Wednesday, September 28, 2011
You saw the challenge and surpassed it!
You saw the challenge to raise $4500 by the end of the week... and you surpassed it! Thank you for every penny that has poured in, and for the encouragement and kind words. Some of the inspiration that has been sent:
"Sending you all our love and positive vibes from The S. Family in Brooklyn."
"You're all in our thoughts" -W.G.
"We wish you and your family all the best and God Bless You" -V.O.
"You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers" -K.G.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The human spirit
Dearest friends and family,
Can you believe that we are nearly halfway to our goal of $10,000?? What an amazing tribute to the human spirit you all are. Generous donations have poured in, both financial and equally importantly, donations of encouragement. We can't thank you enough for each and every penny, kind word, email, call, and positive wishes that have been sent this way.
Currently, we are trying to decide what the best temporary placement for Nana and Poppy will be. There are a few promising options that will keep them near the care that they need, and that will allow their caretaker to stay with them. Faye, who has been caring for Nana and Poppy for the last few years, is likely to be sainted - she is currently living away from her family with Nana and Poppy, until we can get them settled.
Paula continues to maintain a positive, inspirational outlook while rebuilding not only her own home but the school in which she works as principal and teacher. Wherever she gets her energy, they ought to bottle it up like Poland Spring. She sends her gratitude to each of you.
Can you believe that we are nearly halfway to our goal of $10,000?? What an amazing tribute to the human spirit you all are. Generous donations have poured in, both financial and equally importantly, donations of encouragement. We can't thank you enough for each and every penny, kind word, email, call, and positive wishes that have been sent this way.
Currently, we are trying to decide what the best temporary placement for Nana and Poppy will be. There are a few promising options that will keep them near the care that they need, and that will allow their caretaker to stay with them. Faye, who has been caring for Nana and Poppy for the last few years, is likely to be sainted - she is currently living away from her family with Nana and Poppy, until we can get them settled.
Paula continues to maintain a positive, inspirational outlook while rebuilding not only her own home but the school in which she works as principal and teacher. Wherever she gets her energy, they ought to bottle it up like Poland Spring. She sends her gratitude to each of you.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Day 2: Almost Halfway There!!!
The support is pouring in - here are some of the messages of encouragement that have been received so far!
"Sending you positive thoughts. I wish there was more I could do..." -Y.N.
"Your family is an inspiration. We are all rooting for you" -T&M.S.
"Paula and Tony, Hang in there! Love, M&B.J."
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"Positive vibes coming your way!" -S.T.
Did I mention that pictures are worth 1,000 words? Or should I say, $4,310 words? On behalf of the entire Juska clan, I offer our deepest gratitude for your generous contributions. We are already almost halfway there!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Rebuild the House on Academy Street
Dear Family and Friends of the Juska clan:Thank you for inquiring about how to help our family through this devastation. For those of you who are kind enough to read our story, here's an introduction. Paula and Tony Smith- aunt and uncle to some of us, and sister and brother-in-law to others, have been living in beautiful Owego, NY for the last 7 years. During the last 4 years, they have generously housed and nurtured our Nana and Poppy (Mom and Dad to some of us, Bill and Muriel Juska to others) while they enjoy an amazing quality of life in their 90s! What Paula and Tony have done is immeasurable and I do not think any of us can truly understand the personal and financial sacrifices they have made.Two weeks ago the picturesque Susquehanna River, fueled by torrential rains from two hurricanes in rapid succession, blindsided Paula and Owego with the worst flood ever in that town. Not only is the house extensively damanged, but Nana and Poppy are temporarily displaced as well, and in poor health.
Pictures are worth a thousand words - here is just a sample of the devastation. Try to imagine your kitchen today... and then seeing it like this tomorrow:Or imagine this pile on your curb: All your kitchen cabinets, furniture, sheetrock, appliances...While caring for Nana and Poppy, Paula has worked 12 hour days as teacher and principal in the local school. The impact she has had on the school and the community was dramatically demonstrated after the flood. Parents from her school showed up help the arduous process of tearing down and building up. In It’s A Wonderful Life, Bedford Falls turned out for George Bailey when he was in trouble. In Owego, St. Pats’ parents turned out for Paula - she is the George Bailey of Owego.Our family started this site to channel all the incredibly generous offers of financial assistance, and to keep everyone up to date. Your kind contribution, of any amount, will be donated to helping Paula and Tony repair their house, recover furniture and possessions, and once again establish a home sweet home, as they so generously created for Nana and Poppy in the past.
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