WHEN in the course of human Events, it becomes necessary….
Update to the update
byVanderleunonJanuary 9, 2023
It turns out that Gerard’s return home was premature. He went back into the hospital for some fine-tuning of his oxygen levels, which are much improved now. He’s staying there for the moment, though, in order to get stronger enough to return home on his own. The main problem holding him back right now is fairly severe back pain from what appears to be a back spasm, which makes it nearly impossible for him to walk and build up his stamina. The plan is for an interim stay in a better rehab facility than he was in before, to get him more reliably on his feet. He sends greetings.
I had wondered, after the quiet weekend. The back spasms are no joke, I hope they can be eased. As Auntie says, keep hanging in there, and we will keep praying.
KarenJanuary 9, 2023, 10:38 PM
Mercy! I believe there are better days ahead for you. -Karen-
Gerard, thanks for having your proxy update us. Sorry to hear about your back spasms, which, in and of themselves, can make one short of breath. I’m continuing my prayers. God Bless.
ghostsniperJanuary 10, 2023, 4:22 AM
You don’t need me to confirm it but, your health must always come first.
Do what you gotta.
Snakepit KansasJanuary 10, 2023, 4:43 AM
Slow progress is still progress. Keep moving forward! Prayers sir!
Thank you for the updates. Much appreciated.
We’re still here, and still praying for you. Rest, and be well. God Bless.
JWM
Joan of Argghh!January 10, 2023, 5:27 AM
Setbacks are common when hospitals are quick to shove people out the door. I do hope you have a person you trust to simply be present, listen to and jot down what doctors and nurses say, and ask questions on your behalf. We all should, to be honest. We are not at our thinking best when we’re sick.
May the Lord advocate on your behalf, Gerard, may He comfort and sustain you with His love and His very presence. May you be astounded at His power and grace to heal you, and restore you to the work He still has for you to do.
Dude, take it easy and get better soon. Me and the Missus send out best thoughts your way and are including you in our prayers for comfort, good spirits, swift healing, and golden moods. YOu have the support of your community. Be Well!. I hope the food is good and that you are blessed with comely nurses, for inspiration.
jdJanuary 10, 2023, 6:42 AM
I am joining the above chorus, Gerard. Our prayers have never
stopped and never will.
Thanks muchly to the Updater. As, no doubt
all of the above, I have been worried about you.
There’s a literal mob of supporters out here cheering for your recovery. Every day is one day closer to better.
jdJanuary 10, 2023, 8:32 AM
Anybody out there familiar with a Go Fund Me or some such?
No doubt he could use some financial help along with the prayers.
How about if every single reader sends a card to his PO Box with
a $5 bill?
RuthJanuary 10, 2023, 9:35 AM
jd – great idea about the cards and cash. If Miss Olive is being boarded, that gets expensive.
But I’m not seeing the “tip-jar” link. Nor the P.O. Box address. Gerard’s home address is in a previous post, but if he’s not at home to receive mail??
So, a question for Gerard’s Update-Person: how can we contribute?
robert kendallJanuary 10, 2023, 9:04 AM
Back pain sucks. more better rehab will do the trick, be strong and know you will improve. we’re prayin’ for ya.
AnneJanuary 10, 2023, 9:10 AM
Sorry to hear about the back spasms. I urge you to seek out the very best physical therapist. My own experience was very painful for several weeks, could not roll out of bed without making loud noises! I finally caved in and went to a physical therapist they are not a luxury–in your situation one is a necessity!
Just when Gerard thinks he’s out of it, they pull him back in.
nunnya bidnez, jrJanuary 10, 2023, 9:28 AM
back spasms could be a symptom of kidney stones!
get an x-ray.
also avoid ciproflox family antibiotics; it can cause spontaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon in older adults.
Get better soon, Gerard.
TerryJanuary 10, 2023, 9:36 AM
We are all thinking positive about you Gerard. You will be recovered and back at it soon my friend.
AnonymousJanuary 10, 2023, 9:52 AM
Put your shoulder into it, old man. Refuse defeat.
Biodmedical Security StateJanuary 10, 2023, 9:56 AM
Some calibration for our raconteur but get out of that Big Pharm true believers center as soon as possible.
