Saturday, May 21, 2011

Begging For Help

Those that read my stuff on a regular basis know that things have not been good for quite some time now and I have asked for your help before. With my wife still home on unpaid medical leave due to her leg injury and absolutely no income at all for either one of us, I am asking for your help again. I am asking for your help primarily to pay our rent as we do not have it and have no family assistance.

Because our situation is so dire, Ben Leroy owner of Tyrus Books has offered a special incentive. In his words:

“We've got limited editions that I'd donate to the cause. If people put $200 in your account, I'll send them a copy of Delta Blues or By Hook or By Crook ($275/$250 suggested retail). The descriptions are on our website.”

The website is at http://www.tyrusbooks.com/ I have read and reviewed “Delta Blues” and it is a good one. Have not read “By Hook Or By Cook” but it sounds like a good anthology.

Ben Leroy is not the only one who has offered something---Barry Ergang is too. Again this month he is offering the following deal so that he can move some books and help us at the same time. In his words:

“Many may wish to help but, because our economy at present is what it is, can't justify giving money away without getting something in return. Therefore, I'd like to propose something. I've got loads of books I'm offering for sale because I no longer have the room for them. Take a look at http://barryergangbooksforsale.yolasite.com/ and at http://jdcarr.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6771
 
The former site lists books in a variety of categories including mysteries; the latter lists mysteries only. (Some of you have already bought from me, so you know my description of any given book's condition is accurate.) Make a purchase and I'll contribute 20% of the total price of the books to Kevin and his family. Just indicate in your e-mail order that you're doing this for Kevin. If you want me to acknowledge you to him, say so. If you'd prefer to remain anonymous, I can simply let him know that an anonymous buyer contributed whatever the amount is.

This way, you help one of our friends and colleagues, and come away with something tangible to show for it.”

I and my family thank Ben and Barry for their offers. They are much, much appreciated.

Please know that I am not asking for help lightly. We truly do need it and we are not being frivolous. It probably seems like I am crying wolf again and I am truly not. I am humiliated and embarrassed to  be in this situation and to ask for your help. When I say things are very bad they truly are. It is not hyperbole. Things are a disaster bad and without your generous help of any amount we are going to be homeless. I am scared to death as being homeless as always been my worst fear.

Please help if you can.


And thank you.


Kevin

5 comments:

Jenny Milchman said...

I love Tyrus Books, and many of their authors--this is a very wonderful giveaway, and Kevin--I truly hope it does the trick, or at least provides a fix for now. I would like to do anything I can, so please call on me, my blog...

Kevin R. Tipple said...

Thank you, Jenny. Just spread the word if you will as I need the help bad. Very embarrassed and scared.

mb said...

I haven't wanted to ask, because I don't feel you owe us an explanation, or a re-hash of the dreadful frustrations of your situation. But are there no clinics for the poor, no emergency rooms, no experienced social service persons who can figure out how to get you medical help even without insurance? The catastrophe you are experiencing begins there.

Kevin R. Tipple said...

If there are we can't find them. Collin County is a very wealthy county--on average---and does very little for poor folks. What little there is here was not available for me as my wife made too much with her take home of 1200 or so a month.

Kevin R. Tipple said...

I feel that by begging for help I DO OWE full explanations. :)))