Can anyone please help a fellow DUer (me) who is going through a very difficult time right now?

[Ghost in the Machine]

**** I emailed Skinner to ask if we still needed his permission first before posting a fund raiser, but still haven't gotten a reply. However, I did some digging in the ATA forum and found this: "Skinner (61,399 posts)

1. We have no guidelines regarding requests for assistance.
You can post wherever you feel comfortable.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12598880
********************************************************************************************


I posted about it here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027721521 ... along with a Poll over which would be the best platform to use. The Poll only got 7 votes, but they were 100% for gofundme.com.

I finally talked myself into setting up an account Wednesday morning, and when I went to preview my campaign I got a pop-up stating that {paraphrasing} 'due to the content of your post, your campaign has been temporarily suspended due to a possible TOS violation. Please give our staff time to review it and we will let you know. This can take up to 3 business days." Then it had a link to the TOS, which said {paraphrasing again} 'No fund raising for legal matters or support for criminal activity'.

Their advice on creating the campaign was to be "open, honest, transparent & from the heart". I was flabberghasted, and could only think to myself "yeah, that's MY luck.. and when it rains, it POURS!" I figured that the problem was because I posted this: " about 3 1/2 weeks ago, I talked to my friend and told him that I had the money to get the CV axel and he said he was out of town, but would be home that Saturday and would call me & come get me so we could work on it. I never saw or heard from him. Last week, I found out that he was in jail for a probation violation.", and it raised a flag with them thinking that I was trying to raise money for legal defense or something.

I went to my parents' house and told them about what had happened, and said "hopefully they will read it and understand that I am NOT trying to raise money for him, but to help me get a vehicle". I was quite surprised a few hours later when I got an email from them stating that they had reviewed it, and that I was fine and could go ahead with my campaign.

I posted it to Facebook, and have received one donation so far, and have gotten a couple of texts from local friends who said that they would come by when they got paid and give me some money. When they do, I will add it to the "add offline donations" link on my gofundme page.

If anyone can find it in their hearts to help, it would be greatly appreciated, and WILL be paid forward when I get back on my feet again. For purposes of transparency, here is the link to my Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/douglas.a.davis.7/posts/10209862070135452 .... and here is a link to my gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/4mwmb44s

Thank you in advance for any and all help you can give, even if it is nothing more than keeping this post kicked, some kind words of encouragement or sharing this post.

Peace within, Peace between, Peace among....

Ghost

[In_The_Wind]

1. Sending Good Luck vibes your way Ghost in the Machine ~~~~~~~~~

[Ghost in the Machine]

8. Thank you, In_The_Wind, I am feeling them already!

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[Omaha Steve]

2. Will kick in today

K&R!

OS

[Ghost in the Machine]

9. Thank you, Omaha Steve...

I know that you have been going through a rough time of your own, healthwise. I hope you are getting better, and that you and your family are doing well.

Peace,

Ghost

[Omaha Steve]

46. Forgot to say we kicked in yesterday

[Ghost in the Machine]

47. I saw that, recognized the name. Thank you very much, it is greatly appreciated!

Thank you for the morning kick, too. The outreach and support from DUer's has been amazing, and heart-warming!

Best of luck, and Peace, to you and yours...

Ghost

[Omaha Steve]

116. I forgot to ask what kind of vehicle you are looking at?

I feel like a ..

[Ghost in the Machine]

119. It is a 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Spyder, with only 155,000 miles on the engine, and he has put a

brand new transmission and a brand new convertible top on it, as well as a complete tune up, oil change & lube job. I KNOW it's a good car & know everything that has been done to it. I have known my neighbor for 13 years now, and he is a disabled Combat Veteran, and mechanic, who buys vehicles to fix up and sell to make extra money. It's not like I am jumping on the first vehicle I find. His sister was driving it for about 4 months, until she saved up enough to get her own vehicle, and he would not put her in something that he wasn't 100% sure that it wouldn't leave her stranded on the side of the road. We live in a very rural area, and cell phone service is non-exsistant in some areas around here.

It is the 4 cylinder, NON Turbo 2.4L engine, with an automatic transmission. I helped him sell a different vehicle yesterday, for more than what he was asking, and I am applying that towards the purchase of the vehicle. I also received a very generous donation from a family member last night, which put me at enough to buy the vehicle. I should be in it by this weekend, or the first of next week, depending on how long it takes for the money to be transferred to my account.

