Hey guys!! Hi!

[gateley]

Wow! Have I been in an alternative universe being away from all of you! Thanks AGAIN for all of your concern and for not forgetting about me! I can't tell you how much that means (I know I keep saying that, but it's TRUE!)

Okay -- here's my sad story in a nutshell.

1. I'm currently on a new WiFi connection that suddenly appeared. So a big thank you to 'keith' for not password-protecting access, like my other neighbors do. Don't know how long it'll last, but this is my first stop! It feels so good to be back!

2. I haven't been able to go to the coffee shop with WiFi because I don't have the money to buy a cup of coffee! I'm serious. And I'm only a few days away from having my electricity shut off, so this connection will no longer work for me, either. :-( I don't mind the electricity as much as the terrifying thought that they turn off my water, too. How does someone live without water? I'll be finding out soon enough.

3. My brother and his wife want to send me a ticket to go home to Seattle to stay with them. Although I REALLY wanted to do this on my own I will have to take them up on it -- there are NO JOBS here, and I'm willing to do anything for any amount of money, but... Because I'm going to have to do it this way, I'll have to leave behind most everything I own, which will be even harder. I'll only be taking one suitcase and Nero. And my laptop. :-) So I'm trying to go through everything but keep getting waylaid because I inevitably end up just lying down and crying, which doesn't help a bit, I know, but I can't seem to stop myself.

4. As Joe says, people have gone through worse, and it's part of life, so I keep telling myself to GET UP! (Just never thought I'd see my life come to this point -- this existence is so far removed from anything I've ever lived.)

5. My arm is 100% healed! I'm so grateful I got to the doctor in time, and I know Nero is too. :-)

5. I'll check in and keep you posted, and catch up on how you all are doing. I miss you with all my heart. :loveya:

[Jennicut]

1. I have not been here as long as some others but this has me deeply concerned

My husband works for the Connecticut Light and Power and I know they can't shut off people one time if they claim a health problem. Not sure where you live and its not a good idea to lie I guess but my husband has to shut off people (its his job unfortunately) and he tries to give everyone some kind of chance to pay some part of the bill or if they claim a health problem he won't shut them off this time. I hate to see anyone without electricity or water. I hope you do get some help from your brother. After my brother got divorced he had to start over and lived with my parents for about a year and a half...no shame in ever getting help from family, that is what they are there for. Glad to hear your arm is healed and good luck.

[Eurobabe]

2. {{{gateley}}}

We miss you alot. When are you going to your brother's? Soon I hope. Let us know when you get there, what a terrible thing to have to go through. If there is anything I or we can do to help, just let us know.

:grouphug: :grouphug:

[1corona4u]

3. You can't leave your stuff behind!!!!

Seriously, I've done that before. I had to start all over!! It's not fun. When I moved to Florida, I had everything I owned in my car, and left everything I had acquired for the previous 20 years behind!!! You will regret it.

I have a ups account. If you need to ship some stuff to Seattle, let me know and I will give you my account number, and you can ship it on my rates, which are commercial, and much cheaper. I will hold the bill until you get a job, and can afford to pay be back.

Seriously, please. Take some help Gateley!!! I consider it paying it forward!!

[jillan]

4. It is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good to hear from you!

Now listen to me! We will take up a collection and help you get your stuff moved.
I was just reading corona's post and she can get you a deal.
Just pm me your address, and we will help you out. Don't be stubborn, there is nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it.

You are part of our online family, and we want to help.


such a relief to hear from you!

[PatSeg]

5. As you can see, we've all been very worried about you

I've mentioned to Pirhana that "I wish Gateley could just go back to Seattle", so I'm glad to hear you are headed home, but I would have wished it was under better circumstances. I'm afraid my "wishing mechanism" needs a tuneup.

I have to agree with Corona about your stuff. I have been in that situation more than once and rebuilding my life from scratch took longer than I'd anticipated. Sometimes that whole "fresh new start" thing is overrated!

