A Little Help For My Friend

Before Henry was born, I worked the front desk at a local hotel. One of the people I worked with was a woman named Marian. She was a single mom and lived with her teenage son, Paul. Over the years we were friends and even after I left that job we stayed in touch through email and through my mom (Marian came into the library a lot while my mom worked there).

Last November Marian passed away in her sleep. Of course, we no longer lived in the same town and this was during the time we had no money at all so I was not able to help her son in any way. I felt badly about that and tried to make up for it by sending messages and sharing happy stories of Marian.

Marian's son, Paul, is now in his early twenties and is a father of a two year old. Unfortunately, his son passed away on July 6th. It was such a tragic, senseless death and my heart aches for him and his partner. I remember Paul fondly and I'm so sad that he is going through this so soon after losing his mom.

Thankfully, I am in a position where I am able to send some help money-wise. It isn't much. I've also shared his story on Facebook. His older sister, who lives in New York state, made a donation site for him. The money is to be used for final expenses. I donated to that fund as well and I've shared it several times on Facebook.

The thing that is really getting me upset is that no one that I know has donated to it. I know people can't always contribute (I know that first hand) but I thought that my friends that live in the same town as Paul would at least jump in with prayers, healing thoughts or mojo. Usually these friends are the first to say they are praying and the first to try to help somehow even if it is with a meal. Why are the not responding to this?? These two young people have lost their 2 year old son!

I'm trying to not jump to conclusions about why no one seems to care. I know money is tight for some, but words are always free and kind ones are always well received.

So, I am coming to the blogging world and asking for help. I know that you don't know these young people, but you don't have to know them to have a bit of compassion. Check out the donation site. It has pictures and Paul has written about his son and what happened. I find that it is hard for me to write about the details and it is so much better coming from Paul. If you can, please donate a couple of dollars or leave a kind message...or both.

You can find the website by clicking HERE.

Edited to Add...
Okay...I came to respond to a message that was left for me and now that message is gone. Weird. I will just add my comment here in  the hopes it makes things clearer.

The reason I am mad that no one is giving a kind thought or prayer to these people is that my Manistee friends KNOW them. Several times a day I see status updates about friends of friends and/or their children and the love and pray pile is on. I guess I am confused why no one seems to care about these two. When my nephew was in the hospital many friends that never knew he existed before then were willing to send thoughts and prayers, but for someone they know and that lives in their town and they actually see out and about they can't seem to care about.

I understand that sending them well wishes might come across as weird if you don't know them. I probably wouldn't either. I do know that on Facebook any comments made on my link would be visible to Paul and that's why I am shocked that people are so quiet.

It comes down to my wanting to help them in some way. I've done what I was able to do financially and by sharing their story I hope that, somehow, they will get the help they need.

Edited again because some people are truly wonderful!

Sometimes people you meet through the internet are kind, cool and talented. Those people care when the ones that SHOULD care don't or can't be bothered.

DM- I only know you online and yet you are the kind of person I want my children to grow up to be like. Thank you.

AO- You are so kind and thoughtful. Thank you for helping! Many blessing to you!