I can speak to the early years of Trappers life. I met the Trap in July 1951 when I moved next door as a young buck. He and brother Dave were sitting in a little kiddie pool in their backyard as we pulled up to our new house in Riverton, NJ. Parked across the street in an empty lot was father Stan Lippincott's Star boat. I have memories of Little Trapper and Dave collecting frogs and turtles from the nearby Delaware river and along with some furry critters they had the first petting zoo of it's kind that I know of. But mostly I remember him fondly as the Jokester extraordinaire and one hell of a sailor. My favorite story took place circa 1966. It was a cold night and us underage teens were tuning-up with some beer in preparation for the Friday night trip to the local record hop. We were drinking in the storage shed at the Lippincott Boat Works and Trap was trying to expedite us as he broke our onions about how slow we drank and how fast he was. It was very dark in there and suddenly we heard the sound of running water, was it? What's that noise? Cousin Jimmy remarked, and he bent over to look under the boat where the sound seemed to be coming from. Then.........."Trapper, you're busted!" It seems that the sound was beer dripping from the stock boat we were standing next to. Trapper had been pouring out his beer into the hull of that boat..........but the bail-or was open and it ran straight out and formed a puddle of foam. Jimmy broke his chops for weeks after that. A classic Trapper trick.
So God bless and keep you mon Trap, gone but never forgotten.
Robert Gwynn
Riverton, NJ
Friday, September 26, 2008
Directions to EYC
Hate to send you to another website, but Eastport Yacht Club's site has a great map and directions.
http://www.eastportyc.org/about/map.php
http://www.eastportyc.org/about/map.php
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
By: Alfred Lord Tennyson
Trapper,
We wish you a fond farewell and we know that you are in God’s special place and resting peacefully, and enjoying the company of those that left before you, Basil, Monte, “the Jit man” and Marjorie, you were a great friend to us all and we will miss you!
Rest in peace my brother!
Steven Kelly
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
By: Alfred Lord Tennyson
Trapper,
We wish you a fond farewell and we know that you are in God’s special place and resting peacefully, and enjoying the company of those that left before you, Basil, Monte, “the Jit man” and Marjorie, you were a great friend to us all and we will miss you!
Rest in peace my brother!
Steven Kelly
Services
Celebration of Life for
Alan "Trapper" Walz Lippincott
Friday October 3, 11:00 a.m.
Eastport Yacht Club.
Gob Bless You Trapper
Dear Trap,
I know this note finds you well and that you had a peaceful sail home, But I feel like such a fool, I didn't know you would be leaving so soon. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye. Once again you have shocked me. But that was your way wasn't it? You always knew where to find the right wind and that it would take you where you needed to be, whether the rest of us knew it or not. You did the right thing and I know you are happy now, but I miss you. I miss you terribly. I wasn't ready for you to go. Could I ever have been? Surely not, that's inconceivable. You meant too much to me.
I went to the Club tonight, just to feel you a bit. I haven't been there in months and didn't expect much without you there. I was wrong. You were everywhere. It was so touching to see your chair adorned with a spray of wheat grass and dusty miller tied across it with a black bow. Your chair is reserved forever. Juanita still has a scotch sitting there for you, just in case, and your friends were there comforting each other in your absence. It was weird - the moment so full of you and empty of you at the same time. Will I really not see you again? Is that possible? No, surely not.
We will be all be together again some day. In the mean time, you must know, I love you, I miss you and always will. But you are in the right place now, I know that. The comfort we can all take is that God now holds you in his arms and that you are warm and peaceful in safe harbor. Please save us all a place in the good seats for when we can join you.
With undying love,
Tantzi
I know this note finds you well and that you had a peaceful sail home, But I feel like such a fool, I didn't know you would be leaving so soon. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye. Once again you have shocked me. But that was your way wasn't it? You always knew where to find the right wind and that it would take you where you needed to be, whether the rest of us knew it or not. You did the right thing and I know you are happy now, but I miss you. I miss you terribly. I wasn't ready for you to go. Could I ever have been? Surely not, that's inconceivable. You meant too much to me.