Use natural oxygen increase methods such as plants, fresh air, aroma, exercise, meditation, drinking water, limit salt intake.
Lance de BoyleJanuary 10, 2023, 10:07 AM
Think of it this way, Gerard… You’re not Adam Schiff.
You’ll be back to doing the hokey pokey in no time!
Good thoughts streaming your way.
DebbieJanuary 10, 2023, 10:07 AM
Refuah Shleima. May you have a full and speedy recovery. Love from Israel
Steve (retired/recovering lawyer)January 10, 2023, 10:07 AM
I’m not sure I could improve on the Psalter, so allow me to offer this.
Psalm 34:18-20
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all;
20 He protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.
May The Lord hearken to these words that I send on behalf of Gerard and speed his recovery. Amen.
Sending prayers and good thoughts your way for a speedy recovery!
jdJanuary 10, 2023, 1:42 PM
Hi Ruth –
His address is right under his photograph below the comment box.
The bigger problem is alerting everyone to do it.
Flyover MikeJanuary 10, 2023, 2:40 PM
LongTime Lurker (and occasionally a pilferer) –
Your writing style is in a contest with your content proper. The style wins the most of the time.
Here’s to hoping that the staff there is accommodating in a beck-and-call kind of way.
I’m looking forward to the anecdotes from your experience.
Flyover Mike
SKJanuary 10, 2023, 3:12 PM
Excellent idea to ask everyone to send a little something, whatever they can manage, to help with costs.
Perhaps the kind Updater can let us know if there would be someone to collect and deposit checks that are mailed to the address indicated below GV’s photo.
Please also tell us readers if there is anything else we can do to help.
Prayers and best wishes.
KerryJanuary 10, 2023, 3:54 PM
My confidence in your full recovery has not wavered. Sending you the very best wishes for feeling good. Good is always good enough!
humdeedeeJanuary 10, 2023, 4:08 PM
🙏🙏🙏💪🫵👂🙋🏼♀️🫶🤞🙏🙏🙏
LynneJanuary 10, 2023, 4:24 PM
Wishing you a quick and painless recovery, Mr. Vanderleun. I’ve also been hospitalized with back spasms, but thanks to rest and great pharmaceuticals, not for long. Hopefully we will see you here soon.
CJanuary 10, 2023, 6:20 PM
Testing
CJanuary 10, 2023, 6:23 PM
I have been trying all day to post this, but the site wouldn’t cooperate. Possible funding website:
I know nothing about it personally, but it looks promising!
CaseyJanuary 10, 2023, 9:31 PM
When your back hurts that severely, everything hurts. It deadlines you (truck or mechanics term) and it’s absolutely right to treat it fully. May God send you the best therapists and don’t overlook the good pain relief. If the breathing improves, so will the attitude and mood.
I don’t even play a doctor on T.V., in spite of my name Casey. But, I’ve experienced some of what you’re going through, GvD, and I am fully behind you. You are the man. Brave and strong, and much admired by this reader.
Mark NJanuary 11, 2023, 5:40 AM
See how many followers depend on you, Gerard. You are needed! Get well soon. Praying for a quick and complete recovery.
NoriJanuary 11, 2023, 6:00 AM
Setbacks happen. Rest & rehabilitation. Very good reading in CA’s links,among others. Re-stock the horse medicine chest;that stuff kicks the spike protein in its spiky little nads.
You are in our prayers,and Olive will keep that seat warm.
CJanuary 11, 2023, 6:51 AM
Please Look Into this site!
I can’t be involved in setting something up, but someone could if it seemed good:
Knowing something about this whole Rehab thing, lose the freakin 4wheeled walker. Get a standard front wheeled walker. When you get one and walk with it you will notice that you are up inside the walker and not slightly bent over as with the 4WW. The seat on the 4WW is situated such that it literally forces you to stand/walk slightly back further than you should. Also, when you get a standard walker step into the middle of it; standing tall, let your arms hang beside you. Adjust the walker so that the grips hit you at just the lecel of your wrist. Standing erect is also a tip. Everybody wants the fancy 4WW. Maybe later. Right now, you want stability with your new mobility. Love ya dog…
CJanuary 11, 2023, 11:48 AM
To All:
All you need to search is “give send go” or “givesendgo.com.