I can't say "Thank you" enough to everyone who has helped out on this, from the people who could only offer kicks to keep the thread visible, the ones who offered kind words of encouragement, and those who donated from their hearts! I will be posting a formal "thank you" thread shortly.

Thank you, again, for your help in this. Being without a vehicle for the first time since I was 16 years old left me feeling like I had lost my one true form of complete independence, and the past 3 months have been very rough on me, having to beg for rides, or depend on someone else to get me to my monthly doctor's appointment, which is a 120 mile round trip, plus the wait at the doctor's office, or to even go grocery shopping or to the pharmacy. Not that I really go much of anywhere else, but the option was always there, and sometimes I find a little joy in being able to drive to the lake 5 miles from my house and watch the sunrise, or sunset.

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[Omaha Steve]

121. Sounds like a deal

Good luck.

OS

[Ghost in the Machine]

122. Oh yes, it is for sure! I got to drive it around for over 2 hours earlier today..

It ran GREAT! Not the first shimmy, shake, rattle or anything... it is a very sweet ride and, most importantly, was comfortable on my back and neck. Driving/riding can be excruciating for me in some vehicles because of hard, uncomfortable seats, and feeling every bump on the road. There are times I can get out of a vehicle after 30 - 45 minutes and be in pain so bad I can barely walk, and be almost, if not already, in tears... NOT the case with this car! I usually can't wait to get out of a vehicle, but I hated to park this one today..

Thank you, and Peace to you and yours!

Ghost

[malaise]

3. Kick

Can't help but will kick

[Ghost in the Machine]

11. Thank you, malaise! Like I said, ANY help is appreciated, even if it's nothing more than kicking

this thread and keeping it visible, sharing the link, or even just kind words of encouragement. I meant EVERY WORD of that, because it's all I have been able to offer at times.

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[Tobin S.]

4. Forgive me for saying this, but something doesn't seem quite right here.

I'd be happy to kick in otherwise. Maybe it's just a coincidence and you can clear it up for me.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027472479

[Ptah]

5. Different people.

Ghost in the Machine http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=profile&uid=190667

ghostsinthemachine http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=profile&uid=320702

[trumad]

10. So to be clear...

There are two ghost in the machines asking for donations?

[Ptah]

12. no.

[Ghost in the Machine]

19. To be clearer, are you saying "no" that there aren't 2 different ghost in the machines asking for

donations because the our names are different, or because you you believe we're the same?

I promise you that the other one is NOT ME.

If you look at his post, from Dec 24, 2015 : http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027472479 you can see that he says he is homeless, and has 2 vehicles. He can't get SSDI because he took 10 years off work under some program to care for his parents (whom, I presume, have now either passed on or are in nursing homes), he speaks of "people moving to the area from Seattle" and talks about bus passes and public transportation.

As for me, I state that my parents, along with my sister and a cousin, have been helping me for 3 months. I AM on Disability *AND* have a roof over my head, hence all the bills. I live out in the sticks in East Tennessee where the nearest public transportation is about 50 miles away to the south, in Chattanooga, or 50 miles north, in Knoxville. He also alludes that he is 60 years old "retirement in 2 years (62)", while I am only 53. Jeez, my birthday pictures, with my parents in them, are right there on my facebook page!

What do I have to do to convince people??

Edited to add: You can look at his campaign here https://www.gofundme.com/t7g8e648 and see that he is from California. Gofundme goes through a double verification process, where you HAVE to verify your email address, zip code and facebook page.

Peace,

Ghost

[Ptah]

29. I believe there are two different people, asking for help for different problems.

[Ghost in the Machine]

38. Thank you, Ptah, I appreciate it.... n/t

[Ghost in the Machine]

13. No forgiveness needed, Tobin S. The "simple" answer is "That's NOT me", but I am posting some links

here to show you, too...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=6968015

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=6724726

I hope that helps clear it up for you. I was trying to find the post where I welcomed him to DU, and said something like "Nice username" or something along those lines, and he replied that {paraphrasing} 'he didn't even know that someone else had nearly the same name'.

