Thank You, Gates of Vienna Readers

When I put up the post about Dymphna’s death early last week, I obviously wasn’t begging for money. It wasn’t fundraiser time or anything. I was just notifying readers that there weren’t going to be any posts for a while, and explained why.

When I saw the response over the next couple of days, I was astonished. Almost 400 people commented before I closed the comments on that post, many of them people who never commented before, or did so only rarely. Without my knowledge — and without any urging by me — a regular reader and commenter set up a GoFundMe initiative to cover funeral expenses. Now that he has handed over access to the fund, I can see the list of donors, and I thank you for your generosity.

For those who would like to contribute, the page is here. Between the GoFundMe and individual PayPal donations, a not insignificant portion of the funeral expenses has been covered. If the total amount ever matches my outlays, I’ll tell our readers: “Hey, you can stop now!” Any excess over that amount will be donated to a reputable local charity that assists victims of sexual assault, including children. It’s the same one the family asked people to donate to in lieu of sending flowers.

I always told Dymphna that she had lots of fans, and I think this proves I was right.

Everyone who donated (if I have an email address for them) will get a thank you note, and I’ll eventually reply to all the emailed messages of condolence. But it will take me a while; there were a LOT of them.

In the meantime, I’ll tell all of you here: THANK YOU!

11 thoughts on “Thank You, Gates of Vienna Readers

  1. You are very welcome. Hope things are getting better for you.
    It is tough losing someone close to you.
    Condolences to you.
    No need to send any reply to me. You have enough people to contact.
    Fair winds and Flowing Seas to you.

  2. Dear Baron, I’m so sorry to learn of Dymphna’s passing. Her presence will be sorely missed in this endeavor to which you have both given so much.

    May the memories of the life that you have shared support you.

  3. Baron Bodissey,

    We can’t walk the path you are now on for you, but we can walk with you. So, you will continue to be in our prayers that His love may keep you. God bless.

  4. I am sending a contribution via the normal route for the use of Dymphna’s funeral or any other expense associated with GoV. One of Dymphna’s passions was the protection of Western civilization, and in my mind, her life and work were connected.

    “Only where love and need are one,
    And the work is play for mortal stakes
    Is the deed ever truly done
    For Heaven and the future’s sakes”

    • A fine sentiment, but incomplete. And I wish you had attributed it to my favorite poet, Robert Frost. Given your lead, I think the entire final stanza from his memorable “Two Tramps in Mud Time” warrants quoting, as I suspect it does apply to the life Dymphna lead:

      “But yield who will to their separation,
      My object in living is to unite
      My avocation and my vocation
      As my two eyes make one in sight.
      Only where love and need are one,
      And the work is play for mortal stakes,
      Is the deed ever really done
      For heaven and the future’s sakes.”

  5. I’m also normally a silent reader but I send my sincerest condolences to you. From so far away I had no idea Dymphna’s health was so poor since her spirit cam across so strong. I wish you nothing but the best and hope you find the strength to continue this page. Much love from Europe from me

  6. Just read about Dymphna’s passing – am shocked as others above have commented. I send my condolences and prayers.

  7. I only check in to GoV infrequently now, so missed the original post about Dymha having passed away Baron. I am so sorry to hear about this and wish you all the best.

  8. I just found out… I am so, so sorry to hear this, Baron! Gov’s is one of my favorite sites, for a long time, you and Dymphna have played an important role in my understanding of the international political world around us. God rest her soul.

  9. I just learned about Dymphna’s passing from the Baron’s email. I haven’t been on the blog for a long time, but do continue to support it monthly for admiration of all the important work done. I’m so deeply sorry.

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