Paul Baker

[ChesterCheetah18]

Whether to donate or not is everyone's personal choice, for any number of reasons.
Steve

But I'd like to understand the cause to which I am donating. Many probably did not.

That's well and good. That being the case, would not the proper (and civil) course be to start another thread, as opposed to hijacking someone else's?

Steve

[JeffR1]

What is there to understand, the guy has been in the hospital since November and the bills are racking up ?
Does one have to know the person to give him some money ?

[JerryVan]

Whether to donate or not is everyone's personal choice, for any number of reasons.
Steve

But I'd like to understand the cause to which I am donating. Many probably did not.

In my case, the cause to which I donated, was the effort to help out a guy whom I've always enjoyed speaking with at various auctions and shows. We've had many pleasant and interesting conversations. Do I think therefore, that he's perfect and without flaw? Of course not. But I do know that he's someone in trouble right now and in some small way, I can help a little. Maybe it's like a friend of mine who seeks out the homeless on the streets of Detroit. He never asks how they got there, what their addictions are, what their past has been. He only knows that they are hungry or cold or without shelter. He can't solve their other problems, but he can feed them, clothe them and give them shelter in the form of tents. I can't, and possibly would not, absolve Paul of his accused & supposed misdoings, but I can help him a little in his financial woes. If others choose not to do so, that's perfectly fine, (not that I'm the final word, by any stretch, on what's right or wrong here!). Anyway, I promised myself I wouldn't enter into this "discussion" any further, yet here I am. I'm done now...

[phonospud]

I was down to the USA yesterday in Buffalo, NY after almost two years of border closures. Paul is recovering in a physical therapy facility after 3 months of hospitalization. It was so good to see him! He looks very good and is slowly learning to walk again and regain his strength. We had a really nice visit for most of the afternoon. He has a long road of challenges ahead but he is confident he will have success and hopefully in a month or two he will be back home and trying to get back to a regular state.

[Raphael]

That’s just great, thanks for the visit and your report. I’ve been in regular contact with Paul by phone and am amazed that his spirits are excellent.
I would also like to mention that he is truly grateful for the fund that raised about $14.5k. He really is appreciative of the 100 or so members of this Forum that kicked in during his time of need.

Raphael

[outune]

Thanks for the update, Darren. Really good to hear that Paul is continuing to make progress. And glad you're able to travel to the US again!

Brad Abell

[mark gaisser]

Thanks Darren for the update.

We all need to stay positive in these tough times my friends.

Mark

[edisonclassm]

I can’t muster the words to express my gratitude and deep appreciation of those who participated in the fund. I’m blown away by the generosity. The money will be very helpful to us this year as the Coronavirus has stripped me of all of my strength. I’ve lost 55lbs . I was 210 and now 152. My muscles are completely atrophied. I lost the ability to swallow due to the intubation and tracheostomy. My lungs have been severely damaged by the Covid pneumonia. The good news is that I survived and I am recovering. Recovery will be very slow and arduous. It will be months before I can function somewhat normally. I was sorry to see that this thread was tainted by a couple of disgruntled individuals one making false and unjustifiable accusations and aspersions in an attempt to besmirch my integrity. I’ve always tried to treat everyone fairly and honestly but as you all know you can’t please everyone all of the time.
I also want to thank those who prayed for me during this time that is what brought me through the valley of the shadow of death. Dawn said there were over a thousand people praying for me during my worst time in the ICU. I am thankful to God he gave me a little more time here on earth to enjoy my family and friends. Once again thanks to all who prayed for me and donated to the fund. Paul Baker

[Phono-Phan]

I am glad to hear you are getting better. Continued prayers for your full recovery.

[edisonclassm]

Thanks Ken