8 people in 8 countries

I had not realized just how many charitable loans I made to strangers this year until I received my annual report from Kiva.

Amazing... and heartening, too.

***   ***   ***

"Kiva<contactus@kiva.org>
12:02 PM
27 December 2020
To  Faustina

It's here, Faustina: your Kiva Round Up for 2020

Faustina! Let's see how many lives you changed, how much money you moved, and how the Kiva community measured up.
 
Your impact this year:

Dollars that do good.

$200
This year you lent $200 to borrowers around the world.

8
Loans you made this year

(Just $25, given each time, letting my little bit help a lot.)

8
Countries you reached

(Jordan and Vietnam; Kyrgyztan, Ghana, and Samoa; Timor-Leste, Palestine, and Tonga)

8
Borrowers you supported

(Each borrower has been paying back on the loans, allowing me to re-lend the money to help other borrowers.)

* - * - *
 
Our impact this year:

We did this together.

It's true, we got through 2020 together.

Faustina, in a year filled with so many challenges, you changed lives and made a difference.

$140 million
Together, the Kiva community lent over $140,000,000 dollars. That's a lot of zeros.

67 countries
We came together to support 67 countries across the world. It's a big planet and that's big change.

375,000
In just 366 days (it was an especially long leap year) we joined forces to support over 375,000 borrowers.

 
Your impact this year.

Feels good to do good.

 You did good this year, thank you Faustina."

 

 ***   ***   ***

I am so blessed to be a Nerdfighter, combating the sadness of the world.

i thank You, God, for helping me to help others.

matching my record from 2018!

Just what record might that be?

Number of pints of whole blood donated, that's which one!

I am so thrilled!

So were Tanya and Whitney and all who were there to hear me gaily joking around!

Perhaps this jolly snowman at the American Red Cross helped liven their mood, too.

For me, it's my promise of a grand luncheon at Carrabbas that makes me feel extra festive!

(smile!)

three percent, that's all

Yesterday, I donated blood.

That was the fourth time this year that I've done so.

I already have an appointment to do so one more time, in December, before year's end.

To me, this is the absolute best use of my time and limited resources.

After all, my body will replenish that pint of life-giving fluid in a very timely fashion, especially as I am mindful to provide plenty of protein and vitamins to allow it that capability.

As easy, and inexpensive personally, as this simple act of kindness is, I would think more people would be forthcoming.

No, as it turns out.

Only three percent of the population does so during their life.

That means that here in the United States of America, which has a population of more than 328 million, the number of people who have donated blood just once is not even 10 million.

To me, that is appallingly low.

That means that the number of people in this country who have experienced COVID after infection by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is almost as many as the folks who have given blood to save lives.

Please, I encourage you to give, dear reader.

Just once.

The life you save may well be that of someone you love.

keeping the wik(i) burning

I use that source often in my posts for weblinks.

The primary reason?

The utter lack of advertising and non-cookie atmosphere.

If I want cookies, I'll go to my pantry.

(smile!)

So, last week when I visited to grab a link, I was alerted to their need for financial assistance to keep the site afloat.

Busy, I requested a 'reminder' email, then continued along the trail in pursuit of the bunny I was chasing.

Wednesday, I noticed the reminder and responded in its favor.

Today, I received this message of thanks.

Very nice to have been able to help!

 

-----   *   -----   *   -----

September 17, 2020

Dear Faustina,

I feel so lucky to get to be the person to thank you for your $ 26.00 one-time gift, on behalf of a world of people seeking free knowledge.

I used to try to guess what motivated you to give, but the longer I do this work, the more I realize I can’t put your curiosity in a box. There is no one singular experience of Wikipedia. Curiosity is as diverse as we all are, and it looks a little different for each of us.

When you use Wikipedia next, I hope you feel that it belongs to you. Because without you, and without the millions of people who come back to us every day, we would be nothing.

Thank you for giving Wikipedia shape, and purpose, and momentum. Thank you for fitting us into your life.

With immense gratitude,

Katherine

Katherine Maher, Executive Director
Wikimedia Foundation

celebrating an anniversary

Last month marked my ninth anniversary as a Nerdfighter of Kiva.
Within a year, Kiva had one million supporters, people just like me, wanting to help others through a crowdsourcing platform.
Today, in celebration, I have made another three loans, this time with each of my $25 antes being matched by Hitachi, in a special bid to help during this time of pandemic.
(Get my little joke?
Maybe you need to play poker to understand!)