I kept an eye on his posts for a while, to make sure it wasn't a "Cave Troll" trying to confuse people and/or get ME in trouble, but he seems to be a genuine "good egg", and an asset to DU.

Thank you very much, and I completely understand your concern and can only give you my word that it isn't me.

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[trumad]

16. So there are two with the same name asking for donations?

What are the odds of that.

[Ptah]

17. Their names are not the same.

[Ghost in the Machine]

18. I wasn't aware that the other one was asking for donations until Tobin S. pointed it out...

and as I told him, I can 100% assure you that it is NOT ME, but all I can back it up with is my word. I am sure you've probably heard the saying "I only have 2 things in this world, my word & my balls, and I'm not going to break either of them for NO ONE!"

I'm very "Old School" myself... I trust a poor man's word and handshake more, and faster, than a slick talker in a $1,000 suit with a contract...

I put my personal info out there, with full name, and the names & pictures of my family & friends onmy personal facebook page for the purpose of transparency.

If you followed the links I posted in my reply to Tobin S., you can see that I was surprised to see someone using a name so close to mine, as I thought mine was pretty original. I didn't even know that the band "The Police" had an album by that name. I first heard it as an old hackers term that "there's always a ghost in your machine somewhere". I just changed the "your" to "the". It's probably the reason why, way back when I signed up, even though I had a star, I couldn't post an OP until I reached over 100 posts. I guess they were making SURE that I wasn't a troll from another site.

Again, all I can do is give my WORD that we are NOT the same person..

Peace,

Ghost

[Tobin S.]

25. Okay, Ghost. Thanks for clearing it up for me.

I'll give you a kick here and elsewhere.

[Ghost in the Machine]

39. No, Thank YOU, Tobin S., I really appreciate the help more than I can say. I am glad that people ask

questions if they are unsure. I wouldn't want ANYONE thinking that *I* was trying to hoodwink anybody. I am as open and honest as I can be. I didn't HAVE to include my public facebook profile to the public, only to gofundme, but CHOSE to do so for complete transparency.

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[LeftishBrit]

6. kick

[Ghost in the Machine]

14. Thanks for the kick, LeftishBrit!

As I stated above, ANY help is appreciated, even if it's no more than kicking this post to keep it visable, sharing the link, or kind words of encouragement. I have helped others before, and there have been times when all I had to offer were words of encouragement and heeping a post kicked.

Peace,

Ghost

[kag]

7. Done. And kick.

Good luck, Ghost.

[Ghost in the Machine]

15. Thank you so much, kag, I REALLY appreciate it!

In all the years that I have been here, I am still amazed at how wonderful DUers are when they come together to help another member in need.



From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank EVERYONE who has donated, recc'ed and/or kicked this post. My heart is smiling right now for the first time in a while, and it feels good. I really appreciate everyone.

Peace to you and yours, kag...

Ghost

[Ghost in the Machine]

20. I have to leave for a while, THANK YOU to everyone who has donated, kept this kicked, given kind

words of encouragement & recc'ed... and even those who question whether the other poster, "ghostsinthemachine", is me or not. I can assure you 1000% that it IS NOT ME.

Peace,

Ghost

[In_The_Wind]

22. Oh, I knew the difference.

You two are nothing at all alike.

[Ghost in the Machine]

32. Thank you, In_The_Wind....

I have always worried about people getting us confused, but I think people can notice the completely different writing styles, too. I have always been very open about myself on here, too. I have no need for a sock puppet, or different account, for anything I say or do on here.

Thank you, again, for the kind words...

Peace,

Ghost

[4now]

21. Good luck

Wish I could do more but here is a kick.

[Ghost in the Machine]

33. Thank you, 4now...

Even a kick helps out. It's all that I have been able to do a few times, myself. I appreciate it!

Peace,

Ghost

[veness]

24. Best wishes to you Ghost¡¡ K & R¡¡ n/t

[Ghost in the Machine]

34. Thank you for the kind words, veness, they are much appreciated...

to you, too!

Peace,

Ghost

[steve2470]

26. kick

I wish I could help, but I'm broke. Best wishes to you.

[Ghost in the Machine]

35. Thanks, steve2470....

I have been there before, and, as you can see, I am there right now.

Even a kick helps, it keeps the thread visible for others. It is much appreciated, and I hope that your situation gets better quickly.

