It pains my heart, hurts me to the very core of my being to write this. This, which should have been a joyous update to our “Christmas in June” project.
But at least I can tell you all what has been going on.
The whole “plot”, which those of you who wrote to ask already know, was to ferry one of Caveman (Kent)’s dearest friends out to visit with him while he’s still around. As much for moral support as for anything else. Obviously, as this was to be a surprise to Kent, I could not post as such on the site.
You all, as always, responded generously and the funds needed were in hand rapidly, so the plan looked to be able to go forward.
And that’s when fate struck a cruel blow: Apparently Kent has been deteriorating fast, faster than anybody had expected, as is now barely coherent even on the few occasions when he’s even awake. Indeed, I was just informed that it is unlikely that he’ll last much longer at all and, as such, a visit would no longer help anybody if it could even be made in time. Our beloved friend, and once again it hurts to even write this, the room is getting dusty something fierce here, isn’t likely to be among us for much longer.
I know I’m not the only one in this community who is shocked to learn that, even though we knew his diagnosis. I don’t think that any of us had expected, even feared that it would go so fast. I know I didn’t. Yet here we are.
Of course, that leaves us with what to do with the funds.
They obviously can’t be spent on what they were intended for now, so I can go ahead and issue a refund via PayPal to anybody who would like have one. You’re certainly entitled to it. It was also suggested that we could give them to Kent’s daughter, Erin, something I intend to do with what I’ve thrown into the pot. Or any other suggestions, really.
I am so very sorry to be the bearer of such horrible news and my prayers are with Kent and his family now.
May G-d grant them strength and comfort, and may he welcome our friend and brother into His Kingdom with open arms.
Misha