I went to the Club tonight, just to feel you a bit. I haven't been there in months and didn't expect much without you there. I was wrong. You were everywhere. It was so touching to see your chair adorned with a spray of wheat grass and dusty miller tied across it with a black bow. Your chair is reserved forever. Juanita still has a scotch sitting there for you, just in case, and your friends were there comforting each other in your absence. It was weird - the moment so full of you and empty of you at the same time. Will I really not see you again? Is that possible? No, surely not.
We will be all be together again some day. In the mean time, you must know, I love you, I miss you and always will. But you are in the right place now, I know that. The comfort we can all take is that God now holds you in his arms and that you are warm and peaceful in safe harbor. Please save us all a place in the good seats for when we can join you.
With undying love,
Tantzi
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
From Tarp
Trapper,
Although are paths have not crossed as often as I would have liked this past decade or so, when they did you were still the fun loving, gentle, kind giant of a man as you were when I first met you in 1964 at the RYC. While reading the comments on your blog I realize that you have many friends and family that love you. I am sure you are extremely proud of what Paul has done - not just for you, but for all of us who now have a chance to say We will miss you and the joy that you brought to all of our lives. I have Hope, so I will see you again. Take care for now.
Ciao,
Tarp
Although are paths have not crossed as often as I would have liked this past decade or so, when they did you were still the fun loving, gentle, kind giant of a man as you were when I first met you in 1964 at the RYC. While reading the comments on your blog I realize that you have many friends and family that love you. I am sure you are extremely proud of what Paul has done - not just for you, but for all of us who now have a chance to say We will miss you and the joy that you brought to all of our lives. I have Hope, so I will see you again. Take care for now.
Ciao,
Tarp
Trapps
I grew up sailing with and against Trapper sailing Dusters at Riverton Yacht Club. This was the home of Lippincott Boat Works, where Trapper and his Uncles and Cousins worked and built
Stars, Comets and Lightnings. Trapper had a Duster named EBFM he said it meant Every Body Follow Me, we were not so sure, but it seemed to work a lot.
Trapper become one of the premier crews in his prime. He crewed for his cousin Jimmy, Durwood Knowles and many others.
I still have great memories of attending "functions" (and event with good groceries (food) and cocktails) and hanging out at the Riverton Yacht Club parking lot with the gang. Later on hanging out at Eastport Yacht Club, which in later years became his host club.
As Trapper goes off to meet up with his cousin Jimmy at the great regatta in the sky, we miss him. But as we move on with great memories we know that Trapper is entertaining a large group.
Terry Rapp
Stars, Comets and Lightnings. Trapper had a Duster named EBFM he said it meant Every Body Follow Me, we were not so sure, but it seemed to work a lot.
Trapper become one of the premier crews in his prime. He crewed for his cousin Jimmy, Durwood Knowles and many others.
I still have great memories of attending "functions" (and event with good groceries (food) and cocktails) and hanging out at the Riverton Yacht Club parking lot with the gang. Later on hanging out at Eastport Yacht Club, which in later years became his host club.
As Trapper goes off to meet up with his cousin Jimmy at the great regatta in the sky, we miss him. But as we move on with great memories we know that Trapper is entertaining a large group.
Terry Rapp
From Cousin Tom
Paul,
I'm sitting here with a crooked grin on my face... kind of a choked up smile...Trap was always larger then life to me. The one cousin who made me wish Iwas older so I could hang out with him. One summer in the 80's I crewed for Trap all summer, I think we won the Spring series, Oxford regatta and Fall windup! Inever liked sitting up front but when Trapper asked me if I wanted to crew there was no hesitation, I had a blast laughing my way around the buoys all summer! I have been following the blog and mentioned to Skip today that I wanted to go see him on Wednesday...He called me back and said Trap had passed.
Larger then life, with a heart as big as they come.
Let me know if there is anything I do.