The first loan was to Jacinta in Timor-Leste.
The 33-year-old entrepreneur had asked for the loan to help buy additional supplies such as wood, chickens, fresh fish and other stuff to sell at her small food stall near the school.
Here's what I said about my reason for choosing her.
"I liked that she was supplying healthy snacks and food to school kids on their way home.

I am glad that my loan to her was matched so her goal will be reached sooner!"
Hussein, a musician in Palestine, requested a loan to purchase instruments for his band.
Given that I enjoyed the Savannah VOICE Festival for the last two weeks, and in memory of a guitarist who recently died, my first money in the 'entertainment' sector went for this one.

The third being the charm, I selected this one without hardly reading her bio.
What drew my attention to Fe'ofa'aki of Tonga was this.
"I simply have to like someone with a name more strange than mine!
Plus, I like that she is older and still obviously loving life - like I am!"
I liked, too, that she weaves natural-fiber mats.
Having slept on tatami mats in Okinawa, I know how important they are to clean living spaces!
I must confess to an underlying mission in my three choices: I deliberately went in search of loans to business types and countries that were something different.
My portfolio on Kiva previously reflected that my 23 loans had been to 16 countries for 17 types of businesses.
Now, how about a little perspective on that?
Kiva supplies loans to 75 countries for 163 business types.
I knew I could do better, just as I'd done with Kickstarter.
So, now, I've added three more loans as well as three more countries and three more types of business activity to the portfolio I've amassed.
(smile!)
That means I have made 26 loans, for 20 business types, in 19 countries -
making a total of six hundred fifty dollars in loans, but only actually using two hundred sixty-six dollars to do so.
That's because I tend to wait for the loans to be paid back before I lend to someone else, unless there is a special 'matching opportunity', as there was today.

Which countries have benefited from my money to their citizens?
Bolivia
Burkina Faso
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Fiji
Ghana
Guatemala
Jordan
Kyrgyzstan
Lebanon
Malawi
Nicaragua
Pakistan
Philippines
Samoa
Tajikistan
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Vietnam

What business activities have I supported?
Agriculture
Clothing Sales
Dairy
Entertainment
Farming
Fish Selling
Food Production/Sales
Food Stall
Fuel/Firewood
Grocery Store
Higher education costs
Knitting
Laundry
Perfumes
Personal Expenses
Poultry
Primary/secondary school costs
Retail
Tailoring
Weaving

In the future, as the other loans I have out there, as well as these new ones, are repaid, again supplying me with $25 aliquots to lend, I'll seek to expand the corners of the world, and of the world's economy, that those dollars support.
That's definitely a worthy goal as I head toward my decade anniversary of being a Nerdfighter of Kiva, fighting suck!
(smile!)

thank you from Ghana!

Wow!
How very kind of those folks to send this email to me!
I'm speaking of the people in Ghana associated with Meridia.
I had chosen them to receive support in honor of my birthday62 this year.
Here's the email that I received yesterday...
honestly, it made me cry that my help meant so much to them.

--- * --- * ---

kiva.org
25 June 2020 8:45 PM

Update from Ghana

This update on your loan to Meridia was written by Kiva's Field Partner.

Dear Kiva Lender,

We are all in this together. No matter where you are in the world, you are facing a new reality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Kiva lender, you are an agent of positive change. The flexible working capital that you provide to Meridia and other social enterprises now has even higher social impact.

Like many social enterprises, Meridia is struggling to sustain operations due to COVID-19 restrictions. Land mapping and titling projects have been delayed in Ghana. The result is reduced revenue and increased vulnerability for women and cocoa farmers. Land rights provide economic security during uncertain times

An investment in Meridia is an investment in financial inclusion. Your patient capital unlocks the value of a customer's most valuable asset - land. Land owners with property rights increase property value by 2x and increase agricultural productivity by up to 60%. Annual family income increases 150% and loan approval rates increase by 12%. The impact does not stop there.

Meridia focuses on gender equality. Your patient capital strengthens the role of women in rural Ghanaian communities and contributes to the wellbeing of the entire family. Women landowners earn 3.8x more income and are 8x less likely to experience domestic violence. Children are more likely to go to school and less likely to be underweight. How is that for positive impact?

