had to miss the AES gearslutz dinner. How was it?

[cajonezzz]

Hi guy's and gals.... I was just wondering how the dinner went on Thursday night. I had really hoped to be there to meet some of you.

I had my train tic and hotel all set for the journey but on Monday morning got the call that my mum had suddenly, and unexpectedly, passed away.
It's been a hectic week for sure getting things together... a bit of a emotional roller coaster.

All is well tho, and I want to thank all you guys for the kind words, DM, Rich, Brad, stealth and more...it means alot coming from an extended "slut family" that I've never met in person.

The saddest part of this whole thing is mum not getting to meet her first Grandchild that Annie and I expect in March. I know she'll be with us though, and she carries on through our new addition, who BTW, will be named "George" for a boy, or "Georgia" if a girl.. we'll wait to be surprised.
My Pop's name is George

My mom, Charlene was one of a kind, a first grade teacher, and selfless for her family.

She LOVED music. (I'm going through hundreds of Lp's, 78's of big band and stuff) She even put up with YEARS of drumming on my part...starting me with lesson's at 6 yrs old, and faithfully taking me to every related gig/function till I was old enough to drive. My first paid gig was when I was 14, with an Elvis impersonator from Tiajuana.... yes, she drove me over the boarder, with my clear Ludwig vistalite kit jammed in the family station wagon .

We'll bury her today, and tomorrow we'll have a beautiful memorial service at the church we grew up at and which she was a member of.

I've got great friends. Many will show up to honor my moms memory, and most didn’t have to be asked. Knowing that she was a music lover, I decided to “fire” the “house organist” and redo the music for the service with something more up her alley.
Annie, my wife, will play entry music for the guests with her string trio… nice up beat stuff and a few standards. My good friend Sir Harry Bowens, singer with Lyle Lovitt, Bonnie, was not was etc. will sing a couple of mom’s fav tunes. “Wonderful world” and to introduce the anticipated baby to everyone… “Georgia on my mind” . we’ll end with a rousing “Amazing Grace” played by my bud and sax man Reggie Smith.

I’ll make some noise (stir the soup) for her one last time.
The “after party “ will have Ella F on the boom box to go along with the snacks.

So, that’s that. I hope the party in SF was a rager, and you guy’s got to make some lifelong friends. That’s what it’s about… gear is cool too!

I’ll be looking forward to a report from ya’ll.
Have fun, be safe, and hug your mom and everyone else you love if you can.

God bless.
Craig aka Cajonezzz

here's mom

[Dangerous Dave]

Hi Craig,

First and foremost sorry for your loss, I cannot even concieve of what you must have gone through over the last few days...

A similar thing happened to me when our first boy was born, my wife's grandfather passed away only weeks before he was born and never got to see him, the nicest thing is that even though they didn't meet he now understands that "grandad bob" is in heaven and he often looks skyward and says "hiya, grandad bob"

A great comfort, hope it all goes well over the next few days..

Take it easy and we look forward to what name the new arrival will have, hey ! maybe we could even have a poll !!!

Peace

DD

[NathanEldred]

Craig,

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Words aren't very much consolation here, but for what's it's worth please know that I empathize with you (I haven't lost my Mom yet, but have had close family members pass) and wish you and your family the very best. Maybe we'll see you at Tape Op in June. Gearslutz dinner & AES was great, seeing old friends, and meeting new ones is what it's all about!!!

[Jules]

What a cruel twist of fate......

Please accept my condolances...

I will start a new thread on the dinner...

Hang in there

best wishes

[entropy]

Hey Craig

Really sorry to hear about that! Thoughts are with you and your family.

Cris

[preben]

Craig,

I had a very similar experience last year when my Dad died completely unexpectedly so although all situations are different I feel I know at least to some degree what you are going through just now.

My thoughts go out to you and your family - it is a great loss - almost hard to decide whether it's good that it's unexpected or whether you'd rather have had a bit of time to expect it. I tend to go with the first of the two options, simply because that would be the way I would prefer to go myself. Also I think it's good that your memory of you Mother is of her at her peak, rather than for instance after a long period of serious illness. And I must say you Mum looks exactly like one of those should. They just don't make them like that anymore.

It is a very sad things that she won't meet George/Georgina, but at least she knew that the was somebody 'in the pipeline' - I think these things matter increasingly the older you get. Unfortunately I don't have any children myself, and it is one area where I some times can feel almost guilt towards my Father. At least your Mother knew that this was 'taken care of'.

It sounds like the memorial service will be some event indeed. Even though it is a sad day and a very tough occassion to get through, I hope you all allow yourselves to enjoy the LIVING memory of the one that has passed away. It makes all the difference.

God bless,
Preben

[BattleAngel]

There's not much I can add to Preben's post other than to offer my heartfelt condolences, my best wishes for baby George/Georgia, and a genuine feeling of respect and admiration for how well you seem to be taking it. The services sound wonderful and I'm sure your mother's spirit will be delighted to see her son remembering her so fondly. If your courage and positive attitude are as apparent in person as they are online, your mother must have left this world immensely satisfied in how well you've turned out. God bless, and all the positive vibe I can give you, I do. :-)

[cajonezzz]

Thanks for all the kind words fellas!