighten long, difficult days of convalescence, doesn't it ?
It has seen me through many things in my life, as it has for so many of us.

Speaking of which, there are SO many wonderful people in this Lightfoot forum, and I know we all would like to hear some of your thoughts on Gordon's music when you are up to it. Fresh opinions are healthy!

I know I would sure treasure a signed card and photo of it being signed from Gordon and the gents in the band too, I'm envious!

I admire your kind, bright atitude for someone who has been through so much. Another such man that comes to mind, who maintained dignity and authority when life dictated a wheelchair for some time in his life, was my father.

My father never missed a beat in his transition to wheelchair for different reasons. His reassuring and wise presence was not diminished a bit by virtue of the wheelchair. He commanded the same respect, if not more, and all were keenly aware, despite his humility, of the powerful and intelligent man they were in the presence of. It mattered not he was in the chair.

All the best to you in your return to health, Yuri. I hope you continue to feel better as soon as possible.
"geo" Steve

mercedes · 08-19-2006, 07:25 AM

Jesse, please keep me informed with regard to your schedule signalling your imminent departure ..... I hate long goodbyes.

If today's list of your new topics are anything to go by, you obviously don't.

Sundown17 · 08-19-2006, 08:11 AM

Yuri,

Many wishes for a speedy (although I am sure it feels like anything but) recovery.

My husband and I were with Jenney (she kept saying to me on the days leading up the concert "Don't let me forget Yuri's card!" lol) when she had Gord and the guys sign the card and I can personally attest to the commitment each of them had to making sure they signed the card and the sincere concern they had for you. So keep Massey in your line of sight as a goal to get out and enjoy the special time, wheelchair and all if necessary. I know that they would love to see you.

All the Best,

Diane

Cathy · 08-20-2006, 08:51 AM

Good to hear from you Yuri.
I know, those rehab hospitals aren't a lot of fun, but they're essential. When I entered rehab in Bangor, I couldn't walk, couldn't move my right hand much, and was in a complete fog. They helped me get over all of those obstacles (except the fog

I'm just kidding. My memory is even coming back now). The point is, don't give up on the Massey concert just yet. You'll be surprised at how quickly you can recover if you work hard enough.

Jesse Joe · 08-20-2006, 08:58 AM

Yuri, I know you read my PM, and like Cathy says, you'll be surprised at how quickly you can recover. I told you in my PM that you will see Gord in Massey again this November. Keep the faith...Jesse.

Jesse Joe · 08-20-2006, 08:58 AM

Yuri, I know you read my PM, and like Cathy says, you'll be surprised at how quickly you can recover. I told you in my PM that you will see Gord in Massey again this November. Keep the faith...Jesse.

Ginny · 08-21-2006, 12:03 PM

Finally getting around to catching up on all the latest news and this is a very pleasant revelation as Kimberly kept sending regular updates on your condition Yuri. It's wonderful news to see that you are well enough to get on the keyboard and communicate with us on your own. You sure have been through quite the ordeal but hopefully in time you will come through it all and return back to a full recovery. I sure hope you can find the strength to join us at the festivities in Nov. These folks are wonderful as you know and I'm so happy to be part of it all. I look forward to meeting you hopefully later this year. Sincerely, Ron Jones.

2Much2Lose · 08-21-2006, 05:19 PM

Yuri, it was my pleasure! As I told some folks, sometimes it's nice to make a grown man cry! I made an effort to do this as I knew you would appreciate it. Derek did it for me when I was ill and I knew how much it meant to me.

I just got home from a family reunion and need to catch up on a few things. I scanned the picture of Gord signing the card, and the card itself, and with your permission I can post those at some point.

It's good to have you back on line, it will be even better when you are home. Don't give up too quickly on Massey Hall, maybe it will turn into an incentive!

Jenney

Jenney · 08-21-2006, 05:19 PM

Yuri, it was my pleasure! As I told some folks, sometimes it's nice to make a grown man cry! I made an effort to do this as I knew you would appreciate it. Derek did it for me when I was ill and I knew how much it meant to me.

I just got home from a family reunion and need to catch up on a few things. I scanned the picture of Gord signing the card, and the card itself, and with your permission I can post those at some point.

It's good to have you back on line, it will be even better when you are home. Don't give up too quickly on Massey Hall, maybe it will turn into an incentive!

Jenney


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