WHEN in the course of human Events, it becomes necessary….
More from the updater
byVanderleunonJanuary 14, 2023
Gerard is still in the hospital and still hanging in there. A major problem remains severe back pain. They’ve tested for a number of things and aren’t finished yet, and in the meantime he’s getting a fair amount of medication that makes him tired. That’s why you haven’t heard much from him more directly, although he did post this comment last evening.
For those of you who’ve asked about Olive, someone is checking in on her regularly and taking care of her basic needs. Gerard would like to thank everyone for their support, healing thoughts, and prayers.
Some progress, and prayers, can lead to more progress, and continued prayers. Pleased to see another little update here this morning. God Bless you, Gerard, and may He uplift you.
NoriJanuary 15, 2023, 5:03 AM
Thank you, Updater. Your efforts are much appreciated. Good to know Olive is holding down Fort Vanderleun for Mr V’s return.
CaseyJanuary 15, 2023, 6:05 AM
Let this comment reach God’s ears. Heal Mr. Vanderleun and specifically his back pain and neurologic issues. May his oxygenation be healed. In Jesus’ Name.
Severe back pain of this order is likely to bring depression and a feeling of overwhelming everything. I can’t overstate how much AD has been a support to me in this very strange political and social world we live in. It is 15 days into 2023 and the news is already peak crazy. Mr. Vanderleun (said with fake John Steed accent) “you’re needed”.
Snakepit KansasJanuary 15, 2023, 6:42 AM
Amen.
Dan PattersonJanuary 15, 2023, 6:58 AM
Thank you for the update.
The celestial delivery of good fortune is not efficient or fair.
ArtyJanuary 15, 2023, 2:34 PM
Damn! I haven’t visited here in awhile and now I find this out. Bless you Gerard and I’m praying for your speedy recovery. Coincidentally I visited Happy Hectares yesterday for the first time in awhile and find that he’s been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving treatment. Depressing to be once again reminded of my own mortality. Get well and hope to see you back on the job soon.
jdJanuary 15, 2023, 2:52 PM
TO OUR KIND UPDATER:
There is a man named David near the end of the comments to the
previous “update” who said he had started a “go fund me account” but
was not able to activate it because he needs Gerard’s phone number to
do that. I suggested to him that he post here but since he hasn’t done
that, I am.
I am really worried about Gerard as I know many of you are. I’m worried
about his environment and the fact that he is probably not moving much.
Still praying of course but I think he needs worldly help as in financial too.
I reached Gerard by email and got his phone number, which I uploaded. However, the GiveSendGo campaign I started remains unpublished. I think they just don’t work on weekends.
CJanuary 15, 2023, 6:10 PM
Thank you for the update and for your proactive efforts.
AnonymousJanuary 15, 2023, 6:47 PM
Superior &thx.
Dan PattersonJanuary 16, 2023, 1:44 AM
The heart of man has two sides, kindness and aggression; neither are “yet melted”.
LadyBikkiJanuary 16, 2023, 8:06 AM
How is the campaign listed ?
LadyBikkiJanuary 16, 2023, 6:15 AM
I just checked GiveSendGo and there is no fund raiser (yet) for Gerard.
LadyBikkiJanuary 16, 2023, 8:31 AM
According to GSG “the campaign owner and recipient haven’t published it yet”.
Therein lies the problem.
If it’s not up tomorrow, I am thinking of just sending a check.
AnonymousJanuary 16, 2023, 11:50 AM
+1
CJanuary 16, 2023, 12:12 PM
If they are running a for-profit business, it might be nice if they kept people informed of such things (times off, etc.) on their website. This might be what some reviewers were complaining about: “lack of communication”. So far this year I have had moronic dealings with doctors’ portals and clueless staff messages, and with ATT: “round and round we go, and where we stop nobody knows”.
About
GiveSendGo is a free Christian fundraising platform.