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[steve2470]

45. oh I'm fine, really

I was reacting to a poster who expressed great distress. I do hope your situation improves rapidly!

[DrewFlorida]

27. This sounds remarkably like a post I remember from a year or more ago?

[Tobin S.]

30. Look upthread.

Very similar user names, but different people.

[Ghost in the Machine]

36. Not from me, though... but thanks for the kick, DrewFlorida...

I *DID* make a comment on a thread several months ago when someone else was seeking donations. I told them that "I wished I could help, but was in the same boat", then explained my situation then... which was when my car got stolen the first time, then I got that loan that I had misread the interest rate on, but I never asked for money. It was something that I had been keeping bottled up, and for some reason I just put it out there, and it felt good to get off of my chest. I don't really have many people to talk to, outside of family, in real life. I keep mostly to myself, and keep my circle small. It keeps a LOT of drama, and trouble, out of my life.

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[k8conant]

28. I hope my donation helps you get your car...

[Ghost in the Machine]

37. Thank you very much, k8conant, it's hard to express how much it is appreciated....

I wish I could get you ALL together for one BIG

My heart has smiled today for the first time in I don't know how long now.

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[Mojorabbit]

31. k&R nt

[Ghost in the Machine]

40. Thanks for the "k&r", Mojorabbit!

Blessed Be!

Ghost

[liberalla]

41. I wish you luck and funds to aid you in your situation

I'm sorry that I'm not in a position to donate to you at this time (having serious financial trouble myself), but I want to kick this for more eyes. Wish I could do more.

[Ghost in the Machine]

43. Thank you very much, liberalla. As I have stated, even a kick, or some kind words, go a long way...

I'm sorry that you are having troubles yourself. I hope that changes very quickly for you. Sending some positive vibes and well wishes your way.

May Peace, Love, Happiness, Good Health & Prosperity be your constant companions in life from this point forward...

Ghost

[Punkingal]

42. Sent a few bucks your way...

[Ghost in the Machine]

44. Thank you very much, Punkingal! I truly appreciate it more than I can say. That goes to everyone who

has donated, commented, kicked and/or recc'ed this thread. I am humbled by the showing of support from DUer's, but my heart is smiling right now.

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[Punkingal]

48. You are more than welcome..

Been there a few times myself, and I don't forget that. I'm glad to help, even though it wasn't much.

[Ghost in the Machine]

50. " I'm glad to help, even though it wasn't much."... The amount isn't important, the thought

in your heart, and helping however you can, is what matters. Like I have stated, "ANYTHING is greatly appreciated, even if it's nothing more than some kind words of encouragement, or kicking the post".

Nobody even had to help, but they did, and gave what they could out of the pure kindness of their hearts, and I appreciate it more than I can express...

Fixing to post an update, too...

Peace,

Ghost

[Tobin S.]

49. kick

[Ghost in the Machine]

51. Thanks, Tobin S.! I just got on here to post an update. appreciate the kick. n/t

[Tobin S.]

52. You're welcome. n/t

[Kalidurga]

53. Kickedy

I wish I could do more. But, my family is going through some stuff as well. Finally everyone has a job, but now they need help with things that you don't think of not having, but then when you have a job well you do like gas money, money for uniforms, a babysitter...

[Ghost in the Machine]

56. Thank you, Kalidurga!

Even a kick is greatly appreciated! I am glad that your family life is improving, and things are going to get even better for you...

Peace,

Ghost

[Ghost in the Machine]

54. Link to an update on my facebook page below...

https://www.facebook.com/douglas.a.davis.7

My cousin came and got me this morning and took me fishing. We had a good time, and caught & released a bunch of nice fish. It was the first time I have gotten out to enjoy myself since my cousin took me fishing on my birthday back in February. I usually just get out to go to the doctor, or go grocery shopping.

THANK YOU, again, to all of my fellow DUer's who have donated, commented with kind words, or even just kicked this thread...

Peace within, Peace between, Peace among....

Ghost

[ghostsinthemachine]

55. Different ghost... Good luck fellow ghost..

I know things are tough and I know that DU will step up and give you a hand. They did for me, even encouraged me to start a go fund me campaign. Really helped me out too, my car is tuned up, smogged, registered and oil changed. Even took care of some other homeless people that needed sleeping bags and tents. Thanks DU from both ghost(s)in the machine.
(BTW, I intended to call myself ghosts of electricity (Dylan reference ) but totally blew it at sign up.

