NEW MUSIC
Christian Recording Legend Larry
Norman Still Very Sick
By Jeremy Reynalds
Special Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
CBN.com –SALEM,OR
(ANS) -- Christian recording legend Larry Norman was very sick
in Dec. 2004 and finally in Jan. of this year was taken into the
hospital for a new heart defibrillator/pacemaker.
However, the new defibrillator/pacemaker
only came after a debilitating series of trials.
According to a report on Norman's Web site, the first year after
Norman's open heart surgery he had been shocked so often that
his three year battery had worn out in one year.
Initially, when Norman's defibrillator was drained of its charge
the insurance company would not supply him with a new one, so
the doctors performed a medical procedure which they told Norman
may help him.
But what they didn't tell him, Norman's web site reported, was
that the medical procedure now rendered Norman completely dependent
upon the pacemaker. Now if his pacemaker lost its charge, Norman
would collapse and his heart rate would drop to about 44 beats
a minute prior to stopping completely.
It was at that critical moment when the insurance company finally
agreed to step in with a new defibrillator/pacemaker, Norman's
web site reported.
Norman began to feel better for a while and even felt up to making
new studio recordings.
However, his web site reported, "then his health began to
be up and down, which stopped the progress of the album. He could
only work on it when he felt well. He began to have problems with
some of his medicines and was referred to several new doctors
for various problems which might come up. But he wasn't receiving
donations anymore. As soon as we announced that there would be
a 'donation album,' we received orders for it, but then the gratefully
received flow of small donations ceased. Larry has been booking
appointments with doctors as he can. He has an appointment coming
up with his general practitioner for an overall checkup. And then
this doctor will point him in the direction of the next doctors
he must see."
According to Norman's Web site, there is no definitive answer
on the state of Norman's health right now as he is waiting to
be referred to other doctors for a variety of tests.
"But we can tell you this: Larry is very happy," his
web site reported. He's been in the hospital recently for strange
bouts with internal bleeding, his left arm seems to be having
problems with connective tissue tearing inside. He feels unwell,
mostly as night approaches, and he has joked and said that we
should put HIS name up on the website prayer list. But we won't
- because we know that you are praying for him already."
According to his web site, Norman has been encouraged by encouraging
e-mails, although his health has prohibited him from personally
answering all of them.
"If you'd like to do something nice for him, please send
him a small family photo with the names of everyone written on
the back," his web site suggested. "He will put it up
where he can see it, and he would like to be praying for you and
your family. He loves animals, so if your dog or cat is in the
photo he will be even more blessed. Or you could send him a separate
photo of your pet: dog, horse, cat, rat, weasel, raccoon, crow,
(or) whatever you have."
The smallest things in life make Norman very happy.
With that in mind Norman's web site continued, "if you feel
led to write to him about a problem, or a blessing in your life,
he will feel like he is still involved in your life. With Larry
it's never been 'all about the music.' To him, he is interested
in people. That's why he has street witnessed to people, and still
does - even if it's only by email. He still gets 'assignments'
when he finds out about someone's brother, sister, husband, wife,
father, mother, cousin, etc. who is not a Christian. And he is
not only concerned for their physical health but their spiritual
life."
In a previous medical update on Norman, his web site reported
that during a recent angiogram his artery was damaged. Medical
complications resulted and a surgical closure was needed, but
according to his web site "the insurance company won't give
him their permission because they contend that it is not an immediate
risk to his life. However, it is pushing him toward the final
curtain, and is presently contributing to his 'congestive heart
failure' problems and also to the continuing death of his cells
and nerves because of his lessened circulation."
According to a news release Norman said he is "ready to
go home" if it's God's will. In the meantime, he stills fights
for his life; studying medical books, paying for therapies with
money donated to him and tries to build his health back up. He
lives with his son who is old enough now to drive him to the hospital
and gets occasional help from his sister. He attends a church
near his home.
According to the same news release, Time Magazine once
called Norman "the most significant artist in his field."
Norman has had over 300 "cover recordings" of his songs
according to the release by such British notables as Cliff Richard
and Petula Clark.
His songs have also been recorded by contemporary artists like
dc Talk, Rebecca
St. James, and Audio
Adrenaline.
In 2001 Norman was inducted into the Gospel
Music Hall of Fame.
Norman's American web site is www.larrynorman.com.
For those in the United States wishing to help Norman his U.S.
web site asks that checks or money orders be made out to "Larry's
Trust Fund" and the envelope be marked "Trust Fund."
It can be mailed to Solid Rock Productions Inc. 3760 Market Street
NE, PMB # 306,Salem, OR 97301.
Purchase
albums from his catalog.
Watch a
special, personal video from Larry Norman.
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