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
51-100
Private http://www.givesendgo.com
(from deeper into the website: “Company Type For Profit”)
Though I’m not often prone to pessimistic thoughts, Ghostsniper, I’ll admit to your question flitting across my mind. It’s the length of time Gerard has been in need of hospitalization and specialized care which weighs on my mind the most. My fervent prayer is that the question asked is not to be. May God lift Gerard up and return him to full health and strength.
ghostsniperJanuary 17, 2023, 4:30 AM
John, you know the chore of keeping a blog running. Look at the monument Gerard has created here, drawing people from around the world every day. This takes incredible and continuous effort. Look also at much of the content – daily (mostly nasty) political activities that can take a toll. For myself, as I have mentioned many times, I have to turn the dam thing off and get back out into reality and re-establish my balance. Is it possible for exposure to a continuous stream of bad news to have bad effects on ones health? Even subliminally? I just thinking out loud here. I hope the best for Gerard in all things.
Walt GottesmanJanuary 17, 2023, 6:53 AM
Ghost, you are right. Gerard has done a monumental task, keeping AD going day after day, year in, year out. I’m no doc but I think he needs rest and recuperation. I say this as someone who was hit hard by Lyme Disease in July, 2021. It took 10 months for me to get my strength back.
Along with others here, am praying for the health and well-being of good Mr. Vanderleun.
Something is rotten in Denmark. Not encouraging. If they’ve gotten the IV’s in him…..all bets are off. Prayers.
Dan PattersonJanuary 17, 2023, 6:36 AM
I remain uneasy; I agree that something is more worrisome than usual.
Remaining hopeful and will be very happy with a positive outcome.
Tom HylandJanuary 17, 2023, 6:43 AM
I said as much the other day, Joe. I’m hoping Gerard has a physical advocate in the building waving away vaccines and other evil off of him. Gerard has actually tapped a few messages so if his updater buddy could place that phone in his hand and tell us hello it would be reassuring.
More stuff to read in the meantime…. Televised news regarding the vaxx and its efficacy is “brought to you by Pfizer.” I quit watching the news shortly after 9/11 and then totally stopped TV viewing within a couple more years. But I’m aware that Pfizer sponsors the news in a “Yuge” way and that “ask your doctor” is the motto of almost every news story delivered regardless of which pharma company has paid for that segment. Then there’s Bill Gates who packs money up the rectums of almost every newspaper and television station in existence. I read a list of Gates’ recipients when the apocalypse began and I’d enjoy finding that again. I’ve looked but he probably paid someone to disappear that. His influence is nearly total. This is an article along with a Tucker segment you all might appreciate. https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/world-news/press/lancet-joins-the-fake-news-crowd/
ghostsniperJanuary 17, 2023, 7:09 AM
From that link:
“The Lancet published a blatantly flawed study of the effectiveness of the Pfizer covid vaccine on the population of Israel, claiming it was 95% effective.”
Perhaps it is. Depends on the context of the full article which I didn’t read. Even so, if Pfizer has vaccinated 95% of the Israel population the sentence is correct.
=============
“Then on May 17th, 2021, Fenton and Neil submitted a rapid response 250-word letter explaining why the study was flawed. The LANCET refused to even publish their letter to the editor.”
Yes of course. That is because their response did not address sentence but rather the study. The keyword in that whole article is the word “wordsmith”.
Now, in all things related to any gov’t, media, or medical institution you must start from the premise that they are lying their asses off and go from there. IOW, trust nothing and question everything and practice the Remus Rule always. And keep a decent firearm close at all times.
CJanuary 17, 2023, 8:38 AM
Life 101: Life is not fair. It will never be fair.
The Woke (left) have never given up trying to convince the world that the world can be fair (under them). Delusion.
Accept what you cannot change (reality).
Change what you can (including your attitude about reality, if necessary).
Seek wisdom (“common sense”), and never stop searching for information about reality.
“What will be, will be.”