[Ghost in the Machine]

57. Thank you, ghostsinthemachine! There was some questiong yesterday about whether

we were the same person using 2 different names, but I got it cleared up...

I'm glad everything worked out for you..

Peace,

Ghost

[ghostsinthemachine]

58. Yeah I saw that

Too late for yesterday, didn't see it till a while ago.
Peace out.

[GardeningGal]

59. Kicking for the weekend crowd

Hopefully people will be able to contribute a little more. I kicked in the other day.

[Ghost in the Machine]

60. Thank you for the kick, and for the contribution, GardeningGal, it is greatly appreciated!

I have been overwhelmed by the support of my fellow DUer's, and it has made my heart smile!

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[Heidi]

61. Kick, kick, kick!

I remember you from the DU Lounge from years ago, and will make a contribution tomorrow (it's late now on our side of the Atlantic). Wishing you everything good, Ghost in the Machine!

[Ghost in the Machine]

62. Thank you very much, Heidi, I really appreciate it!

Sorry to take so long to reply, but I have been outside working in the yard while we still have some nice sunlight!

Here's wishing you & yours a lifetime of Peace, Love & Happiness

Ghost

[Heidi]

66. Kick!

Good morning!

[Ghost in the Machine]

69. Thank you very much, again, Heidi!

Good morning to you, too! I hope all is well with you and yours.

Peace,

Ghost

[Heidi]

72. Spring has arrived on the south side of the Swiss Alps!*

So all is well in our world.

*This weather report is my excuse to give your thread another :kick:!

[Ghost in the Machine]

75. :-) Thanks, again, Heidi! It's *supposed* to be spring here, but it's only 52 degrees outside, where

I was getting sunburned at this time Friday afternoon!

Thanks for your support, and keeping this kicked! I truly appreciate it!

Peace,

Ghost

[Heidi]

89. Good morning

from rainy southern Switzerland!

Morning

[Ghost in the Machine]

93. Good afternoon, now, Heidi!

It's warm and beautiful here today... a nice change from the weekend!

Thanks for the kick!

Peace,

Ghost

[Heidi]

113. Morning kick!

[Ghost in the Machine]

117. Thank you so much for all of your support in this, Heidi! I truly appreciate it, but I have

done well enough now to reach my goal. I made some money yesterday helping my neighbor sell another car, for more than he was asking for it, and I am applying the money towards the car. I also got a generous donation from a family member, who also put it as a monthly donation, and coupled with what I have raised already from family, friends and my "2nd family" of DUer's, I will be driving the car by this weekend or the beginning of next week, depending on how long it takes for the money to transfer to my bank account.

Thank you ALL for your help and support! It has really touched my heart, and soul, in a way that I can't even begin to express in words!

Peace!,

Ghost

[Heidi]

120. Right on!!!

All the best!

[steve2470]

63. kick nt

[Ghost in the Machine]

64. Thanks, again, for another kick steve2470, it's much appreciated! Peace! n/t

[CaliforniaPeggy]

65. Kick!

[Ghost in the Machine]

68. Thank you very much, my dear Ms. CaliforniaPeggy, it is greatly appreciated!

It's always an honor to have you, whom I consider one of the icons/standard-bearers of the values of DU, kick, rec or comment on one of my posts!

May I steal your sig line and turn it into a banner?

Peace to you & yours,

Ghost

[CaliforniaPeggy]

71. Of course, you may steal my sig line! I would be honored.

[Ghost in the Machine]

74. Thank you very much! I will share it once I get it done, and uploaded to photobucket....

It might take a little while, fixing to have to catch a ride to the store while they are going that way!

Peace,

Ghost

[redwitch]

67. kicking.

Good luck!

[Ghost in the Machine]

70. Thank you, redwitch, I appreciate it very much!

I've got a good start on it, hopefully I will make it. Between DUer's and family & friends on Facebook, I think I will make it eventually.



Blessed Be & Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[Egnever]

73. Not much to give but hope it helps.

And a kick for a long time Duer.