We are all in this together. Meridia still needs your support to empower women and cocoa farmers and thrive together in a post-pandemic world.

Lend directly to Meridia here: https://www.kiva.org/lend/1966124.

With gratitude,

The Kiva Labs: Social Enterprise Team

nerdfighting for birthday62!

When kiva.org has a "make one loan, get money for another" deal, especially around the time of my birthday and the start of my personal new year, well, I just have to partake!
I give all credit to the 18-year-old idealist in my mind.
She still believes the world can be a better place if we lend each other a helping hand.
What an optimist she is!

The first loan went to Meridia in Ghana, to keep a community of cocoa farmers at work.
I even posted on fb about it!
"I loaned to Meridia in honor of my 62nd birthday and in honor of my friend, Jo Coleman-Williams.
Jo went to Ghana twice, once in her youth and again for her 50th birthday, to help people.
This is my way of helping, too.
I invite others to join me in making microloans to others!"

That loan netted me the $25 from Kiva to lend to Tansuluu in Kyrgyzstan!
Here's what I told the others who fight suck by my side!
"Moooove on over here and help Tansuluu purchase more cows.
Milk is a protein-rich food source for the people in her community, including children.
Plus her name reminds me of another nerdfighter from a galaxy far, far away, and that's good!"
Here's another good thing: VMware matched my money!

I only intended to make the two, but my lending account still had almost $9 in it, so I carried on!
Inspired by that matched loan to make a third, this time the funds went to Makerita in Samoa for paint, rollers, brushes, and other such materials.
"I loaned to Makerita because I know the value of having color on the walls of a house - that helps make it a home.
Plus, her name makes me feel a dance craze sweeping near!"
So, you know what that means...
gotta dance!!!
Who knew lending money could be such fun!
(smile!)

thanks for the blood!

The American Red Cross is Thankful for You
Hi Faustina,

In times of crisis, the Red Cross is fortunate to witness the best of humanity as donors, like you, roll up a sleeve to help those in need. Your donation may help patients undergoing emergency and lifesaving surgeries, new mothers and children facing complications from childbirth, and those fighting injury and illness. We greatly appreciate your willingness to come give blood and share your good health with the most vulnerable among us during these difficult times.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused many uncertainties in our world, but patients and the Red Cross are thankful that we can count on you to answer the call to help.

From all of us at the American Red Cross – thank you for helping others during this critical time.

-------- ------------ ---------------

What a sweet email!
The American Red Cross has also offered to send me this cool T-shirt.
I had originally thought I wanted it, to commemorate my donation of a pint for my birthday62.
Good thing they're letting me think about for a few days, but I would rather someone get it who will actually wear it.
I already have so many T-shirts...
especially from my VIP blood donor days.
I'm part of the choir.
(smile)

birthday blood, shared with others

On this last day of Year 62 FLS, I gave the perfect gift to the world:
a pint of my blood.
Now, those platelets and red blood cells and white blood cells, immersed in plasma, can help others continue living.
That means others of different race, of different beliefs, of different gender.
Blood knows no bias, especially AB+ plasma, the universal gift of life-renewing antibodies and nutrients.
Blood is a renewable resource, with all components, including the hemoglobin clusters, fully restored in only seven weeks.
Only seven weeks.

Happy birthday62, everyone!

lights out in the piazza

They called me just a little while ago, following up on the earlier email.