“It ain’t over till the fat lady sings.”
SKJanuary 17, 2023, 11:34 AM
First, for Mr. Van der Leun, praying hard and often for your full recovery however long it takes. You are so missed by so many.
Second, for the kind Updater, apart from contributing money to address expenses, is there anything more to be done by any of us to help ensure Mr VdL is well cared for, has what he needs… anything to improve his situation or make him feel better.
TerryJanuary 17, 2023, 4:27 PM
Hi Gerard,
Just a quick, wishing you get well and back home real soon. We all miss you very much.
John A. FlemingJanuary 17, 2023, 5:35 PM
Hey Mr. G, I don’t think you’re done yet, hang in there, this is but a passing shadow:
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
and
Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
AnneJanuary 19, 2023, 8:29 AM
Thank you for posting those– DH and I very much needed that one this morning.
AnneJanuary 19, 2023, 8:30 AM
That is to say–we needed the second quotation, where is that from?
ThisIsNotNutellaJanuary 17, 2023, 5:42 PM
Hang in there Gerard.
LynneJanuary 17, 2023, 7:54 PM
My thoughts are with you Mr. V. I notice with alarm that nothing has been posted here for the past three days. Please feel better soon – you are missed more than you know.
I know we’re all of us dropping by several times a day. We’re all hoping to hear some good news, and waiting to hear how we can help. We’re all of us praying.
God Bless
JWM
MargotJanuary 17, 2023, 8:20 PM
I am so sorry you’re still feeling rotten. Please get better. 🙏 🙏💗💖
Snakepit KansasJanuary 18, 2023, 4:32 AM
Daily check in! We continue daily prayers for your return to the things you love.
CaseyJanuary 18, 2023, 6:55 AM
Bursting with words to say about the peak crazy political world. Frustrated.
Just a word of support for you, Gerard. Praying your pain resolves quickly and your health is healed.
NoriJanuary 18, 2023, 9:10 AM
On that note Casey,is it wicked of me to wish Putin would direct a few of his hypersonic missiles at Davos?
Dear Mr V: praying for your good health and a speedy return home. We miss you very much.
Trying to use GiveSendGo was clearly a mistake, That site is either moribund or run by useless incompetents. I’m giving up on them.
CJanuary 18, 2023, 10:35 AM
Glad to hear. Can you figure out some legal entity for the deposit of the funds? I have noted a poster on this site, “recovering lawyer”(?), I think. Far be it from me to suggest any individual involve himself in this, but I think the funding is there if it can be managed privately.
Gerard, I continue to pray for your health, strength, and mental well-being. You are on my mind. I’ll continue having a bourbon for you nightly, also, for my health. Be well, Gerard.
RuthJanuary 18, 2023, 12:17 PM
I looked up the hospital in Chico (Enloe Medical Center). We don’t actually know Gerard’s location…maybe a rehab by now? Anyway, lF he’s a patient at Enloe, he can receive e-cards with your (confidential) message, printed onto a nice card, and delivered twice a day.
Only receive, he cannot reply.
See how-to link and hospital phone number: https://www.enloe.org/for-patients-visitors/egreeting/
I’m not 100% comfortable with invading someone’s privacy, particularly when he has a designated “Updater.” An e-card seems like a pretty low-key way to send encouragement.
What do y’all think??
Maybe someone who’s a friend or longtime Commenter could give it a try…..
Ruth, and all of Gerard’s readers/friends/admirers. Gerard is indeed at Enloe Medical Center and any ecards you wish to send him will be gladly received. I spoke very briefly with Gerard just a couple of minutes ago (it is 3:45 p.m. EST here in MI). Currently, it is difficult for Gerard to speak on the phone, due to some treatments he is receiving, so I would not recommend attempting to call him, but I think it would be excellent for Gerard’s spirits to be inundated with ecards from all who frequent these pages. Ruth’s link (in the comment just above) is a good link. Gerard is most grateful for our prayers and our concerns for his health and well being.
