Thom update

[lizziegrace]

I just talked to Thom. He's in a lot of pain and on lots of pain meds. He's coherent but the drugs are tough.

He's got some assets he didn't realize he could liquidate since he's only 40 and will do that over the next couple of weeks. That should help him keep his apartment and support himself through the 7 months of hearings on his disability status.

What he DOES need (and considers a luxury because it's not necessary to live) is an updated computer that actually works. I sent him an old laptop my dad sent me, but it needs a memory upgrade and it's very slow. Thom, now more than ever, needs human contact, even if it's only in the virtual world. That said, I'm starting a thread for recommendations about computers. Specifically ones that can help him as the use of his hands and arms deteriorate. Voice recognition, etc. Desktop is preferred because he can't carry a laptop.

So, that's where things stand now. He misses everyone terribly. He wants all of you to know how much you mean to him and how grateful he is to be a part of such a caring community.

:hug:

[KitchenWitch]

1. Thank you for the update.

Let him know I am thinking happy thoughts of him.

[BlueIris]

2. Yes, thanks for that. I continue to pray for ThomCat and hope he returns home to us soon.

I will also continue to pray that his life does a complete 180 (because no one deserves it more).

[crim son]

3. It's painful, hearing about friends who are truly in need

and to have nothing that might help. Thom is one of the great people.

Damn.

[LeftyFingerPop]

4. I have a 17 inch CRT monitor, probably a keyboard, and...

probably a mouse in my basement. I would be willing to ship these to him if he needed them. Let me know please. :)

[lizziegrace]

5. It has to be flat panel. Light and portable since he'll be moving

in a few months. It's very kind of you to offer. :)

[LeftyFingerPop]

6. If I shipped the above to Thom...

all he would need is a CPU. I would be willing to give a few bucks toward this, and I'm sure many others would too.

[snailly]

7. If that's all he needs

Shit, we could do this lickety split.

[lizziegrace]

8. We're working on organizing something

but this has to be a turnkey system. All software already loaded and ready to go out of the box. I need to find a computer service to come to his house and hook it all up. Thom cannot do any of this for himself and doesn't have the energy to sort all this out for himself.

That's why I started a thread about computer recommendations. :)

[SeattleGirl]

9. Hugs to Thom, and a suggestion for voice activated software

Dragon Naturally Speaking: http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/

It works very well, and once Thom and his computer train together, it will be a blessing for him.

[lizziegrace]

10. That's good to know.

Thank you. :hug:

He'll never shut up if his computer will record his words... ;)

[SeattleGirl]

11. Hehe

:)

[Ellipsis]

12. Good data here for all sorts of disability needs.

http://www.abledata.com/

[Tom Kitten]

13. Can Tom Kitten help Thomcat?

Seriously, although I'm kind of out of the loop I truly do care!

[lizziegrace]

14. Stay tuned

more early next week. Right now, I'm looking at options for a computers.

Thank you. :)

[DainBramaged]

17. You know I can help, Mac or PC?

got nice options. PM me.

[ghostsofgiants]

15. That guy is a fucking trooper. Hopefully he gets back online soon...

His presence is greatly missed.

[Starry Messenger]

16. I'm willing to help too.

I'm more of a Lounge lurker, but ThomCat is very much missed by me. Let me know what he needs and I will help with simoleons.

[lildreamer316]

18. Ok. Wasn't he on myspace? And where the hell is he??

he's not on my friends list anymore if he his; I'm still looking.

[I Have A Dream]

19. I'd be happy to chip in towards this. nt

[MissMillie]

20. me too

someone need only tell me where to send the money.

[yellowdogintexas]

21. same here. nt

[lost-in-nj]

22. Thanks for the update

and keep us informed if there will be a donation thread for a new puter........

to Thom :hug: and Lizzie

we miss him to

lost

[DainBramaged]

23. K&R