[Ghost in the Machine]

80. Thank you very much, Egnever, it is truly appreciated..

It's not the amount, but the thought behind it, that counts. NOBODY *had* to donate anything, but they did... and gave what they could, from their hearts. *THAT'S* what counts, to me,anyways. I appreciate any and all help, whether it's a donation, or someone who has nothing more than a kick, and/or some kind words of encouragement.

Thank you, again, from the bottom of my heart.....

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[Egnever]

95. My pleasure hope you make your goal

Best of luck to you hope things fall into place for you soon

[Ghost in the Machine]

96. I hope so, too! I have been keeping my neighbor, who has the car I want to buy, updated on my

progress, and he is now *considering* letting me use the car, with his tags & insurance, until I reach my goal and can pay for it.. We've known, and helped, each other for 13 years now. The only reason I can't just make monthly payments to him is because he is a disabled Combat Veteran & mechanic, and he he buys cars, fixes them up, and turns them over to make a little extra money. He is letting me have it for what he has in it, though, not making anything off of it. Like I said, I KNOW it's a good car, as he has had it for a while, drove it when his truck broke down, and let his sister borrow it for about 4 months. He said "I wouldn't put my own sister in something I wasn't 100% positive that it wouldn't leave her stranded on the side of the road". He just needs his money he laid out back, so he can start working on another one.

He is a very straight shooter when it comes to cars. Back when I had some extra cash, when I got approved for disability & got my lump sum back pay, I was thinking about buying an extra vehicle to have around just in case mine broke down. He has had several that he told me straight up "Doug, I wouldn't sell this car to you, or anyone else I know, because I don't honestly know how long it will last and I don't want any bad feelings between us".

Thanks, again, for the kick, and words of encouragement!

Peace,

Ghost

[NikolaC]

76. K&R

Best of luck to you. I hope that you reach your goal soon!

[Ghost in the Machine]

81. Thank you very much, NikolaC!

I appreciate the K&R, and the kind words of encouragement too. They also help more than you realize...

Peace,

Ghost

[Ghost in the Machine]

82. Thank You, cyberpj, it is greatly appreciated!

I feel like I am starting to sound like a broken record with all of the "Thank you"s, but I mean them sincerely, and from the bottom of my heart and soul. Sorry to take so long to respond, but I have been gone since I got a ride to the store earlier today. That's one of the "downfalls" of having to bum rides... you have to go on their schedule, and sometimes get stuck for hours on end when you have to go with them to do the things that they need to do, too.

That's one of the reasons why I need my own vehicle again... the one that was stolen was my only transportation, and my only feeling of true independence. I could go somewhere, or leave, whenever I wanted to... not that I go anywhere that much, except to the doctors appointments once a month, and grocery shopping every week to a week and a half, but the option was always there even if I just felt like riding to the lake 5 miles away and watching the sun rise, or set, if I wanted to.

The outpouring of support has been amazing, and has really touched my heart and soul!

Peace,

Ghost

[Ghost in the Machine]

92. Thanks again, cyberpj...

I appreciate the help, the kind words, and the help keeping this thread kicked.

I LOVE watching the sunrises/sunsets at the lake, where there is also a Wildlife Viewing Area. In the evening, mostly, you can see deer and wild turkey. I have counted as many as 36 deer out in the field at one time, and the count on sightings grew to over 50 just on the ride back home! The 3 places I love to be most are at home with family, on or near the water, and in the woods. I am fortunate enough to be able to walk 30 feet across my back yard just to be in the woods, too! Just a few weeks ago I was outside picking up some branches after a bad storm and tossing them into the woods when I saw a trail and decided I needed a little break. I walked about 15 yards into the woods and sat against a tree on the side of the ridge. I wound up sitting there for at least an hour, and saw 2 deer & numerous squirrels. *THAT'S* my kind of "therapy" for the mind and soul... just sitting in the quiet and watching Nature happen...

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[philosslayer]

78. Kick

N/t

[Ghost in the Machine]

83. Thanks for the kick, philosslayer, I appreciate it! N/T

[steve2470]

79. kick nt

[Ghost in the Machine]

84. Thanks once again, steve2470!

Thank you for your efforts on keeping this thread kicked, it is much appreciated!