You’ll need Gerard’s room number to send an ecard. His room number is: 5587A. FYI – Enloe’s ecard system works well.
RuthJanuary 18, 2023, 1:12 PM
Oh good, John! Thank you so much for letting us know!
10 years ago I found myself in a state much like Gerard’s. Long-term, unrelieved pain can really disturb your “psyche.” Not just your mood. Or your outlook. But the deep, essential part of your personality.
I learned that the slightest words of encouragement counted triple!
Subduing that pain – finally – was the start of my recovery. Earlier I made a joking comment about all the cute little blonde physical therapists at my orthopedic rehab. Seriously, those young ladies knew their stuff. They worked wonders in short order. If not a miracle, then an acceptable substitute for one.
Fervently hoping the same for our dear friend in Chico.
LadyBikkiJanuary 18, 2023, 1:19 PM
Thank you for providing a way to send our prayers and good wishes directly.
Much appreciated !
CJanuary 18, 2023, 1:33 PM
Some generalized information about setting up a bank account for funds for an individual.
From a MA gov. website (up-to-date? not sure): https://www.mass.gov/service-details/fundraising-for-an-individual
————————————————————————————-
You should open a separate bank account to hold the funds. This ensures that the money remains separate from your personal funds. It also allows donors to write checks with some confidence that the money will get to the designated beneficiary.
————————————————————-
Explain what your purposes are to the bank when you open the account. The bank may have specific requirements not outlined in these guidelines. You should title the account something like “Friends of John Smith” or “The Mary Jones Fund.” Whatever you decide, the title of the account should indicate who the beneficiary is.
—————————————————————-
Be sure to keep accurate and complete records of the money you receive from the fundraising activities, where it is deposited, and of any payments made to the beneficiary or beneficiaries.
—————————————————————–
When you want to raise funds for a living adult, open the account using the beneficiary’s Social Security Number. The person opening the account should be a relative or guardian of the beneficiary or, at least, have some established relationship with the beneficiary. You should try to have the beneficiary present with you when opening the account. However, if this is not possible, a notarized statement from the beneficiary giving permission to use his or her name and Social Security Number for the purpose of opening the account may be sufficient. Check with the bank. Decide who should have access to the funds and be a signatory on the account. If the beneficiary is competent and capable, there should be no need for another signatory. Otherwise, a relative or a legal guardian should be a signatory.
————————————————–
Generally, the beneficiary will not have to pay income taxes on the money you raise. This is because the money you raise is considered a gift to the beneficiary and gifts are not included in a person’s taxable income. There are, however, exceptions to this rule, and you should consult an attorney or certified public accountant (CPA) if you have questions about them or any of the tax issues described here.
————————————————
Speak to the bank about setting up a non-interest bearing account, especially where the funds will not be held for too long a time. Otherwise, be aware that there may be taxes that will have to be paid.
—————————————————
AnneJanuary 19, 2023, 8:33 AM
Why can’t we just send a check to Gerard’s post office mail box like we used to do?
CJanuary 19, 2023, 10:15 AM
A dedicated bank account for “Friends of Gerard” (or similar), with him and another trusted person as signatories, would be much more secure and easier to manage for all concerned.
This is not a new idea; it is used a lot.
Helene Fagan BidwellJanuary 24, 2023, 11:08 AM
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Your inspired words will live on, cherished by those who are lucky to have read American Digest for the last 22 years. Hope your pain is bearable, and so glad that you are surrounded with love .
Real World Address for Donations, Mash Notes and Hate Mail
Gerard Van der Leun
1692 MANGROVE AVE
APT 379
Chico, Ca 95926
Green Pants Interior by Klahn
Who Am I? by Carl Sandburg
My head knocks against the stars.
My feet are on the hilltops.
My finger-tips are in the valleys and shores of universal life.
