A short absence (I hope)

[Willie Gamble]

Hi folks, just a wee update to inform you of the progress Davie is making. I speak with him almost every day, he attends the gym in the hospital every morning to help with his upper body strength. He is due to attend the Westmark clinic sometime this next week or two to have a mould made for his brand new prosthetic leg.
For someone who has gone through what he has, he is showing some strength of character.
He stated back at the start. That he is going to beat this, and I think he will.

Asleep at the steel

[Donny Johnston]

I spoke to Davie yesterday and have to agree with Willie, Davie has a great attitude to this whole situation. He'll get through this. Donny.

[Willie Gamble]

Just a wee update on Davies progress, as you know, he had his lower right leg amputated 2 weeks ago. Davie and I speak almost every day. He is doing remarkably well, although some days he is in a lot of pain until his morphine kicks in.
His spirit is upbeat and as he says " I'm going to beat this Willie'. Bob Adams and I are making inroads into helping him to get playing again.
That's all for now folks, will update as and when
Asleep at the steel

[Willie Gamble]

Hi all, just to let you all know. that Davie is scheduled to leave hospital on Wednesday, he attends Westmark on Tuesday to have cast made of his stump, they will then make him a prosthetic leg and so his journey back to playing pedal steel begins.
I have spoken on the phone with Davie almost every day since this problem first arose, I can honestly say that I have never met someone who has displayed such an upbeat attitude and determination to get back playing the instrument he loves so much.
Good on ya Davie
PS I'll be over to pick up you pedal when you get settled back at home, and I will deliver it to Bob Adams and we will have him perform his magic on it

Asleep at the steel

[Davie Holland]

Gentlemen.. I am now home from hospital and albeit confined to a wheelchair for the moment, I am managing to get about the lower level of my house. Fiona (my wife) has organised a single bed which was offered by one of my neighbours, and now resides in my living room. Luckily I have a downstairs toilet so thats another box ticked.
I have read every post and I cannot express enough how thankful I am for everyone's kind words. There were a few tears as you could imagine and at the moment it doesnt take much to start me off (I blame the drugs cos I`m usually a grumpy sod).
Willie has most kindly kept you all up to date so I wont ramble on too much.
The casting for the mold went well and I`m expecting to go on Tuesday to pick up my prothesis and get it fitted along with some physio. Just to be back on two feet is another little milestone, however I know I cant rush it and will only be able to use it for about half an hour at a time to begin with, but the more I get used to it and my stump toughens up, I can wear it for longer and eventually hopefully get rid of the crutches.
The good people at WestMARC who are supplying my leg, have ordered an enhanced foot for me after hearing my plight, which has movement left and right and forward and back. I actually took my Sho-Bud pedal with me to the casting appointment, and the main man (Dave) advised me not to make any changes to the pedal "just yet" in case I get enough movement from my hip joint to activate the pedal. That together with te sensor that Dave Beaty of Telonics is working on just might be the key to me playing again, which I cant wait to do. There might be a few tears yet, and I may burst into floods when I play Cold Cold Heart again.
This little bump in the road has slowed me down, but I will overcome it. For me, there is no cant, and I`m only looking forward, one little chunk at a time. I will beat this !!

Willie is coming up to my place tomorrow (Friday) for a wee catch up and a cuppa, and I cant wait.
Thank You all. I`ll try to keep you all up to date as I go forward.

Hunners

[Malcolm]

Davie, check the silverware before you let Gamble out.

[Mcneilwaeasteel]

DAVIE
Hopefully a good day ahead of you with the travelling Wilbur paying a visit, forget about Mc misers comment on the silverware , Willie may have an alternative motive !
Watch carefully as he builds up your guitar, as he probably wants to make it sound a bit more like his beloved Mullen!
You have been warned and as the sign in the bookies says “ Be Gamble aware !”
Enjoy your day
Cheers
Robert

[Malcolm]

Davie, keep MSA locked up, do not let any of these Mullen players near a good guitar, might give them ideas above their station.

[Danny Mitchell]

Davie, I'm so glad to read your post. Your positivity is heartwarming, I really can't wait to hear some 'Hunners' again.
I know the people at the prosthetics place must have seen it all, but I'd bet that's the first time anyone's rolled up with a Volume Pedal!!!
'Mon the Hunners

[Davie Holland]

What a brilliant night with Willie Gamble, Graeme Foord, Billy Murdoch and Billy McKillop who came to visit me and to eat all my biscuits.
Many stories and a great many more laughs were had when they ALL rocked up to my place on Friday night at the same time. Gave me a massive smile and a boost.
Had such a fantastic time listening to all the tales of gigs, artistes who we`ve played with, other musicians and bands, I forgot to take my pills.

The MSA was securely locked away from Mullen hands although Mr McKillop did let my little "secret" out of the bag... ....ok.. I fancy a Mullen as a stay built, stay at home practice steel as I only have the MSA. There...I`ve said it...my secret is out lol..

Thanks for a great night guys. Really hope we can do it again...and SOON!!

Davie