"May 5, 2020
Dear Faustina,
We have put off making this announcement for as long as possible, but as you know Savannah Repertory Theatre, like all other theatres across the country, has had to suspend our 2019-2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We had hoped that things might clear up in time to begin rehearsal, but out of respect for the safety of our cast, crew, and audiences, our much-anticipated production of The Light in the Piazza has been cancelled.
As you know, it is impossible to cancel performances without creating serious and lasting hardships for Savannah Rep, our staff, and artists. As a small nonprofit arts organization, we rely heavily on your support. Now more than ever, your support is critical to all non-profit arts organizations as we are realizing significant losses due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19. We ask that you please consider donating back the value of your ticket (as a tax-deductible contribution). We also understand that these days are not easy for any of us, so if a refund is helpful we are more than happy to provide that as well.
The amount of your transaction is: $16.25
We would like to offer you the following three options:
A - Donate the amount paid to Savannah Rep (tax deductible). As you know the ticket prices alone do not cover all of our expenses, and Savannah Repertory Theatre depends on donations and sponsorship funds to make up the difference. You will receive an In-Kind Donation Letter in the mail for your records.
B - Receive a complimentary ticket(s) valid for a future Savannah Rep Show. We will keep your name on file to receive a comp ticket(s) you may use for yourself or a guest at any future 20/21 MainStage production.
C - Get a refund. You will be mailed a check from Savannah Repertory Theatre of the above amount within 30 days of the refund request.
If we don’t see a response within a couple days of sending this email we will follow up by calling the phone number we have in our ticketing system.
It is our hope to bring this beautiful musical production to you some day along with its incredible cast – which included many local favorites and three incredible guest artists. At present, Savannah Rep is exploring all avenues to see how and when we may safely open our doors so we can once again share great stories and great theatre. We are all hopeful that our personal and artistic lives return to normal very soon.
We send you wishes of health and strength for these difficult times and look forward to seeing you soon!
Best regards,
Ryan McCurdy
Interim Co-Artistic Director
and the entire artistic team, staff, and board of Savannah Repertory Theatre"

When Ryan called, I cheerfully told him that I wanted Option A.
I am regarding that as a birthday62 gift, from me, to them, in the interest of keeping the troupe alive for entertainment and enlightenment on future evenings.
I do so hope...

another grove for another birthday!

Honestly, I very much like, and still agree with, what I wrote for my first grove.
That would have been in 2018, for my sixtieth birthday.
So, this very day, I have arranged for the Arbor Day Foundation to plant a second grove, this one also consisting of sixty trees, to commemorate the completion of another year of life for me.
Perhaps they will be able to get that done by my actual birthday.
(smile)
My thanks to the many trees of the world for the life-giving oxygen they supply.
I literally could not live without them...
nor could any other animal on Earth.
I am ever so grateful...
truly, and always.
i thank You, God, for the trees.

still a hopebuilder

I firmly believe in the hope that comes with having four walls and roof at night.
That's why I became a Hopebuilder for Habitat For Humanity years ago...
and it's why I have remained one to this day.
My monthly gift of twenty-five dollars provides needed funds on a regular basis.
That's money for the plywood and concrete and steel for support...
the money for nails and bolts and screws to hold all together...
the money for the paint and sealant and varnish to protect those surfaces.
Amazing how those little amount of money make a house for a family...
even more amazing that the family makes that house a home.
How fortunate I am to be a part of such an endeavor!
How very blessed I am to have a house that is a home.
i thank You, God.

culture for my birthday62

Most of the venues I have loved this past decade, if not longer, are dark now.
Their doors have been locked, as we all shelter at home.
That is a loss I have felt keenly throughout my psyche.
I decided today to give myself something I haven't had in years:
a two-year subscription to the Smithsonian.
Every month, I will receive history, art, nature, and science in my mailbox.
Even better, this will be in print format, a gift to hold in my hands, a monthly magazine to reassure me that treasures still exist, that research still goes on, that stories of the past still live.
All of this is given to me because of a small contract of support with the writers and editors, the researchers and photographers, the publishers and administrative staff.
I look forward to being enriched by reading and inspired by art.
My many thanks.

blood donor, that's me

Last Thursday, on a quest to regain my religion and restore my sanity, I gave a pint of life - whole blood - to the world.
Amazingly, that did much to reassure me that the world will continue, coronavirus pandemic or not.
The safety precautions the American Red Cross has added to their repertoire, to continue to assure the purity of the blood going to those in need during this new crisis, are also designed to keep donors healthy.
My thanks to Dorothy and Whitney for taking such good care of me whilst there.
I've now received an email about one such donor - a tiny, young child - whose life depends on folks like me.

"Thank you, Faustina!
Blood donations help save lives.
Like Kaden's. Kaden is a happy, energetic 2-year-old who loves truck rides, pineapple and pepperoni pizza, and playing in the park with his siblings. In May of 2019 he was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. Kaden has received blood transfusions as part of his treatment and will need more as treatment continues.
Kaden's family knows how important blood donations can be. "From the first week Kaden was diagnosed my desire has been to do something that would benefit kids battling cancer," said Shanna, Kaden's mother. "After many treatments and procedures requiring Kaden to have frequent blood and platelet transfusions, it became clear that donating blood products in order to help keep these kids as healthy as they can be while receiving treatments was what we wanted to do."
Thanks to the generosity of blood donors like you, Kaden and patients like him will continue to receive the transfusions they desperately need. When you donate blood, you help give hope and healing to those who face life and death challenges. We hope you'll consider coming back to donate again soon. Your generosity can help change lives and keep families together.
With every 8 units you donate, you reach a special milestone. We love to celebrate, so we're keeping track. You've got 6 units left until you reach your next milestone."