I haven’t been going back to the old site since it seemed everything was being originated in the new American Digest so I feel out of the loop.
I’m happy to help with medical but since medical bills come in after the fact a check to his home address should be good, and safe from being nibbled to death by rats/fees.
God bless and get back into the fight soon.
ghostsniperJanuary 11, 2023, 5:37 PM
Agreed, but no checks, cash only….no paper trail.
Deplorable DaveJanuary 14, 2023, 8:42 PM
Back pain caused by muscle spasms? The cure is sit-ups. Work those lower abdominal muscles to exhaustion. Your back muscles will then relax.
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.
Dear Mr. Van der Leun, do you know why God gave us fingernails . . . ?
So we could HANG IN THERE!
Hang tough, man, hang tough.
I had wondered, after the quiet weekend. The back spasms are no joke, I hope they can be eased. As Auntie says, keep hanging in there, and we will keep praying.
Mercy! I believe there are better days ahead for you. -Karen-
Gerard, thanks for having your proxy update us. Sorry to hear about your back spasms, which, in and of themselves, can make one short of breath. I’m continuing my prayers. God Bless.
You don’t need me to confirm it but, your health must always come first.
Do what you gotta.
Slow progress is still progress. Keep moving forward! Prayers sir!
Continued prayers Gerard.
Thank you for the updates. Much appreciated.
We’re still here, and still praying for you. Rest, and be well. God Bless.
JWM
Setbacks are common when hospitals are quick to shove people out the door. I do hope you have a person you trust to simply be present, listen to and jot down what doctors and nurses say, and ask questions on your behalf. We all should, to be honest. We are not at our thinking best when we’re sick.
May the Lord advocate on your behalf, Gerard, may He comfort and sustain you with His love and His very presence. May you be astounded at His power and grace to heal you, and restore you to the work He still has for you to do.
Amen. So be it!
Thank you for the update.
Dude, take it easy and get better soon. Me and the Missus send out best thoughts your way and are including you in our prayers for comfort, good spirits, swift healing, and golden moods. YOu have the support of your community. Be Well!. I hope the food is good and that you are blessed with comely nurses, for inspiration.
I am joining the above chorus, Gerard. Our prayers have never
stopped and never will.
Thanks muchly to the Updater. As, no doubt
all of the above, I have been worried about you.
God’s blessings.
There’s a literal mob of supporters out here cheering for your recovery. Every day is one day closer to better.
Anybody out there familiar with a Go Fund Me or some such?
No doubt he could use some financial help along with the prayers.
How about if every single reader sends a card to his PO Box with
a $5 bill?
jd – great idea about the cards and cash. If Miss Olive is being boarded, that gets expensive.
But I’m not seeing the “tip-jar” link. Nor the P.O. Box address. Gerard’s home address is in a previous post, but if he’s not at home to receive mail??
So, a question for Gerard’s Update-Person: how can we contribute?
Back pain sucks. more better rehab will do the trick, be strong and know you will improve. we’re prayin’ for ya.
Sorry to hear about the back spasms. I urge you to seek out the very best physical therapist. My own experience was very painful for several weeks, could not roll out of bed without making loud noises! I finally caved in and went to a physical therapist they are not a luxury–in your situation one is a necessity!
Rest easy and come home soon free of pain!
Just when Gerard thinks he’s out of it, they pull him back in.
back spasms could be a symptom of kidney stones!
get an x-ray.
also avoid ciproflox family antibiotics; it can cause spontaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon in older adults.
Get better soon, Gerard.
We are all thinking positive about you Gerard. You will be recovered and back at it soon my friend.
Put your shoulder into it, old man. Refuse defeat.
Some calibration for our raconteur but get out of that Big Pharm true believers center as soon as possible.
Use natural oxygen increase methods such as plants, fresh air, aroma, exercise, meditation, drinking water, limit salt intake.
Think of it this way, Gerard… You’re not Adam Schiff.
