I found out today that my BAHA implant will be activated on August 25.
It is going to be a pretty big event for me. After more than twenty five years of struggling to make music in ever increasing silence I am going to be able to hear again. This is such a huge turning point in my life that it calls for a gathering of friends and family.
With that in mind, the 2009 Fall Folk Music Retreat scheduled for September 17-20 will be a free event.
Yes. You read that correctly. There will be no charge for attending. We would appreciate it if you threw a couple of bucks into the hat to help cover the food, but other than that the whole weekend is on us.
If you have already registered we will be contacting you soon to send you a refund.
We have bunks available on a first-come, first serve basis. (don’t worry Pastor Roy, we already reserved a bunk for you).
Call Dear Old Dad at (410) 968-3873 to make your reservation.
Once the bunks fill up you are still welcome to come but you will have to find your own accommodations or maybe flop on a couch, cot or air mattress. there is some off site lodging available and Janes Island will still be open for camping.
So please come to Crisfield. I want to hear your voices. I want to hear your banjos and guitars. I want to wrap myself up in sound and celebrate this amazing chapter of my life with the people I love.
We have set aside a room with a private bath to accomodate up to four ladies.
June 16, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Hi Patrick and Dear Old Dad,
Congratulations on your implant being activated on August 25! you must be so excited. Wish I could make it to the retreat, I will see what my work schedule brings next fall. Thank you for all the great music you make and for all your wonderful lessons. Also, thanks so much for posting my lessons on chords. I have had some great responses via e-mail. Thanks again for all the kindness you and Dear Old Dad have shown me.
Musically,
Marissa
June 16, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I haven’t been a part of your community for very long but I wish you a very heartfelt congratulations and hoorah! I was concerned when the blog said the Dr. wanted to see you right away but this is great news for you, I wish you the best!
Mitch
June 16, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Oh man, how I’d love to come. School will have started up again then though, and I’ve got no passport (complain to your representatives about Canadians needing passports to cross the U.S. border, please and thank you).
June 16, 2009 at 9:42 pm
P&P:
That will be a zippety do dah glorious event. What great news.
God Bless,
Pastor Roy
June 16, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Congratulations Patrick! The Muecke’s are celebrating with you! We are thanking God for His mighty Blessing to you. (I know your folks must be dancing and singing with joy.)
I can’t wait to read all about it when it does happen and watch the daily frail!
Very Kindly,
Lisa M.
June 16, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Patrick,
i found your site about a week ago and am very glad for you on your hearing progress. what a blessing! i have been enjoying your daily frail lessons and want to thank you for sharing on the internet. i played old time banjo for about 2 years in the early 80s and like so many others, life just got in the way. i am retired now and am going to learn to pick all over again. as a matter of fact, this sunday i am going to marlinton, wv for the allegheny echoes workshops which last for an entire week. i am very excited and plan on using your site to keep me going with what i learn in marlinton. i wish you the very best on august 25. keep droppin’ that thumb!
jenny
June 17, 2009 at 12:40 am
Awesome Patrick. I’m excited for you. What a great way to celebrate too.
I don’t suppose that anyone can pick me up on their way through Iowa?
June 17, 2009 at 2:28 am
All the best from over the pond buddy, wish I could make that party!
Best Wishes Drew x
June 17, 2009 at 2:34 am
That’s GREAT news Patrick
If it wasn’t for the cost of air travel i’d be their like a shot.
Maybe I can Fed Ex myself……
Danny
June 17, 2009 at 9:28 am
I’ll be there!
Haven’t missed one yet…and what better way to celebrate a musician’s return from the deaf than a huge jam session/party? Looking forward to your first post after the big turn on, Patrick! Take care!
Fred from Baltimore
June 17, 2009 at 10:00 am
Fantastic news! Congratulations Patrick!
I’d love to come too, but we have our first baby on the way and he/she is due a week before the September Folk Retreat! By that point I expect to be knee-deep in diapers! I’m sure I’ll be very content with singing lullabies to my little-one and to follow your party via the blog, though I’m sad to miss what I’m certain will be one fantastic party!
Cheers Patrick, thanks for everything! Enjoy!
tom, formerly of ogoki
June 17, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Patrick & Family:
That’s wonderful news about getting “turned on” August 25th. I’ll miss the September event because the fall is a busy season in the healthcare world, but I’ll be with you in spirit and looking forward to the May 2010 get-together, ’cause I’ve already put my reservation in for that.
Live long; hear well; and prosper!
June 17, 2009 at 3:18 pm
That is gonna be the best session of the century.
But Patrick Dont go around telling everyone to keep the noise down.
Wish we could be there; we will be in spirit.
Very best wishes.
Jenny and Pete
June 17, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Hi Patrick,
it’s fantastic news and I’m really happy for you and all your family. As I’m in the UK I can’t be at the party, but, a bit like the shot at Lexington (when things were a little frostier between we cousins), the sounds of frailing coming from the party will be heard across the Atlantic and around the world and and, along with all the vibrations you’ll be picking up with your new hearing (together with a few mini cabs and orders for take way pizza, no doubt!), there’ ll be plenty of vibrations of love winging your way from the other direction! A few may miss the target and hit the Baha-mas…but that’ll be the Mr T TomTom!
All the best and God bless!
Bob