Generosity of friends
By raydene
@raydene (9871)
United States
June 29, 2007 6:48pm CST
Relationships are something we seldom think much about.We see people every day and don't think much about it until something happens to someone.
My 54 year old brother Steve went into seizures and was taken to one hospital then air-vac transported him to Albany Medical Center when he underwent brain surgery to clamp off a aneurysm and remains in a coma.
Steve has his own business so he gets no pay when he isn't working.His wife travels 2 1/2 hours each way to visit him every day.
In the town where they live the people have rallied to help.The MSO ( Minerva Service Organization) gave $300.00. The man next door gave $200 from his own pocket. The local bar and restaurant put a gallon jar on the bar that began to fill with over $200 the first day.There are 2 small grocery stores in town that also set out jars for donations. Steve's wife Nita has found envelopes full of money in her mailbox with no return address or name on it.The local gas station gave her $100 worth of gas and someone left her a prepaid gas card in an unmarked envelope tacked to her front door one evening returning home from the hospital.
The generosity of the people of the small town of Minerva,New York, USA is a beautiful thing.I grew up in the little town and many family members still live there.My brother has been there his whole life.He is truly blessed to be from such a loving town at a time like this.
If you ever want to travel to a nice little town in upstate NY you should consider the wonderful little town of Minerva.God Bless them all
5 people like this
9 responses
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
30 Jun 07
Sweetie I did not know that there are still such lovely People about who do this
This has touched me to tears
To do this for someone and help out like this is the most wonderful thing
I don't know if this might help and some People might think it is silly but I have heard that if you play his Favorite Music or something that he enjoys and holds dear it can sometimes bring them out of it
Also talking all the time holding their Hands talking to them as though they are talking to you back
Telling them about the past the future, how much you need them love them
You just talk as though you are having a conversation with them, I have heard that it has brought some out of a Coma it might just be worth a try
Think of something that he really loves and enjoys
I love you Sweetie and I am with you and your Family xxxx
@sjohnson628 (3197)
• United States
30 Jun 07
I have heard that also about playing their favorite music. I would give that a try. And When my father in law was in a coma I gave him a manicure and asked him to squeeze my hand if he knew who I was and he squeezed my hand.
2 people like this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
30 Jun 07
He was responding to us early last week but isn't now.I was telling one of the nurses about when we were little. I told Steve that is he peed on the electric fence in the cow pasture that sparks would fly off. I was just a kid and wanted to see what would happen. He got a shock right on the pen15 and couldn't stop peeing.We always talk and laugh about that when we get together.The nurse told us to look at the screen and his BP was going up for a few minutes.
He is not responding like that now and hasn't in 3 days now.
It's in God's hands now.
oxxoxo
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
•
30 Jun 07
Minerva really does seem to be a wonderful, loving, caring and supportive community! I am so pleased that people are showing how much they care about your brother and his family in this way and I am sure it must be helping them to keep going! Please know that we are all praying for him! xxx
1 person likes this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
30 Jun 07
When you come see me we'll go to minerva and I'll show you my favorite spots.There is a lake with a swing where you can fly out and down to the water.We'll have our Niall try it out to see if it's as much fun as it was when I was a kid..
Hud Daughter
1 person likes this
@weemam (13372)
•
30 Jun 07
this is such a lovely story sis ,
It just shows how the town loves your brother , he must be a very special man , You and your family are always in my prayers ,
When we didn't know if Jim was going to be OK after the heart op , I just used to sit and hold his hand and talk to him all the time . he would have thought it strange if I hadn't because I am always chatting ,
I don't think he heard me as he can't remember it but it gave me a lot of comfort , keep strong my sweet sis as God will do the right thing Steve knows you love him and love is very strong as so is prayer ,
love Margaret xxxxxxxxxx
1 person likes this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
30 Jun 07
Thanks Doll,I'm feeling very peaceful about it today.I don't know if that is good or bad but I do know that what is going to be will be and it will be what is best.In my selfishness I hope he will come out of it but I will have to accept whatever is!
I'm just not ready to loose another family member so soon.I've lost 2 sisters in 2 years and I just don't think I should have to loose another..Joanie has only been gone 2+ months now.Like I said I'll accept whatever happens .
Hugs Sis
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
30 Jun 07
I am sorry to hear about your brother. I hope he can overcome this. I will be thinking about you and your family. I too live in a small town in New York and I know what you are talking about. About a year ago, my grandson was born and he was very sick. The community came forward and donated money and many of the businesses donated products/services for a benefit dinner we had. I am glad that your brother's town is helping out.
1 person likes this
@sjohnson628 (3197)
• United States
30 Jun 07
That is truly a blessing what these people in the community are doing for Steve's wife. I don't live far at all from Minerva.
People in small communities like that are very caring giving and kind aren' they? I will keep you and your family in my prayers Raydene.
1 person likes this
@sjohnson628 (3197)
• United States
30 Jun 07
I probably have seen you or met you before then. I have been coming up here since I was a little girl about 6 years old. Then I moved here two years ago from CT.
My uncle owns the black bear. And I use to frequent the wells house. WOw it's a small world huh?
@raydene (9871)
• United States
30 Jun 07
I drive through Pville when I go to Minerva. I am in Ticonderoga outside of the village. My Grandmama had a huge boardinghouse in South Schroon befor the northway went through many many years ago so we would always stop in Pville for a soda on the way to grandmama's. My Grandmama is buried there.And many years ago my Da used to call and play for square dances at the Wells House.I learned to square dance there when I was a little girl.They had Sunday afternoon dances and our whole family was allowed to go.So Pville has a special place in my heart too.Thanks Sweets
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
30 Jun 07
I will add my prayers to the list for your brother's speedy recovery, raydene. It is truly amazing that people will always show their best side when a friend or neighbor is going through trials. This just goes to show that people are basically good. It should reaffirm our faith in humankind that this little town has rallied to come to the aid of your brother and his dear family. God bless.
1 person likes this
@femcsw2 (225)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Best thoughts and prayers are going out to your brother and his family. Positive thinking is very important right now. I myself grew up in a small town in upstate NY, Arygle. It's funny how when you are young you just can't wait to get out to the Big City! Then you hear something like this and realize that small towns are where friends and communities are made.
@susieq223 (3742)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Thank you for sharing that wonderful story about a great town. We hear so many bad things about how people take advantage of each other and get the bad news about terrorists, etc. How refreshing to hear about people caring for each other that way. You and your family are still in my prayers.
@OURDEW (4809)
• United States
1 Jul 07
What a sweet little town, one that I would love to live in. I have been praying for your brother to have a full recovery and I will keep praying until I hear some good news, which I think will come soon. I am trying to send you some positive energy to you and your brother. :)
