by Lobo » Sun Oct 27, 2019 6:39 pm
Update to my last post:
On September 13, 2018 I showed up at Conrad's house, after driving from Arkansas. I waited around until he showed up and introduced myself. He was shocked and a bit shaken, expecting that ,"If I ever saw you show up here I figured you'd have a gun". I assured him that I was not there for anything except to work out an arrangement and to get my drums, if possible. He invited me inside and we talked for an hour or so. He explained that he had been injured in a fall and suffered a "brain injury" which really destroyed his life. He seemed physically fine now though, if perhaps very listless and despondent. Then he told me a story of how he believed that he had been "spiritually attacked" by a woman he met, and some of her acquaintances. They apparently "robbed" him of his power and energy, while he was recuperating from the head injury, after he was released from the hospital. He eventually broke free of their "spell" and influence but has never worked since, and feels terrible about all the many people he still owes money to.
I told him that he is a very strong spiritual warrior and is a creature of the Light. His energy has infused countless instruments, which are still bringing joy to many people, and that's a LOT of good karma. Negative forces cannot harm such a spiritual warrior unless he allows it to happen by giving up. I urged him to get back into his work again and regain the strength of spirit he once had. I told him that I did not wish to pursue legal means of repayment; I just wanted him to make me a special set of beautiful congas, as we had agreed years ago. He then promised me that he would strive to get back in the game again, and regain his ability to work. I invited him to come visit me when he felt able, and he promised to stay in touch.
I left and continued on up to New England where I had other business. I have not heard from him since, despite having cc'd him on about two dozen emails to friends. I suspect that his performance, his story, and the whole encounter was a sham; an excuse to just get me out of his life again ASAP. I feel sorry for him, and for the man he could have been. Whether it was too many drugs, or too many personal defeats, or whatever the reason, he appears to have simply given up on his life, and that is truly sad. He was once a gifted artist, and he brought into this world a ton of beautiful instruments which made, and are still making, thousands of people happy. It's a great legacy and nobody can take that away from him. Selah.