Down in the sounding foam of primal things I reach my hands and play with pebbles of destiny.
I have been to hell and back many times.
I know all about heaven, for I have talked with God.
I dabble in the blood and guts of the terrible.
I know the passionate seizure of beauty
And the marvelous rebellion of man at all signs reading “Keep Off.”
My name is Truth and I am the most elusive captive in the universe.
Duty, Beauty, Liberty, Country, Honor, Family, Faith — Plus a few simple easy to follow rules for guys
Men saw the stars at the edge of the sea
They thought great thoughts about liberty
Poets wrote down words that did fit
Writers wrote books
Thinkers thought about it
Take it where you find it
Can’t leave it alone
You will find a purpose
To carry it on
Mainly when you find it
Your heart will be strong
About it
Many’s the road I have walked upon
Many’s the hour between dusk and dawn
Many’s the time
Many’s the mile
I see it all now
Through the eyes of a child
Take it where you find it
Can’t leave it alone
You will find a purpose
To carry it on
Mainly when you find it
Your heart will be strong
About it
[Chorus]
Lost dreams and found dreams
In America
In America
In America
Lost dreams and found dreams
In America
In America
In America
And close your eyes
Leave it all for a while
Leave the world
And your worries behind
You will build on whatever is real
And wake up each day
To a new waking dream
Take it where you find it
Can’t leave it alone
You will find a purpose
To carry it on
Mainly when you find it
Your heart will be strong
About it
[Chorus]
Change, change come over
Change come over
Talkin’ about a change
Change, change
Change come over, now
Change, change, change come over
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I see my light
See my light
See my shining light
I see my light
See my light
See my shining light
Gerard Van der Leun
Comments on this entry are closed.
Continued prayers for you Gerard .
Prayers for you, Gerald. There are no words other than those first three that really matter.
I appreciate your keeping us up-to-date on Gerard’s status. Thank You.
Also praying you never took the jabs. Get well!
Some progress, and prayers, can lead to more progress, and continued prayers. Pleased to see another little update here this morning. God Bless you, Gerard, and may He uplift you.
Thank you, Updater. Your efforts are much appreciated. Good to know Olive is holding down Fort Vanderleun for Mr V’s return.
Let this comment reach God’s ears. Heal Mr. Vanderleun and specifically his back pain and neurologic issues. May his oxygenation be healed. In Jesus’ Name.
Severe back pain of this order is likely to bring depression and a feeling of overwhelming everything. I can’t overstate how much AD has been a support to me in this very strange political and social world we live in. It is 15 days into 2023 and the news is already peak crazy. Mr. Vanderleun (said with fake John Steed accent) “you’re needed”.
Amen.
Thank you for the update.
The celestial delivery of good fortune is not efficient or fair.
Damn! I haven’t visited here in awhile and now I find this out. Bless you Gerard and I’m praying for your speedy recovery. Coincidentally I visited Happy Hectares yesterday for the first time in awhile and find that he’s been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving treatment. Depressing to be once again reminded of my own mortality. Get well and hope to see you back on the job soon.
TO OUR KIND UPDATER:
There is a man named David near the end of the comments to the
previous “update” who said he had started a “go fund me account” but
was not able to activate it because he needs Gerard’s phone number to
do that. I suggested to him that he post here but since he hasn’t done
that, I am.
I am really worried about Gerard as I know many of you are. I’m worried
about his environment and the fact that he is probably not moving much.
Still praying of course but I think he needs worldly help as in financial too.
I reached Gerard by email and got his phone number, which I uploaded. However, the GiveSendGo campaign I started remains unpublished. I think they just don’t work on weekends.
Thank you for the update and for your proactive efforts.
Superior &thx.
The heart of man has two sides, kindness and aggression; neither are “yet melted”.
How is the campaign listed ?
I just checked GiveSendGo and there is no fund raiser (yet) for Gerard.
According to GSG “the campaign owner and recipient haven’t published it yet”.
