The very best kind of Xmas present...

**adouglas** · 12-25-2008, 05:09 PM

...is one that is as important to the giver as the receiver.

Very short backstory: My best friend, bandmate (lead singer), and the guy who taught me my first notes on a guitar almost 30 years ago, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer a few years ago. The most important part about this is that thanks to modern medicine he's fine, and will be fine for many years to come.

The next-most-important part about this is that he has had do undergo a few surgeries, each one of which carried an increased risk of permanent damage to his vocal cords.

His third and most recent surgery took place last April. It was a pretty safe bet that his voice would change radically, and quite possibly permanently. So we got together one last time the day before he went to the hospital and recorded ourselves.

It was an extraordinarily hard thing to do. We weren't at our best, but it was, perhaps, the last time we'd ever sound like we had.

His surgery was successful, and he's doing great, thankfully. However, he sounds (no kidding) like Mickey Mouse. It may get better. That's another story. For the moment, what we had for 25-plus years is over.

I've been sitting on those recordings ever since, unable to bring myself to listen to them. My intention was to mix them and give him a CD for Christmas.

Today was the day. I've been heads-down, mixing for 12 hours, and it's done. I'm visiting him tomorrow. He's not expecting it. And it's going to knock his socks off.

Is it great stuff? Certainly not. Is it the most precious 52 minutes of audio I've got?

Absolutely.

Christmas to me is not about the trappings or the gifts. It's about doing good things for your friends, family and others. I'm thankful that I can do something as meaningful as this. It's the best kind of Christmas present.

Bless all of you, and may each and every one of you have a peaceful, healthy, safe and prosperous new year!

**laneline** · 12-25-2008, 06:29 PM

Andy, you are embodiment of the spirit of Christmas, good job, you guys will be fine, the main thing is that your brother, I say brother as that's clear from your post, is doing well,
Merry Christmas, & Happy New Year to you & yours. All the Best, Rick

**T-bone** · 12-25-2008, 06:38 PM

That's a wonderful story, adouglas. I always look forward to your posts, and this is one of your best yet. Any chance you'd care to share your recording with us knuckleheads?

Ho Ho Ho
tbone

**basssteve** · 12-25-2008, 06:49 PM

Same to you and thank you for the valuable knowledge you passed on to a newbie here on the forum. You should be proud to know that it has already made a difference in a way in my life. Your suggestions worked like a charm and I have gained great insight in my instrument and because of that I am a better person.

Thank you and god bless.

Steve

**adouglas** · 12-25-2008, 06:49 PM

Thanks for the sentiment and thanks for asking, TBone, but at the moment I'm too close to it to be objective.

I think that it all sucks, and I think that it's all priceless and irreplaceable, all at the same time.

I have no doubt that at least one of those things is true, but I can't tell right now.

Best to judge this stuff in the cold light of day. The fact of the circumstance makes these recordings precious to me, but it does not make them great recordings.

**TNT** · 12-25-2008, 09:55 PM

Andrew, great story!!!

Shows valuable perpspectives on life. As we know, life doesn't continue on day after day without one day coming to a change or an end (on all points!). We will all be there one day.

Seems you both enjoyed each other's company over the course of your giggin' years - priceless!

As an added note, Musicman Guitars has brought great enjoyment for me over the course of my music career.

PTL

**T-bone** · 12-25-2008, 11:49 PM

I understand, adouglas, and it may have been unfair of me to ask. I have to think, however, something created with that much love and emotion will be fantastic - no matter how it sounds.

Thanks again for your great posts.

tbone