Cousin Tom
Paul,
I'm sitting here with a crooked grin on my face... kind of a choked up smile...Trap was always larger then life to me. The one cousin who made me wish Iwas older so I could hang out with him. One summer in the 80's I crewed for Trap all summer, I think we won the Spring series, Oxford regatta and Fall windup! Inever liked sitting up front but when Trapper asked me if I wanted to crew there was no hesitation, I had a blast laughing my way around the buoys all summer! I have been following the blog and mentioned to Skip today that I wanted to go see him on Wednesday...He called me back and said Trap had passed.
Larger then life, with a heart as big as they come.
Let me know if there is anything I do.
Cousin Tom
Trap!!
Had to think awhile, try to wrap this around my head...Trapper is gone!!
No longer will I (improper bow) hear from a proper stern person, "There's a zephyr overthere...We need to be over there" and, as I was reminded tonight, "Dammit, Bruce,we're RIVER sailing!
"Summers as a child, in Oxford, with all the Lippincotts, later with a family marriage,related!!
We will ALL miss you, my man, you're with Jimmy, and the rest of the famous family.But you carved your own niche in many places: life, your place at EYC, many numerous boats,my soul...
Trap, from a friend of years (and yours), here's to you!May you always be on the favored side of the race course, with fair winds and a screwy river current, so you will always come out on top...
Love to you,
Fred (& Annie) Lewis
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A Toast to Trapper
For Trapper... Ever a Constant in the EYC family
Dot Leonard
Dot Leonard
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea's face, and a gray dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide,
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
Ana all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way, where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.
by John Masefield (1878-1967)
From Josh Phypers
Hi Barbara,
Over the years I have known Trapper from the two of you happily sailing together.
He was almost always smiling and warm and seemed to always have a host of friends around him at regattas with many belly laughs going on – a real genuine man.
My family has kept him in our prayers these last months and I’m very sad to hear of his passing.
But, It feels good though – to know that after all of the racing, sailing and competing Trapper did in his life; he has won the most important competition – which is to leave a legacy that he was a really good man who was respected by all those who knew him.
He will be remembered and missed.
Josh Phypers
Star 7265
Hi Barbara,
Over the years I have known Trapper from the two of you happily sailing together.
He was almost always smiling and warm and seemed to always have a host of friends around him at regattas with many belly laughs going on – a real genuine man.
My family has kept him in our prayers these last months and I’m very sad to hear of his passing.
But, It feels good though – to know that after all of the racing, sailing and competing Trapper did in his life; he has won the most important competition – which is to leave a legacy that he was a really good man who was respected by all those who knew him.
He will be remembered and missed.
Josh Phypers
Star 7265
Son of a Son of a Sailor from Rick Peters
While doing my daily check of the Star Class website this morning I was saddened to learn of Trapper's passing. During my day I recollected a few images of him from the time we spent together at Star regattas.
Telling his story about Tom Blackaller coming to visit the shop. Trapper was hauling the wooden keel mold around on his back pretending he was going to collapse at any moment, telling Tom "It's OK, I got it, no problem, just getting your new Star finished up!". Blackaller was horrified, thinking that it was an actual cast iron keel, "What kind of shop are the Lippincotts running here", also wondering "What had they been feeding him"!
Nobody in the Star Class knew how to stock a trailer box better than Trapper, even though he tended to wear his shiny silver spandex hiking suit much later into cocktail hour than the rest of us!
I will always remember Trapper as an unassuming character, full of life, happy just to be there, always willing to lend a hand, and quick with a funny story.
Sail On
Monday, September 22, 2008
Trap
Trapper Lippencott lived a life that was absolutely full.
Full of friends, laughs, stories and humility.
A simple man that was certainly not full of bull.
EYC, he loved more than all.
The members, his adopted brothers and sisters.
Although not all adored.
The petty politics he never explored.
As God has taken our Star sailor friend,
We all stop a pray God’s angels have Trapper’s favorite Scotch Whisky blend.
Cheers Trapper a relatively new friend will miss you.