Therein lies the problem.
American dude who lived in Poland several years, goes by “Good Citizen”, now living in Mexico, delivers consistent, valuable, insightful reporting of the world at large. His latest is worthy as ever.
https://thegoodcitizen.substack.com/p/the-drugs-dont-work?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
After reading that you should click this 3 minute video at the Gateway Pundit….
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/01/must-see-ultra-maga-combines-blatant-lies-fauci-dc-elites-tgp-truths-no-question-mass-homicide-epic-video/
I believe the two doses I received 02/21 diminished my health.
GiveSendGo clearly does not also work on MLK Day.
If it ever gets published, the url will be: https://www.givesendgo.com/GerardvanderLeun.
If it’s not up tomorrow, I am thinking of just sending a check.
+1
If they are running a for-profit business, it might be nice if they kept people informed of such things (times off, etc.) on their website. This might be what some reviewers were complaining about: “lack of communication”. So far this year I have had moronic dealings with doctors’ portals and clueless staff messages, and with ATT: “round and round we go, and where we stop nobody knows”.
Private company data: https://www.crunchbase.com/
Their data on givesendgo: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/givesendgo
About
GiveSendGo is a free Christian fundraising platform.
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
51-100
Private
http://www.givesendgo.com
(from deeper into the website: “Company Type For Profit”)
Thank you for your efforts, David.
Miss you!
One of the latest sudden deaths (1/15/23): American Idol contestant CJ Harris died on Sunday. He was 31. https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2023/01/16/apparent-heart-attack-american-idol-contestant-cj-harris-dies-at-31/
I posted this Saturday further down the AD updates… hoping it might define for anyone lacking a descriptive phrase for the sudden death syndrome appearing everywhere. “Coincidence” is now the leading cause of medical fatality. https://twitter.com/DavidWolfe/status/1612994071362146309?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Too bad there isn’t a real Kaufman Institute. We need one (or several).
Has anybody wondered, “What if he doesn’t come back?”
at my age I’m content to stand pat.
Though I’m not often prone to pessimistic thoughts, Ghostsniper, I’ll admit to your question flitting across my mind. It’s the length of time Gerard has been in need of hospitalization and specialized care which weighs on my mind the most. My fervent prayer is that the question asked is not to be. May God lift Gerard up and return him to full health and strength.
John, you know the chore of keeping a blog running. Look at the monument Gerard has created here, drawing people from around the world every day. This takes incredible and continuous effort. Look also at much of the content – daily (mostly nasty) political activities that can take a toll. For myself, as I have mentioned many times, I have to turn the dam thing off and get back out into reality and re-establish my balance. Is it possible for exposure to a continuous stream of bad news to have bad effects on ones health? Even subliminally? I just thinking out loud here. I hope the best for Gerard in all things.
Ghost, you are right. Gerard has done a monumental task, keeping AD going day after day, year in, year out. I’m no doc but I think he needs rest and recuperation. I say this as someone who was hit hard by Lyme Disease in July, 2021. It took 10 months for me to get my strength back.
Along with others here, am praying for the health and well-being of good Mr. Vanderleun.
Who is Olive?
Olive is Gerard’s cat.
Olive is his editor.
Something is rotten in Denmark. Not encouraging. If they’ve gotten the IV’s in him…..all bets are off. Prayers.
I remain uneasy; I agree that something is more worrisome than usual.
Remaining hopeful and will be very happy with a positive outcome.
I said as much the other day, Joe. I’m hoping Gerard has a physical advocate in the building waving away vaccines and other evil off of him. Gerard has actually tapped a few messages so if his updater buddy could place that phone in his hand and tell us hello it would be reassuring.