You’ll be back to doing the hokey pokey in no time!
Good thoughts streaming your way.
Refuah Shleima. May you have a full and speedy recovery. Love from Israel
I’m not sure I could improve on the Psalter, so allow me to offer this.
Psalm 34:18-20
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all;
20 He protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.
May The Lord hearken to these words that I send on behalf of Gerard and speed his recovery. Amen.
And ALL God’s people said, Amen. So be it!
Sending prayers and good thoughts your way for a speedy recovery!
Hi Ruth –
His address is right under his photograph below the comment box.
The bigger problem is alerting everyone to do it.
LongTime Lurker (and occasionally a pilferer) –
Your writing style is in a contest with your content proper. The style wins the most of the time.
Here’s to hoping that the staff there is accommodating in a beck-and-call kind of way.
I’m looking forward to the anecdotes from your experience.
Flyover Mike
Excellent idea to ask everyone to send a little something, whatever they can manage, to help with costs.
Perhaps the kind Updater can let us know if there would be someone to collect and deposit checks that are mailed to the address indicated below GV’s photo.
Please also tell us readers if there is anything else we can do to help.
Prayers and best wishes.
My confidence in your full recovery has not wavered. Sending you the very best wishes for feeling good. Good is always good enough!
🙏🙏🙏💪🫵👂🙋🏼♀️🫶🤞🙏🙏🙏
Wishing you a quick and painless recovery, Mr. Vanderleun. I’ve also been hospitalized with back spasms, but thanks to rest and great pharmaceuticals, not for long. Hopefully we will see you here soon.
Testing
I have been trying all day to post this, but the site wouldn’t cooperate. Possible funding website:
Please some of you check out this website!!
https://www.givesendgo.com/
https://www.givesendgo.com/site/searchbycat?category=Medical
I know nothing about it personally, but it looks promising!
When your back hurts that severely, everything hurts. It deadlines you (truck or mechanics term) and it’s absolutely right to treat it fully. May God send you the best therapists and don’t overlook the good pain relief. If the breathing improves, so will the attitude and mood.
I don’t even play a doctor on T.V., in spite of my name Casey. But, I’ve experienced some of what you’re going through, GvD, and I am fully behind you. You are the man. Brave and strong, and much admired by this reader.
See how many followers depend on you, Gerard. You are needed! Get well soon. Praying for a quick and complete recovery.
Setbacks happen. Rest & rehabilitation. Very good reading in CA’s links,among others. Re-stock the horse medicine chest;that stuff kicks the spike protein in its spiky little nads.
You are in our prayers,and Olive will keep that seat warm.
Please Look Into this site!
I can’t be involved in setting something up, but someone could if it seemed good:
https://www.givesendgo.com/
https://www.givesendgo.com/site/searchbycat?category=Medical
I think it would be great to have a funding site set up!
dam. snagged in the spam filter again…and it was kinda important
Just type in the website manually in your browser search box; that should work.
Thanks for telling me about the spam problem.
Praying for your complete healing, brother.
Sending more prayers your way, Mr. VDL.
Knowing something about this whole Rehab thing, lose the freakin 4wheeled walker. Get a standard front wheeled walker. When you get one and walk with it you will notice that you are up inside the walker and not slightly bent over as with the 4WW. The seat on the 4WW is situated such that it literally forces you to stand/walk slightly back further than you should. Also, when you get a standard walker step into the middle of it; standing tall, let your arms hang beside you. Adjust the walker so that the grips hit you at just the lecel of your wrist. Standing erect is also a tip. Everybody wants the fancy 4WW. Maybe later. Right now, you want stability with your new mobility. Love ya dog…
To All:
All you need to search is “give send go” or “givesendgo.com.
I haven’t been going back to the old site since it seemed everything was being originated in the new American Digest so I feel out of the loop.
I’m happy to help with medical but since medical bills come in after the fact a check to his home address should be good, and safe from being nibbled to death by rats/fees.
God bless and get back into the fight soon.
Agreed, but no checks, cash only….no paper trail.
Back pain caused by muscle spasms? The cure is sit-ups. Work those lower abdominal muscles to exhaustion. Your back muscles will then relax.