Tales & woes of well known fen

Feb 6 04:19 UTC 1998

Most of you receiving this note were at ConFusion of the Winnebagos two
weeks ago in Warren, Michigan. If you weren't there, I'm figuring you to be
an interested individual.  I apologise in advance if this is an
inappropriate post to some of you.. :)

Background:
Saturday afternoon at the end of a jam panel, Nate collapsed over his
guitar.  He was unconscious for approximately 30 seconds, and came to very
suddenly.  He was shaking while he was out.

We took him to the hospital, where they started a battery of EKG's, EEG's,
etc tests.  They determined early on that he was dehydrated; and took care
of this.

Nate kicked us out of the hospital (didn't want to ruin our con); we went
reluctantly (after making *sure* he was ok).

Pete Grubbs and I went back to the hospital at about 9pm to check in on
him; only to discover that he had checked out!  We found him in the lobby,
waiting for a taxi.  The doctor couldn't find anything; and wanted to keep
Nate overnight for observation.  Nate decided that he would rather spend
the time at the con surrounded by friends.  So, we took him back.

And watched him like a hawk.

The rest of the con passed without incident; Nate went home to his doctor.

The current diagnosis of what happened was hypoxia (Nate had a very bad
coughing fit before he passed out- no oxygen to his brain); with
tonic-clonic motions while he was out.  They're being very thorough in
checking him over; and all the results are not in quite yet- but things
look ok.  He is having some issues with balance; these are being explored
also.

While Nate was in the ER, Tom Smith and Pete Grubbs started a donation
drive to help with the damaged guitar.  The soundboard was very seriously
crunched, and a large gouge had been ripped from the top side of the body.

It looked really bad. :)

In the 4 hours Nate was gone, the fund drive raised $278 toward the repair
or purchase of a replacement instrument.  The guitar is out being repaired
now; Nate will have it back in about 7 weeks.

When Nate was presented with the proceeds from the guitar drive, it was
very plain that this sort of care was the *last* thing in the world he
expected.  He was speechless, and (I think) in awe of how much we think of
him.

I can't tell you how touched and proud I am to be a part of this community.
 The outpouring of care for Nate; the support of making sure his needs were
met, the involuntary fund drive... you are *all* wonderful.

Thank you!

Steve Macdonald
steve@smacdonald.com