May 06, 2005


Dear Friend:


I am writing to you in the hopes that you can let yourself feel that
softspot in your heart and help our family.

On April 17, 2002 my wife passed away from terminal cancer. She was
a vibrant, wonderful, loving mom and wife, survived by her five
young children and myself, a generally crotchety, old fashioned,
male chauvinist of 42 years. Sally and I had no life insurance sans
a $5000.00 policy which didn't even cover her funeral expenses. We
both worked full-time jobs to support our family and keep up on
mortgage payments on a six room fixer upper and when she passed, I
couldn't stay on top of the mortgage so the bank foreclosed. Now,
the six of us share a 2 bedroom apartment, girls in one room and the
fellas in the other – clothes, bobbypins, Robot toys, and
schoolbooks everywhere.

I was employed as a carpet layer for the past 2 years now in spite
of my doctor's insistence that I find another occupation, one which
might spare both knees. Three months ago I was diagnosed with
degenerative arthritis in both of them and doc says if I don't quit
slamming them around, I'll be unable to walk in 6 months time. I
quit laying carpet on Valentine's Day as a `gift to Sally', but my
savings has run dry and I'm desperate. On the day we received our
eviction notice I found myself at the blood mobile with calculator
in hand. The way I figure it, if I give 10 pints a day, EVERY DAY,
we can make ends meet!

I'm terribly frightened that I will lose my children to foster care,
or that, worse, the six of us wind up at the Mission (drugs, booze,
crazies). Luckily, school is almost out for the year so at least
the children don't have to worry about leaving in the middle of the
school year. The past three years have been so hard on them. They
miss their mom immensely. Sure, dad is cool, but MOM was, well,
MOM. Sometimes we have "family cry-ins". Why couldn't God have
taken me instead??

So, my doctor says I can return to work in about 100 days. But we
need money NOW for rent, back-rent, food, utilities, and I swear,
the kids are growing an inch a month. No sooner than we get
situated regarding clothes, one of us has a growth spurt and needs
new things (I say "new" but we've begun the practice of shopping at
Goodwill). And the kids are great. They all got together one day
and planned a yard sale in order to pay the month's rent. Imagine my
surprise when I came back from the doctor's office and everything in
sight in our apartment had a yellow Muppets sticker on it, boldly
announcing a price unmatchable by even the best of the EBays
So now I find myself, well, it's begging isn't it?? I told the
children not to worry, that God wouldn't let us starve or not have a
place to live, but I must admit my faith has been faltering as of
late. He wouldn't, would he??
So, I am "begging" for donations. I will repay all donors their
principle amount plus a 10% "thank you" fee. All monies can be sent
directly to us via check or MO (cash isn't such a great idea these
days) at:
C. Gelormini., POB 11012, Santa Rosa, CA 95406
Or, you can use my Ebay PayPal account and send any form, i.e.,
electronic check, or credit card. My account number is:
TUcjpg@....
The kids will be sending out thank-you notes with photos of our
family (their idea) and I'll include our phone number if anyone is
inclined to call, as well as a projected date when the money will be
returned. If any donor is so inclined as to decide that the money
not be repaid, well FORGET IT!! My policy is that all monies must
be returned to their rightful owner. When you get it back, you can
always recycle it to another worthy cause.

Thank you and may God bless.

Christopher