Sanford
From Curt Wells
All,
Nicely done Alex and Jon, my turn.
What I admire and remember most about Trapper is he was a giver. I never
raced Star boats but we would talk for hours about tiny aspects of the
sailboat racing game. He truly loved the sport and there were no secrets.
Trapper shared all he knew (and he knew a lot) with whomever would listen.
He had access (through his employer) to these tiny mints that would explode
into your mouth and knock your socks off. Every month he would mention that
he might be able to get his hands on the very last container on the East
Coast. He'd run down to his car, grab a tin of mints and return. I of
course bought him a drink and had my mint supply for the month. This went
on for years.
Trapper loved to tell stories. Deliveries in and around the Islands, Mon
were his favorite. I would listen for hours on the deck of EYC as he spoke
of navigating back to Annapolis with only a compass, a VHF radio and one
Island chart as his tools. "I know the bay, who needs a chart" he would
query. Simple logic, but still..... I too celebrate his passing. Learn
from his humble giving, and his lack of need for the material things in
life. I aspire to selfessly share as he did, to truly give to others
without expecting anything in return. I miss his life lessons and welcome
the day we meet again on the other side of God's race course.
Curt
Nicely done Alex and Jon, my turn.
What I admire and remember most about Trapper is he was a giver. I never
raced Star boats but we would talk for hours about tiny aspects of the
sailboat racing game. He truly loved the sport and there were no secrets.
Trapper shared all he knew (and he knew a lot) with whomever would listen.
He had access (through his employer) to these tiny mints that would explode
into your mouth and knock your socks off. Every month he would mention that
he might be able to get his hands on the very last container on the East
Coast. He'd run down to his car, grab a tin of mints and return. I of
course bought him a drink and had my mint supply for the month. This went
on for years.
Trapper loved to tell stories. Deliveries in and around the Islands, Mon
were his favorite. I would listen for hours on the deck of EYC as he spoke
of navigating back to Annapolis with only a compass, a VHF radio and one
Island chart as his tools. "I know the bay, who needs a chart" he would
query. Simple logic, but still..... I too celebrate his passing. Learn
from his humble giving, and his lack of need for the material things in
life. I aspire to selfessly share as he did, to truly give to others
without expecting anything in return. I miss his life lessons and welcome
the day we meet again on the other side of God's race course.
Curt
All,
Very nice words Jon so let Sanford and I fold in ... while we will all miss Trapper, let us celebrate him for the man he was! He chose his life and lived it well!! He was not caught up in the BS but loved a simple and humble life! I for one will always think of him with fondest memories and am relieved he is no longer in pain. While he may not be in this world with us, he is in another, meeting old friends and family long gone and missed! In fact, I am sure he stood beside us in Boatyard this morning for brunch, placing his hand on our shoulders and saying, have a drink for me but don't hurry to get here ... when you do, I will be here to greet you!
He IS well loved and will always be with us! That is what we MUST remember. Sanford and I do not grieve but celebrate the fact that we knew him and shared great times with him while he was on this side of God's race course!
He IS WELL LOVED by all of us!
Cheers to Trapper!
Love, Alex & Sanford
Alan Lippincott- Jon Hilbert
It's with great sadness and a heavy heart to hear that Alan (Trapper) Lippincott died this morning.
We lost a great friend & a wonderful person.
Trapper is no longer with us and I'm going to miss him terribly.EYC just won't seem the same anymore without Trap there watching his NASCARand talking about his Eagles.
We were so looking forward to watching the Ravens play the Eagles on November 23rd.We started talking trash when the schedule came out. He couldn't wait for the game.
Is he really gone or out sailing on a Starboat somewhere.
I know this where ever he is there is a Starboat close by.
We're going to miss you old friend and may you rest in peace.
Jon
Sept 21 again, and Note from Dottie and Marie
Happy was there at the end, soon to be followed by Michael. I will be in charge with the arrangements, and will keep eveyone appraised as time goes on. Eastport Yacht Club had a mellow event this evening to celebrateTrappers life. Something tells me this is not the last of these events.
