Overwhelmed but in a Good Way

My sister, Rachael, and I started a GoFundMe account to help cover Dad’s medical and funeral expenses. Yes it feels like begging but we are asking friends and family to donate money now in lieu of funeral flowers later. Sometimes you just have to be practical. To quote my friend Roger Jones, “Flowers don’t pay the bills.”

Dad does not have life insurance. At all. His teacher pension and social security are going to pay for the Windsor Quail Valley. Apparently insurance and Medicare do not cover room and board for hospice or nursing homes. Medicaid does. Burying Dad will cost approximately $10,000. That is with the plot and marker already paid for when Mom died.

Rachael and I do not have that kind of money. Neither does Dad.

Taking a leap of faith we posted on Facebook and Twitter about Dad’s GoFundMe account. We started sending out emails to extended family and friends far away or who are not active on social media. Rachael and I honestly did not expect much but knew that any amount was better than nothing.

Wowzers! Our socks were knocked off as the donations started rolling in. Rachael and I are overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and support for Dad and us. The Ham Radio community especially has touched my heart with their show of love. I know hams are gregarious and friendly but people from all over the world have responded. The DX community has spread the word about Dad all over the globe. I had no idea how many people Dad had touched in his globe trotting, especially in Europe and Africa. Rachael and I have received emails and phone calls from strangers to us but friends of Dad.  Daily I am reminded of how much Dad and by extension, his family are loved.

Dad is officially in hospice care. He is at Windsor Quail Valley which is a brand new facility (open just 4 months) and close to my house. Dad is still not eating. He is getting morphine every 2 hours now and sleeping more. Dad still has some lucid moments but they are getting fewer and farther apart.

Please keep us in your prayers. At this point it is just a waiting game.

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  1. So very sorry about all that you and your family are going through, but grateful that people have come forward to help in a practical way. Thinking of you and sending wishes for strength.
    Laurel Regan recently posted..Wildcard Wednesday No. 3My Profile

    • Thank you Laurel. It was a tough decision to make but I’m glad we took that leap of faith. I am amazed daily by the responses we have gotten!

  2. Mary Louise (Davis) LeGrand says

    Rachael and Elizabeth: I knew your dad in high school at Harlandale. Everyone knew “Frosty” and he was a great friend.

    Death is a natural process in our lives, but one which we do not prepare for until it is upon us. I’m not sure there is any way one can prepare for the final earthly end to our lives. But Christians are given hope because of God’s beautiful gift of His son to us. Hope and knowing that when we leave this earth, we will be in a place without pain, without suffering. A place where we will see our Lord and be with those who have gone before us. Spend time with him and talk with him. Tell him of your hopes and dreams; the precious memories you have of your childhood. He will hear you even if he does not respond. Make sure your children do the same.

    My prayers are with you during this time. May our Lord bring you peace and comfort and surround you with the love of family and friends. Mary LeGrand

    • Thank you for your kind words and prayers. Please share this information with others from Harlandale HS. I don’t have a way to reach most of them since Dad doesn’t have an address book or anything like that.

  3. I’m sorry about your dad, but so glad to hear of the support you and your family are receiving.
    The Imp recently posted..Cannibalism and Hot TubsMy Profile

  4. Andrea, Markus & Harold (ZS6WB) says

    We’ve been thinking of you. Frosty did so much for my dad and we will always be grateful. So sorry.