More stuff to read in the meantime…. Televised news regarding the vaxx and its efficacy is “brought to you by Pfizer.” I quit watching the news shortly after 9/11 and then totally stopped TV viewing within a couple more years. But I’m aware that Pfizer sponsors the news in a “Yuge” way and that “ask your doctor” is the motto of almost every news story delivered regardless of which pharma company has paid for that segment. Then there’s Bill Gates who packs money up the rectums of almost every newspaper and television station in existence. I read a list of Gates’ recipients when the apocalypse began and I’d enjoy finding that again. I’ve looked but he probably paid someone to disappear that. His influence is nearly total. This is an article along with a Tucker segment you all might appreciate. https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/world-news/press/lancet-joins-the-fake-news-crowd/
From that link:
“The Lancet published a blatantly flawed study of the effectiveness of the Pfizer covid vaccine on the population of Israel, claiming it was 95% effective.”
Perhaps it is. Depends on the context of the full article which I didn’t read. Even so, if Pfizer has vaccinated 95% of the Israel population the sentence is correct.
=============
“Then on May 17th, 2021, Fenton and Neil submitted a rapid response 250-word letter explaining why the study was flawed. The LANCET refused to even publish their letter to the editor.”
Yes of course. That is because their response did not address sentence but rather the study. The keyword in that whole article is the word “wordsmith”.
Now, in all things related to any gov’t, media, or medical institution you must start from the premise that they are lying their asses off and go from there. IOW, trust nothing and question everything and practice the Remus Rule always. And keep a decent firearm close at all times.
Life 101: Life is not fair. It will never be fair.
The Woke (left) have never given up trying to convince the world that the world can be fair (under them). Delusion.
Accept what you cannot change (reality).
Change what you can (including your attitude about reality, if necessary).
Seek wisdom (“common sense”), and never stop searching for information about reality.
“What will be, will be.”
“It ain’t over till the fat lady sings.”
First, for Mr. Van der Leun, praying hard and often for your full recovery however long it takes. You are so missed by so many.
Second, for the kind Updater, apart from contributing money to address expenses, is there anything more to be done by any of us to help ensure Mr VdL is well cared for, has what he needs… anything to improve his situation or make him feel better.
Hi Gerard,
Just a quick, wishing you get well and back home real soon. We all miss you very much.
Hey Mr. G, I don’t think you’re done yet, hang in there, this is but a passing shadow:
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
and
Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Thank you for posting those– DH and I very much needed that one this morning.
That is to say–we needed the second quotation, where is that from?
Hang in there Gerard.
My thoughts are with you Mr. V. I notice with alarm that nothing has been posted here for the past three days. Please feel better soon – you are missed more than you know.
I know we’re all of us dropping by several times a day. We’re all hoping to hear some good news, and waiting to hear how we can help. We’re all of us praying.
God Bless
JWM
I am so sorry you’re still feeling rotten. Please get better. 🙏 🙏💗💖
Daily check in! We continue daily prayers for your return to the things you love.
Bursting with words to say about the peak crazy political world. Frustrated.
Just a word of support for you, Gerard. Praying your pain resolves quickly and your health is healed.
On that note Casey,is it wicked of me to wish Putin would direct a few of his hypersonic missiles at Davos?
Dear Mr V: praying for your good health and a speedy return home. We miss you very much.
Trying to use GiveSendGo was clearly a mistake, That site is either moribund or run by useless incompetents. I’m giving up on them.
Glad to hear. Can you figure out some legal entity for the deposit of the funds? I have noted a poster on this site, “recovering lawyer”(?), I think. Far be it from me to suggest any individual involve himself in this, but I think the funding is there if it can be managed privately.
Gerard, I continue to pray for your health, strength, and mental well-being. You are on my mind. I’ll continue having a bourbon for you nightly, also, for my health. Be well, Gerard.
I looked up the hospital in Chico (Enloe Medical Center). We don’t actually know Gerard’s location…maybe a rehab by now? Anyway, lF he’s a patient at Enloe, he can receive e-cards with your (confidential) message, printed onto a nice card, and delivered twice a day.
Only receive, he cannot reply.