To follow us a note from cousin Dotttie and Marie in NYC.
Love,
Paul
Dear Paul and Amy,
Marie and I just learned the news from your blog. It surely happened faster than I expected, but that might be a blessing. Liver cancer is unforgiving and he suffered enough. I just hope you were able to let him know that we were thinking of him. Even though we are far away... I still remember a lot of the Lippincotts over my lifetime. Family is family.
Please check with the VA regarding benefits. He is entitled to a vault to cover the casket (if you have that kind of funeral) also a plot for himself and his wife, a headstone (engraved .. no cost) and military ceremony. Ours was disappointing .. just folded flag and taps... but they told me most of the men were on Bagdad duty.
Also the family is entitled to a certificate signed by the President which was degreed by former President Kennedy. We got ours. (no cost)
We are so very sad but he has gone to a place where there are lots of Lippincotts to greet him... I know our parents will be there.
Please let us know any information regarding the funeral.
Cousin Dotty
Paul, as I read through the blog I saw what an awesome advocate you were on your brother's behalf when he was no longer able to speak for himself. You did a wonderful job. It is a difficult role- one of the hardest and most important in life. I'm sure Alan was proud of you. My deepest sympathy --and my love to you and your family.
Cousin Marie
Sunday, September 21, 2008
A Sailor's Life...
A sailor's life these days has changed
not what it used to be
among those things now re-arranged
are the days we spend at sea
and so the structure of the craft
and how we learn to sail
the Comet, Star and so the raft
is more by try and fail
so as we serve and strike for rate
we each look for a role
to help us find if our own fate
is written on our soul
and a lucky few have shared a berth
with a true and solid mate
a sailor who has sailed the earth
and stood to every fate
whose example kept the nippers square
and whose thoughts improved my skill
but it was mostly joy that he did share
and I recall it still
you know Trapper, my ole mate
he truly is the best
and when I face my final fate
he'll help me pass the test
On Wharf Creek
20 September 2008
J.C. McCracken
Trap
The finish line.
As Barbara has dicsclosed, Trapper was gone at 9:20am Sunday morning. No words can describe the pain that is accociated with his passing...........He's ,my brother, what more can be said. His passing was humane and with comfort and dignity. His care has been unsurpassed by the folks here at the VA Medical center
Will keep everyone posed as things progress...
Love,
Paul
The Finish Line
Our dear friend, father, brother, uncle, cousin and sailing bud Trapper has crossed the finish line. He passed this morning at 0920. Happy was at his side and he was peaceful.
Paul, Amy, and Michael and would like to thank each and everyone for their support, their love, their prayers and especially for the friendship that they had with Trapper. He was a special man and he held each of you in a special place in his heart.
Sail on Friend.
Barbara
Our dear friend, father, brother, uncle, cousin and sailing bud Trapper has crossed the finish line. He passed this morning at 0920. Happy was at his side and he was peaceful.
Paul, Amy, and Michael and would like to thank each and everyone for their support, their love, their prayers and especially for the friendship that they had with Trapper. He was a special man and he held each of you in a special place in his heart.
Sail on Friend.
Barbara
My brother
Sept 20th visit
As expectations were high based on the last couple of days, today was not that way. Trap was mostly sleeping , and when we, Amy, Kim , Happy (Traps ex), and I, did our normal things like scratching his beard, rubbing his chest, etc., he didn't respond favorably. Hopefully tomorrow will provide a happier mode. Happy is spending the night at the VA this evening.
Love,
Paul
As expectations were high based on the last couple of days, today was not that way. Trap was mostly sleeping , and when we, Amy, Kim , Happy (Traps ex), and I, did our normal things like scratching his beard, rubbing his chest, etc., he didn't respond favorably. Hopefully tomorrow will provide a happier mode. Happy is spending the night at the VA this evening.
