When Mike so graciously agreed to share our plight regarding the situation with my son and the tragic accident that happened on the 5th May 2021, [A Mother's Urgent Plea for Help] I was absolutely blown away with the number of folks who readily stepped up to help. There was so much outpouring of support, love, donations, loans and well-wishes at a time we desperately needed help, and I was quite at a loss for words as to how I was going to adequately express my gratitude to everyone. While I concentrated on the immediate task at hand (getting my son out of “hell” and … [Read more...]
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
I have been in touch with Shelley Ashurst today in the aftermath of the recent events detailed here. I want to let everyone who has sent their hard earned money and sincere messages of support that you are enormously appreciated. Shelley, Jean and the rest of the family are quite overwhelmed with the outpouring. I didn't realize until today that Jean is in a hospital that is a 2 hour drive from where Shelley and the rest of the family live. They are burning the candle at both ends trying to organize his care, handle the money and logistics, negotiate the bureaucracy of the hospital … [Read more...]
A Mother’s Urgent Plea for Help
I usually don't post things like this here, because if I did every time someone asked me, it would be all this blog would contain. But for people I know personally, who have gone out of their way to help me, there can be no hesitation. I know if I asked for help in return it would be given unconditionally. I ask you to read this in its entirety, and if you can help, do so. There won't be certificates or commendations, and you won't be given a bowling trophy or lauded in a magazine as a "humanitarian," but you will have done something to help someone and a family in dire need of assistance due … [Read more...]
Fernando Gamboa 1955 – 2021
Terri and Janis (daughters of Peter and Yvonne Gillham) asked me to post this tribute here. They are dear friends of nearly 50 years, and I mourn their loss. I knew Fernando, though not really well. But his smile was unforgettable, and so was his kind and gentle demeanor, something rare in the world of the Sea Org. And his dedication to and love for my friend Terri for so many years gives him a special place in my heart. FERNANDO GAMBOA: Aug 29, 1955 – February 18, 2021 Fernando was born and raised in the foothills of the Andes in Sogamoso, Colombia. When he was 10 years … [Read more...]