Y'all are most welcome.
Here's to staying safe until better times prevail once more.

putting in my two cents for coastal legislature

Today is the day before Crossover Day.
I had no idea that even existed.
Apparently, if a proposed bill has not passed either the House or the Senate by the close of that day, then that piece of legislature does not move forward.
In other words, the bill stops and dies in its tracks.
I have to thank One Hundred Miles for cluing me in.
Back in January, I signed on at the Naturalist 101 meeting to become a letter-writer to our elected Georgia representatives.
This morning, they called me to action... and I responded!

------- --------- -------------
The issue: Coal Ash (Multiple Bills)

HB 93: HB 93 would require public notice when Georgia Power begins dewatering coal ash ponds as part of the process of closing these toxic waste impoundments. This bill will be up for a vote on the House floor on Crossover Day.
HB 929: This bill codifies some practices in existing federal and state regulations that call for long-term monitoring of groundwater around closed coal ash ponds. HB 929 was voted out of the House Natural Resources Committee last Thursday, and will be up for a vote on the House floor on Crossover Day.

OHM’s Position: We support the passage of all coal ash bills.
URGENT: These bills will be voted on tomorrow! Contact your Representative and urge him/her to support all coal ash bills.

Done! Representative Mickey Stephens contacted!

---------- ---------- ---------------
The issue: Coal Ash Waste.

SB 123: In 2018, Georgia’s legislature created a new loophole that makes our state even more attractive for dumping toxic coal ash. Local governments can now charge private landfill operators $2.50 for every ton of regular household garbage dumped. But the legislature carved out an exception for coal ash: the surcharge for coal ash is only $1 per ton. This cheaper rate for toxic coal ash creates an incentive for private landfill companies to fill landfills with toxic coal ash. Worse, this loophole means that out-of-state coal ash is not only welcome, but encouraged.
And who pays the real price? Local communities that are missing out on much-needed funds to offset the effects of having a toxic coal ash dump next door. SB 123 will level the playing field and let out-of-state waste generators know we don’t want their toxic coal ash in Georgia.

UPDATE: SB 123 overwhelming passed the Senate by a vote of 50-2 before Crossover Day and will be voted on by the House in the coming weeks.

OHM’s Position: Georgians need all the protection from coal ash we can get. Unfortunately, the strongest bills, HB 756 and SB 297, did not pass out of committee. We support the passage of all coal ash bills before midnight on Crossover Day.
How you can help: Contact to urge your Representative to support SB 123 and all coal ash bills.

I tagged Representative Mickey Stephens for that, too!

----------------- --------- ----------------
The issue: Offshore Drilling.

HR 88: Georgia is the only state on the east coast with a Governor who has not officially commented on plans to drill for oil off our coast. Last year, twin resolutions in support of Georgia’s coastal tourism industry and opposition to offshore drilling were introduced in both the House of Representatives and Senate. The House overwhelmingly passed their version of the resolution, but unfortunately, the Senate Natural Resources Committee would not even hold a hearing on the resolution. Because this is the second year of a two-year session, we have 40 more days for the Senate to pass this important resolution.

How You Can Help: Contact Georgia’s executive team and your Senators and ask them to support SR 88.

Done! From Lt. Governor Duncan to that hefty list of Senators who were elected by coastal counties, I'll be watching their actions, not just their words.

---------- ------------------ ----------------------
The issue: Protection of the Satilla River.

SB 384: Brantley County has worked hard to protect residents from the environmental and public health risks associated with placing a landfill too close to the river. SB 384, introduced by Senator William Ligon (R-Brunswick), would support their ongoing efforts. This bill would also protect hundreds of miles of the Satilla watershed in southeast Georgia, including in Coffee, Ware, Pierce, Atkinson, Brantley, Charlton, and Camden counties. SB 384 would not affect timber, agriculture, development, or residential activities or development.