Love,
Paul
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Sept 19th visit,
Amy and I went down later in the day today and found Mike Z and many of the Eastport Yacht Club clan. As yesterday, Trap was more responsive and clearly more talkative than earlier in the week. He is on a lower but more often dose of pain meds which I believe keeps him awake more, and more cognitive. This would be a good time for any who have been waiting to visit, to come. Trap does recognize his people, and clearly appears to appreciate it. Things change daily, so who knows what tomorrow brings, but now is a good a time as ever to say hi. The unfortunate reality is, his condition has developed to the point that he may not have a tremendous amount of time left, I'm afraid. A difficult thing to say, REAL DIFFICULT, but his family and friends should know.
Love,
Paul
Amy and I went down later in the day today and found Mike Z and many of the Eastport Yacht Club clan. As yesterday, Trap was more responsive and clearly more talkative than earlier in the week. He is on a lower but more often dose of pain meds which I believe keeps him awake more, and more cognitive. This would be a good time for any who have been waiting to visit, to come. Trap does recognize his people, and clearly appears to appreciate it. Things change daily, so who knows what tomorrow brings, but now is a good a time as ever to say hi. The unfortunate reality is, his condition has developed to the point that he may not have a tremendous amount of time left, I'm afraid. A difficult thing to say, REAL DIFFICULT, but his family and friends should know.
Love,
Paul
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sept 18th visit.
When I arrived, Michael Z and cousin Ron were present. Then Bob Flower showed up followed by my girls, Jodi and Kim. Trap was mostly sleeping but felt, recognized and acknowledged the presence of his guests when he was awake. He seemed a bit weaker than yesterday. Mike Z was there until midnight last night and arrived a 9:30 this morning, and is still there at this writing, 10:00 pm. Mike and Trap, not to mention Barb V, are best of friends. I truely believe (I probably said this before, but I'm not going back to check), Trap has more visitors than anyone at the VA hospital, and I'm sure he appreciates it.
Love,
Paul
September 17th visit,
Upon my arrival today I met with cousin Richard Lip, and we had an exellent meeting for quite a while. I woke Trap up and told him his mouth was in better condition because of the rehydration and aloe cream, but I was not going to kiss him there. I think I heard him say "kiss my ass" ! Not 100% sure but, I think that is what he said, we had quite a laugh about that. He is mostly sleeping, seems relatively comfortable, and is still garnering awsome care from his providers.
That's it for now,
Love, Paul
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sept 15 & 16th visits.
To all friends and famliy,
Sorry for the lack of info lately as I was home sick for days and was not able to visit Trap, didn't want to give them more to do then they already have now. During that time, and mostly the last few days, he has taken a turn for the worse. Things don't look as promising as in the recent past. The VA is continuing to battle his mounting complications, and they are mounting at a rapid pace. This hospital has a phenominal duty and ethic to help and attend to their veterans. We are fortunate to have their services available to Trap.
Will keep everyone informed as time progresses.
Love,
Paul
Good Email and Pics from Charles and Tracie
Trap,
I want you to know how much you have meant to me over the years. When you first took us under your wing and packed us in the Vega and took us to the Riverton Yacht Club; when you tirelessly traveled from Oxford to Palmyra and back countless times in the Rabbit; when you showed us how to drop kick the football at Grand-Stan's; when you showed us that you could sink a floating bumblebee with a BB Gun from 15 feet (in one shot); you always showed us that power came from someplace other than your biceps; when you gave us a greater appreciation for the water and for sailing; when you shared the Cinnabar and the Star; when you showed us how to eat the solt shelled clams at Pier Street; when you showed us that a 9.9 HP on old Woody could make a true 2 knots into a stiff current and that the true joy was going for the ride not getting there; when you showed us how much food was stored within a chicken bone (ugh, never did get over that one); when you found the humor in sinking the Parmelee at the dock.... I may have grown up but I have never forgotten the acceptance, generosity and love that you showed Mike and me. In a time and situation when kids need love, Bulla, we were blessed to have crossed paths with you. When I am steaming towards the yellowfin tuna at the Canyon, when I am putting a eye splice or bowline made fast around a cleat, you will forever be on my mind and in my prayers. Thank you Trapper. I love you,
Charles
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wed Sept 10th,
I wasn't going in again today, however his oncology doc called in the morning with some great news. His Liver tumour has decreased by two thirds, one third of the size then when the treatments were started! That's un fffffff believeable! His case is more hopeful now, however he needs to get nutrition and fluids, he's very dehydrated, and not always lucid. So I blasted back to the VA to tell him personally instead of a doc telling him . I think he got the message. Visitors must understand that his is very drawn, doesn't say much, but is on the mend, I believe. Next week a feeding tube for nutrition.
