We're Mourning

Badger's husband lost his year-long struggle with cancer on Monday, August 29th. Now those of us who have gotten to know Badger -- through the beautifully worded insights she shares in "Badgerings" -- grieve with her and her 12 year old son.

As I've said before, your generous contributions permitted the Badger family to afford hospice during the final days.  And the knowledge and care of hospice staff and volunteers made it possible for Mr. Badger to be at home rather than in the hospital when he died.  Thank you.

People have asked whether the fund for the Badger family  will continue to be active -- it will.  Contributions are welcome. 

Thank you to the many people (30 last time I looked) who have spread the word about the fund, via posts on their blogs, even as they donated themselves.

Several people have contacted me privately with questions or ideas for special donations.  A few days ago, Yankee Transplant asked if I would forward a handmade card to Badger's home address.  "Of course," I told her.  What a beautiful idea.

Today, I'd like to extend that invitation to any of you who'd like to send a card -- something for Badger to hold in her hands  -- a concrete addition to your virtual hugs, emails and blog comments.   If you'd like to send a card, mail it to my office address, mark on the outside that it is for Badger, and I'll put it in another envelope (unopened of course) and forward it to her. 

Send cards to:

Mary McKinney    1506 East Franklin St.  Suite 202     Chapel Hill, NC  27514

We'll send cards... however, like Scrivener, I really wish is that we could all drop by with lasagna, garden flowers, hugs, and shared tears. 

I want to close with the ee cummings poem that Dorcasina posted in response to Badger's loss -- an especially poignant tribute given that Dorcasina's young husband is also struggling with cancer.  How wonderful that we have a community that has allowed Dorcasina and Badger to find and support one another.

one's not half two. It's two are halves of one:
which halves reintegrating, shall occur
no death and any quantity;but than
all numerable mosts the actual more

minds ignorant of stern miraculous
this every truth-beware of heartless them
(given the scalpel,they dissect a kiss;
or,sold the reason,they undream a dream)

one is the song which fiends and angels sing:
all murdering lies by mortals told make two.
Let liars wilt, repaying life they're loaned;
we (by a gift called dying born) must grow

deep in dark least ourselves remembering
love only rides his year.
All lose,whole find

*********************************************

Comments

[Tracy]

THANK YOU for providing a way for us to express our sympathy in a tangible way. It's wonderful to know that we're not all just an assortment of screen names, but rather individuals genuinely concerned for each other and with a real need to give more than a "cyberhug."

[Kathy E Gill -kegill]

I don't remember exactly how I found the site that directed me to Badger's first post. Subsequently, I wandered hither and yon and I got from Badger's liveJournal account (I hate that interface) to her Blogger acccount via some other blog.

Then I found your contribution page, which answered those little nagging questions that a long-time netVet would have about reality (those questions were answered very well, btw). I poked around your site some more ... saw you are at UNC (I'm at UW in Seattle) ... and then clicked "blog".

I was not prepared to see the mourning post or the flowers that Badger posted on her birthday (the day before mine). Tears sprang to my eyes. I've been dealing with eldercare issues and rejoiced to read that hospice care was possible.

I remain in awe of the power of networks made possible by social software. Thank you for the hand of friendship that you stretched across the continent. Given my geographic proximity to Badger, someone I know personally probably knows her, too. Time for PayPal first, e-mail questions second.

[Pink Cupcake]

Thank you for offering to forward cards and letters on to Badger, Mary, that's very kind of you.

[yankee transplant]

Thanks again, Mary, for agreeing to do this for me, for us...

[Phantom Scribbler]

Yes, thank you so much, Mary! I appreciate how you're willing to bridge the gap between the virtual and the real for us.

[halloweenlover]

Thank you Mary, this is so kind. I'll be sending my card your way soon.

[ABDmom]

Thank you for doing this. It is very thoughtful.

[EverydaySuperGoddess]

Your thoughtful actions have provided a small amount of comfort to a family going through a tragic crisis.

Thank you for your kind efforts, and for giving us an opportunity to help.

[timna]

your facilitating is greatly appreciated.

[Lonely Londoner]

Thank you, Mary, for giving us an address. I'll be sending a card along tomorrow. And thank you so much for everything you've done for the Badgers. You're good people, as they say.

[camicao]

I'm very sad for Badger and their son. Thanks Coach for bringing us together to try to help, and continue to help.

[Mel]

Mary, thank you for stepping in to help transform all of our thoughts & wishes into concrete actions.

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