Many blessings upon Kevin for unknowingly bestowing the gift of communication upon you! If only he knew how loved he is right now.

Keep us posted if you can and of course, you know we are ALL thinking about you. "Get up" makes a great political speech, but I know it is easier said than done.

[AspenRose]

6. Thank you for keeping us posted.

:hug:

My proposition still stands, as well.

[CrispyQ]

7. Thanks for the update, dear Gately!

I was so pleased to see a post from you! And a secret hug to 'keith.' I'm sorry you are in such a rough patch right now. Been there, done that & it's no fun! You begin to wonder if you'll ever get out. I'm glad your brother & his wife are helping, but, Gately, please let us help, too. There is absolutely no need to go through this alone. :hug:

Scratches for Nero.

[Debi]

8. Reading all the other posts here and I just want to jump in and help if I can!

Things are getting tighter and tighter here b/c nobody can afford to pay a lawyer right now (even though they still need a lawyers help and advice). But there is always a way. Everyone please keep me posted on what the final plan is (shipping/storage unit/whatever) and I will kick in what I can. ME we can't lose you and all you give this group! Please take what is offered and know that someday you will pass it on!! :loveya:

[WheelWalker]

9. Welcome home.

Letting go is a good beginning.

[jillan]

10. This will make you smile - Joe's nickname from the Obama camp.

They call him the "Defender in chief" :P

[Muttocracy]

13. :-) and another fantastic sig line photo!

[ellacott]

11. Hi Gately

It's good to see you online.:) You have definately been missed. I'm glad you arm is healed.

My heart goes out to you. I don't have a lot of money but I want to help you also. You have always been nice to me and that has always been appreciated by me.

If you guys keep me informed I would like to help. :)

[Muttocracy]

12. thrilled to see you and a few thoughts...

1) Thanks "Keith" also - any public libraries or NC State libraries close to you?
(on edit - KO does read DU doesn't he? maybe he's one of your fans ;)

2) Don't get your power shut off - we can chip in and help!

3) Don't be embarrassed - after grad school I had to live with my sister for 2 months and then a friend in NY and then stayed at a scary hotel for a few weeks until I landed a job. You will get past this, and it's OK to get help!

As for your stuff - are you selling your car? Maybe we could chip in enough for you with your family to rent a car or van? You could stay with Bidenites cross-country :) Or get a PayPal account and we'll each chip in to Corona's plan.

4) You WILL get past this!! It will be OK!!

5) So glad you took care of your health.

6) Please check in often, even just a quick hello. If you're going to be offline for long, please send one of us a phone # or email for you!

:hug:

[livvy]

14. It's so good to hear from you.

I've been checking every day to see if you've posted.

Like others have said here, I'd be happy to help you out. I know you would do that for any one of us. Us Bidenites gots us some big hearts, just like our Joe!

Post when you can, and really, let us know how we can help.

:grouphug:

[susanwy]

15. Glad to see you took my un-advice (on the open wireless)!

1) Please let us help if we can, with power bill for a month or shipping stuff or places to stay traveling cross country!

2) Glad your feeling better! You had us worried, really.

3) I have a sinking feeling we will be seeing a lot more posts of people in serious economic trouble.

You were the first person to welcome me to DU, so while I have not been here long, I always look forward to your point of view!

Take care and keep in touch. If you decide to go to Seattle, I hope you will prosper there.

:grouphug:

[elleng]

16. Welcome home, Dear gateley!

Was on phone discussing 'investments' when I saw this thread; I know something about where you are.

As you can tell, we've all been thinking about you, and will continue to do so. Happy time for us all will be when you've arrived, and when your stuff has arrived, and you can begin again.

Folks here know you'll 'pay it forward,' so please accept offers.

[Eurobabe]

17. You said you have your laptop, maybe we can buy you a magicjack?

It costs about 60 bucks, and allows you to make and receive phone calls free, you use it with your computer. I have one. At least that way you would have a phone number and a way to contact family, friends, etc. :hug:

[jillan]

18. Great idea!

I will definitely chip in for that.