Love,
Paul
Tuesday, Sept 9th,
Trap didn't seem as with it today. I think his refusal to eat much is having an effect on him. He is scheduled to get a feeding tube, but not until next week.. I am going to try by whatever means to speed that time peroid up. This is not a cure all, but it should give a head start on nurishment after his shunt installation.
Love,
Paul
Trap didn't seem as with it today. I think his refusal to eat much is having an effect on him. He is scheduled to get a feeding tube, but not until next week.. I am going to try by whatever means to speed that time peroid up. This is not a cure all, but it should give a head start on nurishment after his shunt installation.
Love,
Paul
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sunday, Sept. 7th.
Trap was awake most all of my visit today, which tells me he is recovering from the op. He actually let me feed him one lousy (1) cube of his fruit cup. Wow. He also asked for some of my iced tea I brought as a break from the water. Anyhow, he was improved which makes me happier. I am lobbying for a feeding tube if this no-food-intake persists, he must get some nutrition or the oncologist will not resume the chemo which is critical to his survival. The oncologist is on my side here and on Monday I will speak the liver doc, Dr. White to help this process along also. So - - - step 1 shunt . done, step 2 nutrition by whatever means, step 3 resume chemo, step 4 physical therapy, step 5, jumping jacks.
I think he may be ready for visits now, although he didn't say so.
Until later,
Love, PaulSaturday, September 6, 2008
Trapper and the Flat Belly Diet ;-)
Sept 5th update.
Trap is back in his nice room on 2 - D in the main hospital. He had the sweetest nurse today, extremely helpful. His stomach is as flat as ever, and there is less labour in his breathing and his color looked more normal. Trap didn't have but a few words to say, slept most of the time I was there, still pretty weak from the op. He has to push on an installed pump in his gut 10+ times per day to keep it from filling up. It is an actual manual pump imbedded under his skin in his gut cavity. Again, this recycles his fluids back in his bloodstream where it came from and saves his proteins. I believe he will soon be moved back to his room at the extended care residence facility, again great care and attention. I spoke to the liver doc today who installed the shunt, and he is pleased how the procedure went.
Now what he needs to do is EAT and/or DRINK HIS ENSURE. He needs the strength to battle this horrible disease, and to take the chemo regimen.
I asked if he would like visits, and he said not yet. However, no one can control what his friends want to do! By the way, his cell phone is not with him, and will be when he is moved from the surgical ward back to the living facility.
Love,
Paul
Sept 5th update.
Trap is back in his nice room on 2 - D in the main hospital. He had the sweetest nurse today, extremely helpful. His stomach is as flat as ever, and there is less labour in his breathing and his color looked more normal. Trap didn't have but a few words to say, slept most of the time I was there, still pretty weak from the op. He has to push on an installed pump in his gut 10+ times per day to keep it from filling up. It is an actual manual pump imbedded under his skin in his gut cavity. Again, this recycles his fluids back in his bloodstream where it came from and saves his proteins. I believe he will soon be moved back to his room at the extended care residence facility, again great care and attention. I spoke to the liver doc today who installed the shunt, and he is pleased how the procedure went.
Now what he needs to do is EAT and/or DRINK HIS ENSURE. He needs the strength to battle this horrible disease, and to take the chemo regimen.
I asked if he would like visits, and he said not yet. However, no one can control what his friends want to do! By the way, his cell phone is not with him, and will be when he is moved from the surgical ward back to the living facility.
