It was just last Sunday that we put out the call to see what we could do to help Ozark’s family, and you guys rose to the occasion, as always!
I received these two lovely notes today, one from OzarkHillbilly and another from Renee.
I will let them speak for themselves – I wanted to share them with all of you.
From OzarkHillbilly:
A week ago I said I was humbled at the response Renee’s fundraiser garnered. I could never have dreamed of such a response. I remain humbled to my core. I want to say that this place and it’s inhabitants are truly special. For that I want to say that I owe a special debt of gratitude to John Cole. Without him this place could never have been. It is thru his efforts and growth as a human, thru his constant work on our behalf and his inestimable patience with this pack of jackals that Balloon Juice has grown into the community it is.
I also want to give a tip of the hat to WaterGirl. She made it happen. Anticipated every possible problem, guided Renee and I thru it all, making sure that everything went off without a hitch. It was a lot of work for her and she gladly did it because she has a heart of gold and the patience of a saint. Over the course of her ordeal she and I exchanged a total of 71 emails and probably 8 or 10 phone calls and she never once called me an idiot Luddite. Which if she had I could hardly have disputed it. With all that she still displays her deep and sunny goodwill.
To all the jackals who contributed funds to a woman you have never met going thru what has to be one of the most difficult things any person can go thru, words alone are insufficient. I said above that I could never have dreamed of such a response and that is true, but that being said, I am not in the least surprised. Over the years I have seen dozens of these fundraisers, for abandoned old dogs to artists facing crushing medical debts and you people always come thru.
Because you care.
To the 4 who gave $1,000 each and the 2 who gave $500, words fail. Literally. I hope my acknowledgement of your above and beyond the call generosity conveys in some small way my feelings, even tho I know it can’t.
For me, for Renee, and especially for my brother Dave, I thank you all.
Yer ever lovin’ OzarkHillbilly,
tom
And this lovely note from Renee:
“It is so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone”
-John Steinbeck
I wanted to reach out and extend my gratitude to each and everyone who donated to help me and our family out. It goes without saying David’s death was a traumatic blow to all of us.
When Tom mentioned WaterGirl wanted to extend the offer for the group to raise money to help us out and as I read the letter tears came to my eyes.
When the donations started coming in it was amazing the outpouring care and unselfishness of such wonderful people. People whom we have never met with such big hearts.
Donations of all amounts poured in and have been our lifeline to keep the lights on, the house cool for me, the family, friends and visitors coming by. Paying for groceries, making the house payment which enabled me to stay in my house and also helping in David’s cremation and planning his celebration of life.
Once again I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Please always remember someone out there loves you, cares about you, and is listening. You just have to reach out and let them in.
With Warm Regards
Renee
Open thread.
Jackie
I’m so proud of us Jackals! And, it’s extremely dusty in here.
John Cole
I broke her in. She’s used to it. Trust me on this.
Xantar
Soooo…I think we can all agree that in the future whenever someone says they want to watch a video on Twitter, we should tell them that Twitter has been rebranded to X which means they have to go to Xvideos.
Right?
Albatrossity
Beautiful. I hope that the funds will help with this horrendous situation, and I totally agree that BJ jackals are the best, and WG is a saint.
‘Nuff said.
Sure Lurkalot
@Albatrossity:
‘Nuff said (again).’
zhena gogolia
@Albatrossity: Co-sign.
Betsy
It’s good to see these letters of gratitude, because so much bad is happening in the world. Just knowing that people were helped and people did the helping, is so good to see.
Odie Hugh Manatee
How the fudge did I miss this and where is the link to give?! Wishing Renee and yourself the best, Ozark!
TS
What a wonderful thread – with all that is happening in the world, remembering that family is family makes the day so much brighter
Yutsano
May your hearts find peace. I’m so glad us jackals could help you in your hour of need. And please don’t be asking to come knocking again y’all! It’s really what we’re supposed to be doing for each other. Love and healing light to you!
Soprano2
I’m glad you were able to get help, I’m only sorry I was too late to contribute.
Yarrow
Thank you for allowing us to help you during such a challenging time.
@Odie Hugh Manatee:
Original thread. Fundraiser is closed.
YY_Sima Qian
@Soprano2: +1
cain
@Odie Hugh Manatee:
Me too ! I knew something was being organized. Can we do a round 2?
Odie Hugh Manatee
@Yarrow:
Thanks for the bad news! ;)
@cain
I agree!:
cain
@cain:
Whoops never mind I did donate.
kalakal
@Albatrossity:
totally agree.
Dusty in here all of a sudden
Yarrow
@Odie Hugh Manatee: Sorry!
There were a lot of people who commented after donations were closed that they’d like to contribute. It seems like there would be a fair amount of support should the need arise.
mvr
@Yarrow: Sorry to have missed this. I was on a roughly two week mostly off-grid vacation so did not see the original posting.
My best to OzarkHillbilly & family.
HumboldtBlue
Youse are good people.
Llelldorin
+1 to all those asking for a round 2.
rikyrah
So glad that the help provided can ease part of the financial circumstances.😢
Gretchen
Renee and Tom, we’re glad we were able to help. This is a really tough time so we’re sending good thoughts your way.
Armadillo
I read an article or heard a discussion once, can’t recall the source or the cite, that said research shows we do not care for others because we love them. We love other people because we care for them. So you do not necessarily love your newborn baby immediately but the work of caring for them will lead you to love them. And here at Balloon Juice our work to care for each other brings us together. Thank you to Mr. Cole and Ms. WaterGirl and to all the community. I am glad that we could help Ozark’s family and proud to be a part of this place.
lowtechcyclist
@Betsy:
Same here.
Kristine
@cain: I missed it as well.
Haroldo
I am sorry to have missed the giving window. Thank you for the letters above – few things give me hope, but your letters certainly did.
Miss Bianca
Wow. This is such a cool community. So glad we were able to help OH’s family like this.
Raoul Paste
Well said, Tom. Your courage and character just shine through.
NutmegAgain
OK, so now I’m teary … Still wishing the best, and softest possible healing for the Ozark family.
glory b
@Yarrow: Yes!
OzarkHillbilly
@cain: HA! That’s a sign of how large your heart is.