Peace,

Ghost

[Ghost in the Machine]

85. I updated a post in the DU Marketplace, offering a Collector's Item Vintage Spaulding & Rogers

Power Supply to help raise money.... If anyone is interested, please look here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1120521

I can't even express exactly how much all of your support has meant to me so far, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

Peace,

Ghost

[Omaha Steve]

86. Kick

OS

[Sunlei]

87. Beep, Beep! I'll help you- /move that car to you

[Ghost in the Machine]

91. Thank you, Sunlei, I really appreciate your help....

I am still overwhelmed by the outpouring of support so far, and I am deeply touched. I feel like I can't say "Thank You" enough to EVERYONE, whether all they could do was kick this thread, comment with kind words of encouragement, or donate. It ALL helps greatly!

Thank you, again, from the bottom of my heart!

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[Sunlei]

105. You're very welcome.

It's a PITA to be without transportation. Give your Parents a hug from me, it's a blessing to have a close family

[Ghost in the Machine]

106. "It's a PITA to be without transportation." Yes it is, especially when it's the first time I have

been without my own vehicle since I was 16 years old. I am very blessed to still have both of parents, who have been married for 53 1/2 years now, and live 2 doors up from me. Family is about all I have here, as I keep my personal circle VERY small (which is why it was a hard decision to open up on here about this part of my life, though I have been very open about my past and other parts of my life) due to living in a VERY small town, where there are more meat heads, pill addicts & drunks than anything else, despite the fact that there are more churches in our County than bussinesses and industries (jobs).

I got quite a scare a little after 2:30 this morning while I was posting on here. I saw an ambulance come up our hill, and turn towards my parents house. It looked like they were turning into their driveway, so I threw my jacket on and took off running! It turned out that they had pulled into my Aunt & Uncle's driveway, which is right next door to my parents. My Aunt had had a seizure in here sleep, and luckily my Uncle was awake and noticed. I had to call my cousin and wake him up with the news to meet them at the hospital, then went there with my mom & sister to be there for him. He's the cousin who has been helping me out with rides while he was staying at his parents house, but just moved to the next town over a few weeks ago. We didn't get back home until almost 6 AM..

There is another thread where a member is looking for help for his father, who is retired Air Force and working 3 jobs, despite some severe back problems. Due to the outpouring of support that I have received from DUer's, I felt compelled from the heart to kick in a little something. I took it out of my grocery budget, and may be eating Ramen Noodles all next week, but it was worth it to me. I am also trying to keep HIS thread kicked, but I just woke up after a long night, and this was the first thing I saw.

I am almost there!

Thank you, again, from the bottom of my heart & soul!

Ghost

[Sunlei]

109. I hope your Aunt gets well soon, its good when a Family watches out for each other.

I think everyone in America has churches all over the place. There are 6 (I can think of) within a mile of my house. Tax free, no property tax, church is a better 'gig' then a tax free charity.

Have done a lot of doctoring with ramin noodles, can stir fry veggies in it, mix in fish or an egg and it isn't to boring.

You're close to the cost of the car, perhaps your neighbor will settle for a bit lower price and/or allow you to pay out the last couple hundred over a few months. Good luck!

[Ghost in the Machine]

110. Thank you very much! Hopefully she will get to come home tomorrow. Your post also

came at just the right time, and you must be psychic or something! I was going to post an update with some good news. I can suspend my campaign if I can reach between $1,750 - $1,800! I helped him sell another car he had, for more than what he was asking, and he will give it to me in cash, or apply it towards the car! I need $1500 to get the car, but still set the goal a little higher to offset the fees that gofundme takes out, which is 7.9% +.30 cents per transaction, and maybe have a little to help with the taxes, tag & title. My parents said that they would help me with whatever they could on the taxes, tag & title, or the downpayment on the insurance!

I had JUST logged on to post the update, but responded to another post first, and you posted this reply between the time I logged in, and the time it took me to reply to the other post!

I need to log in to my gofundme account and change the amount.

I still can't thank each and every one of you enough for getting me this close already!

Peace!

Ghost

[Sunlei]

111. Excellent news, sounds like you'll have that car very soon. Good news about your Aunt, too.

My neighbor does that 'fix a car' to earn money. One car at a time, he has made a decent living for himself for many years. Good Luck!