Love,
Paul
Friday, September 5, 2008
Surgery Update
Sept 3-5,
3rd - - As Barb said, today Trap was moved to 2-D the surgical wing for his prepping for the shunt. This is by far the brightest and cheeriest room he has yet to have, although he probably wont' be there but only a few days. He has an air mattress which moves softly and keeps his blood moving and prevents bed sores. His phone is off as mentioned earlier as he is pretty weak and sleepy.
4th - - He left for surgery prep at 7:30 and had is shunt installed successfully thereafter. He was then moved to the recovery room to revive and stabilize him, and has now been moved into the ICU. All standard procedure for post op I am told. Trap will remain groggy until later this evening, but should be fairly cognizant tomorrow, and hopefully back into his room. We'll see what shape he is in tomorrow regarding visitation and will report back ASAP. But right now he just needs rest.
5th -- Surgery went well, he was in recovery all afternoon. I will visit today and hopefully he will be back in his room.
This shunt will hopefully make Trap regain his desire to eat and drink, with all that fluid in his gut gone for good (recycled in his blood stream) and make him strong like Bull.
Prayers please.
Love,
Paul
Sept 3-5,
3rd - - As Barb said, today Trap was moved to 2-D the surgical wing for his prepping for the shunt. This is by far the brightest and cheeriest room he has yet to have, although he probably wont' be there but only a few days. He has an air mattress which moves softly and keeps his blood moving and prevents bed sores. His phone is off as mentioned earlier as he is pretty weak and sleepy.
4th - - He left for surgery prep at 7:30 and had is shunt installed successfully thereafter. He was then moved to the recovery room to revive and stabilize him, and has now been moved into the ICU. All standard procedure for post op I am told. Trap will remain groggy until later this evening, but should be fairly cognizant tomorrow, and hopefully back into his room. We'll see what shape he is in tomorrow regarding visitation and will report back ASAP. But right now he just needs rest.
5th -- Surgery went well, he was in recovery all afternoon. I will visit today and hopefully he will be back in his room.
This shunt will hopefully make Trap regain his desire to eat and drink, with all that fluid in his gut gone for good (recycled in his blood stream) and make him strong like Bull.
Prayers please.
Love,
Paul
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Important Procedure today!
Trapper is scheduled to have the shunt installed today. Yesterday he was moved to the hospital and prepped for the surgery. Keep your fingers crossed and the prayers coming!
Barbara
~~~_/)~_/)_/)~~
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Visit from Merf
Went to see Trapper today... Monday 1 Sept, Labor Day. Arrived about noon and found him dozing but in discomfort. Brought him a copy of Spinsheet, and Chesapeake Bay. Also thought he would enjoy the latest MAD with Alfred E O'Bama on the cover holding a banner "Yes We Can't!" Only MAD! Got a chuckle from him on that.
All said, he was pretty uncomfortable. A nurse came by with more pills but left to return later. Said she was constantly pestering him. Cant validate one way or the other but we chatted later and I am sure she is sincere and very caring.
So ITrap and I chatted for a bit.... mostly me. His main comment was "This is tough, man...tough". Surely is and tough to watch this great guy have to endure it. `
He was really tired and wanted to try to sleep so I left... passing on all the regards, hopes and love of the EYC folks and others.
merf
Sept 30 visit,
For those who are calling, don't be alarmed. At present Trap has his phone off most of the time, as he is going through one of his tough times. He fell again trying to get to the head on Saturday evening. He's too damned stubborn or proud to ask for assistance to do so. We called for x rays while Amy & I were there Sunday as Trap said his hip was very sore. They thankfully turned out negative. His shunt should be installed mid this week which should make him much more comfortable. He can't really hold anything down due to the pressure on his stomach due to is gut cavity being bloated to the max with fluid. His blood work looks good and his chemo is being increased. Lets just hope they get that shunt in ASAP, as brother Trap is miserable right now.
Thanks for all you prayers and concern,
Paul
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