OHM’s Position: We support the passage of SB 384.
URGENT: This bill will be voted on tomorrow! Contact your Senator and urge him/her to support SB 384.

Done! (Sadly, I did not capture the names of those I contacted, but I will be watching.)

------------ ------------ -------------
Now, to wait for the next update and call to action!
I am delighted to be part of this voice to our government.
Hallelujah!

keeping the Jepson humming along

Tonight, I'll be renewing my membership with the Telfair Museums.
Why tonight?
I'll be there in person for the members-only artist talk and reception!
Every month I'm privy to a party there!
And my entry fee?
Less than four dollars per month.
This is one of the most satisfying memberships I have ever had.
Plus, I'm helping two of my very favorite places -
the Jepson Center for the Arts as well as the Telfair Academy -
keep their doors open for me and everyone else in the city,
be they students or parents, locals or visitors.

Just what are the entitlements of membership?
- Free admission to their three sites for an entire year
- Two one-time use guest passes
- Free members-only exhibition previews
- Store, camp, and art class discounts
- Free subscription to Telfair members' magazine

Plus, like I said, a free party every month, usually on a Thursday.
Those tend to be slow nights for me, so that perk is a great bonus!
How difficult is the membership process?
Just click here and see how easily that is accomplished.
Come join me there!
(smile!)

laundry day for men and women

Mohamed, of Jordan, was the first to catch my eye.
I'd gone to my Nerdfighters reference site to see who might be listed, as it's been 136 days since I last loaned any money on kiva... or so they say.
I preferentially lend to women, but, like I said, he caught my attention with the reason he needed the money.

Then, just a few listings away from him was this woman, Phong, of Vietnam.
By coincidence, her line of work was the same as his!
Her reason for needing a loan was very much akin to his, too.
They are both growing their laundries - and that type of establishment has a warm place in my heart.
(smile)

thanks from twins

On New Year's Eve, I gave my fifth pint of blood for 2019.
Today, received this email from the American Red Cross.
(smile)

----- ----- -----
Donations help save lives.

Earl and Merle
Earl and Merle have a lot in common. The 85-year-old twins both joined the Navy in 1954, they share a love of fishing and they've even both had wives named Kay. They're also both blood product recipients.

After a cancer diagnosis 24 years ago, Merle needed multiple blood products as part of his treatment. As part of his ongoing treatment, he has needed periodic transfusions, most recently this past December.

Over the last year, Earl needed four to six units of blood every two weeks to treat heart valve and gastrointestinal bleeding. To date, he has received 156 units of blood products.

The brothers and their families are grateful to donors – like you – without whom they wouldn't be alive today.

"My kids have a grandpa because of donors," said Earl's daughter-in-law, Angela. "It would be so wonderful if everyone who can give would do so!"

Merle's daughter, Teresa, shares the same sentiment. "I wouldn't have my dad or my uncle if it weren't for people donating," she said. "I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Donors have given them the gift of life and their families more time to spend with them. I have had years with my father that would not have been possible without these donations."

Thanks to the generosity of donors, recipients like Earl and Merle can continue to make precious memories with their families. When you donate blood products, you help give hope and healing to those who face life and death challenges. Your generosity can help change lives and keep families together.

Make donating a family affair! Invite a loved one to spend quality time donating blood products together.
----- ----- -----

What a wonderful message to start this new year!

the trick is to keep breathing

The holidays can be pretty hard when you're an orphan, regardless of your age.
I've been without Mama since 2 January 2001 and without Daddy since 26 April 2009.
Sigh.
This marked the third Christmas that Bob Wiley has spent without his mom.
I'm not sure how long ago it was that his dad died, but it's been more than ten years.
I do know that Sam Johnson was still alive, and Sam's great heart stopped a week before my father's did.
Bob's family was small; now, there remains only his brother and himself.
Two nights ago, Bob almost took leave of this planet.
Fortunately, his step-daughter rescued him, but he is fighting an uphill battle against depression, despair, and desolation.
Now, he has a GoFundMe page to help him get back on his feet.
He isn't trying to amass a fortune... just $500 to get back on his feet.
I've chipped in, with hopes he will soon gain some solace.
The world is full of deep, dark sadness...
I try to not be part of it nor to give in to it.

Hang in there, Bob.
Tomorrow is on its way.