See how-to link and hospital phone number:
https://www.enloe.org/for-patients-visitors/egreeting/
I’m not 100% comfortable with invading someone’s privacy, particularly when he has a designated “Updater.” An e-card seems like a pretty low-key way to send encouragement.
What do y’all think??
Maybe someone who’s a friend or longtime Commenter could give it a try…..
Ruth, and all of Gerard’s readers/friends/admirers. Gerard is indeed at Enloe Medical Center and any ecards you wish to send him will be gladly received. I spoke very briefly with Gerard just a couple of minutes ago (it is 3:45 p.m. EST here in MI). Currently, it is difficult for Gerard to speak on the phone, due to some treatments he is receiving, so I would not recommend attempting to call him, but I think it would be excellent for Gerard’s spirits to be inundated with ecards from all who frequent these pages. Ruth’s link (in the comment just above) is a good link. Gerard is most grateful for our prayers and our concerns for his health and well being.
You’ll need Gerard’s room number to send an ecard. His room number is: 5587A. FYI – Enloe’s ecard system works well.
Oh good, John! Thank you so much for letting us know!
10 years ago I found myself in a state much like Gerard’s. Long-term, unrelieved pain can really disturb your “psyche.” Not just your mood. Or your outlook. But the deep, essential part of your personality.
I learned that the slightest words of encouragement counted triple!
Subduing that pain – finally – was the start of my recovery. Earlier I made a joking comment about all the cute little blonde physical therapists at my orthopedic rehab. Seriously, those young ladies knew their stuff. They worked wonders in short order. If not a miracle, then an acceptable substitute for one.
Fervently hoping the same for our dear friend in Chico.
Thank you for providing a way to send our prayers and good wishes directly.
Much appreciated !
Some generalized information about setting up a bank account for funds for an individual.
From a MA gov. website (up-to-date? not sure):
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/fundraising-for-an-individual
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You should open a separate bank account to hold the funds. This ensures that the money remains separate from your personal funds. It also allows donors to write checks with some confidence that the money will get to the designated beneficiary.
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Explain what your purposes are to the bank when you open the account. The bank may have specific requirements not outlined in these guidelines. You should title the account something like “Friends of John Smith” or “The Mary Jones Fund.” Whatever you decide, the title of the account should indicate who the beneficiary is.
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Be sure to keep accurate and complete records of the money you receive from the fundraising activities, where it is deposited, and of any payments made to the beneficiary or beneficiaries.
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When you want to raise funds for a living adult, open the account using the beneficiary’s Social Security Number. The person opening the account should be a relative or guardian of the beneficiary or, at least, have some established relationship with the beneficiary. You should try to have the beneficiary present with you when opening the account. However, if this is not possible, a notarized statement from the beneficiary giving permission to use his or her name and Social Security Number for the purpose of opening the account may be sufficient. Check with the bank. Decide who should have access to the funds and be a signatory on the account. If the beneficiary is competent and capable, there should be no need for another signatory. Otherwise, a relative or a legal guardian should be a signatory.
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Generally, the beneficiary will not have to pay income taxes on the money you raise. This is because the money you raise is considered a gift to the beneficiary and gifts are not included in a person’s taxable income. There are, however, exceptions to this rule, and you should consult an attorney or certified public accountant (CPA) if you have questions about them or any of the tax issues described here.
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Speak to the bank about setting up a non-interest bearing account, especially where the funds will not be held for too long a time. Otherwise, be aware that there may be taxes that will have to be paid.
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Why can’t we just send a check to Gerard’s post office mail box like we used to do?
A dedicated bank account for “Friends of Gerard” (or similar), with him and another trusted person as signatories, would be much more secure and easier to manage for all concerned.
This is not a new idea; it is used a lot.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Your inspired words will live on, cherished by those who are lucky to have read American Digest for the last 22 years. Hope your pain is bearable, and so glad that you are surrounded with love .