[Ghost in the Machine]

123. For the sake of transparency, in case anyone has been checking since I made this statement here:

"I can suspend my campaign if I can reach between $1,750 - $1,800!"

I had a few family members ask me to keep it open for a little while longer so they could help out at a later time. They know that I am still struggling with bills, and want to help out with that. I had one family member make a donation Sunday night, and others who are still waiting until they get paid and have some extra money.

Please note that I am posting this for transparency reasons only, NOT to try to solicit more donations. You all have been so wonderful, and generous, with your support already. I just wanted to explain WHY I have not suspended my campaign yet, if anyone was keeping track. I do everything humanly possible to keep my word, as it is about the only thing I have, and it takes circumstances beyond my control NOT to keep my word, like being hospitalized or bed-bound. In this case, it was due to family members asking me to keep it open.

Thank you for your understanding, and thank you ALL, once again, for all of your support!

Peace,

Ghost

[Ghost in the Machine]

112. Oh man! I posted my last reply before even checking my email or gofundme page!

I didn't realize I had gotten another very generous donation! I tried to log in, but can't for some reason on this old laptop I am on. I am not home right now on my own computer, either.

Thank you, EVERYONE! It will take a up to 5 days to transfer the money to my bank account, but I should be driving my own vehicle again by next week!

I truly appreciate each and every one of you for your support during this very difficult time for me! I promise you all that I WILL pay it forward as I am able to.

Peace within, Peace between, Peace among!

Ghost

[Quackers]

90. Keeping it kicked

Glad you decided to move forward with this. 😊

[Ghost in the Machine]

94. Thank you very much, Quackers!

I was hesitant, but decided to do it. While I am very open with other aspects of my life on here, I usually keep my personal struggles to myself and just "deal with it" in my own way.

I appreciate the kick, and your advice that helped me decide to do this!

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[steve2470]

97. kick nt

[Ghost in the Machine]

99. Thank you once more, steve2470! I appreciate all of your help keeping this visible... n/t

[Major Hogwash]

98. What the hell is this about, anyway?

I don't understand what it's about.
What in tarnation is a "gofundme page"?

[Ghost in the Machine]

100. In a nutshell, my vehicle got stolen, I only had liability insurance since it was paid for, I am

disabled and don't have the money to buy another vehicle. A "gofundme page" is a website, http://www.gofundme.com , that is called a "crowdfunding" site, where people can go to raise money for personal emergency causes, or to help other causes, like cancer awareness/research, helping disaster victims or any number of things.

I hope that helped explain it, or you can follow the link to the main website and read more about it. It is easy to navigate, and the "How It Works" and "FAQ" sections will be more helpful in explaining it.

Thank you for asking, and for the kick...

Peace,

Ghost

[Liberal_in_LA]

101. Kick

[Ghost in the Machine]

102. Thanks for the kick, Liberal_in_LA! I appreciate it very much...

I am really overwhelmed by the support of family, friends and fellow DUer's! I am almost there!

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[NBachers]

103. Little bit to keep the ball rolling

[Ghost in the Machine]

104. Thank you very much, NBachers, it is greatly appreciated!

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost

[Heidi]

107. Kick, kick, kick for a good DUer!

[Ghost in the Machine]

108. Thank you so much, again, Heidi! You have been so wonderful with your help! Here's another DUer

whose thread could use a little boost. I gave what I could, since everyone here has been so helpful to me! I took it out of my grocery budget, but it was worth it to me....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027729132

Thanks again, and Peace!

Ghost

[Heidi]

114. You're just $735 from your goal!

DUers!

[steve2470]

115. kick nt

[Ghost in the Machine]

118. Thank you once more, steve2470! I appreciate all of your help keeping this visible. However, it is

no longer necessary. I made some money yesterday, plus received a generous donation from a family member, which gave me enough to get the car and have a little towards the taxes, tag & title transfer. My parents are going to help me with whatever I fall short of on that, and with the down payment on insurance.

Again, I thank EVERYONE who has been so wonderful to me in my time of need. I will be making a formal post of appreciation soon. I am just having a hard time finding the right words to really express how I am feeling inside right now. Please KNOW that I WILL pay it forward in the future, once I am back on my feet fully again.

Peace to you and yours,

Ghost