Have you read this diary? If not, please do so... and make sure the tissues are close by.
Otteray Scribe has been an active participant on DailyKos since 2008. He has been through a LOT of loss. First, he and his wife buried their son, who died in service to our nation. Then, his daughter became ill with cancer. Then, his daughter's son, Reed, at the tender age of just thirteen, contracted a very rare cancer of his own. He passed away last March, and today, he would have been 18. Otteray Scribe paid for most of the funeral service, as his daughter is still quite ill. Then, last fall, Otteray Scribe lost his beloved wife of 55 years, and had to pay for his second funeral in less than a year.
That is more loss than any family should have to endure, and Reed's mama should be able to sit comfortably at his grave and contemplate a real memorial marker. Unfortunately, there isn't enough left to buy that headstone, nor that bench.
From the comments...
Reed's mother is in very poor health. The massive radiation nearly killed her. She is now confined to a wheelchair because her hip was burned by the radiation. It also fried much of her intestines, which are very sensitive to radiation. She is awaiting a highly technical and risky hip replacement at Vanderbilt, but I am concerned she is not strong enough to undergo a five to ten hour surgery.
I talked to her several times today. She is crying a lot. She does not have Internet, but Reed's sister does. I sent big sister an email with the link. I will probably print this off to give to Reed's mom.
She is really upset that Reed does not have a stone. She is on SSI and cannot afford it. His dad has not seen fit to spring for a stone even though it has been almost a year. His mom wants a memorial bench for him. That way she would be able to go out and sit with him.
If a couple hundred of us put in $10 each, Reed's mom and sister and grandfather can have that gift. I desperately want to make that happen for them.
Will you join me?
This is the WePay link to make a donation.
The money generated from this account will go to Otteray Scribe, with the express direction for it to purchase a headstone (about $460) and an inscribed memorial bench (about $1600), plus taxes and any fees. The total we're shooting for, to be safe, is $2300. If any extra monies are raised, they will be given to Reed's mom to use or donate as she sees fit.
Please - let's show them that we care, in a real, tangible way.
Message me or Otteray Scribe directly if you would like to mail a check, instead (he kindly sent me his address to send out as needed).
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