6/9 ~ Hurting, Helping & Healing

1995 USAIDS 5,000
Post #10: 
 "Hurting, Helping & Healing" are what these pictures remind me of. Darlene & Ed Leduke, managers of Woods Road Campsites, Catskill NY, donated our camping space, and were perfect hosts to Carl Lebman and me. Floyd Graham, Darlene's father and campsite worker, also offered a helping hand. Why? (Each picture has more details.)

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Picture #019

Ed and Darlene Leduke were still hurting, from having lost a dear friend to AIDS in January, 1995, barely 5 months before we rolled into their lives, seemingly out of nowhere. They couldn't do enough for Carl Lebman and me, including a home cooked breakfast the next morning. Helping us seemed to help them heal some, according to dad (and dad-in-law). (Picture from June 7, 1995)
— with Ed Leduke and Darlene Leduke

Lebman Carl What really wonderful beautiful memories
Jim Petretta Couldn't have done it without you, buddy, and we both owed a great deal to your hubby, Bob Lebman. His generosity was immesurable.
 

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Picture #020

Floyd Graham, Darlene's father, was fascinated by all the contraptions on the Purple Dream Machine; so I gladly showed him all the customizations, to make my ride safer and more comfortable. He provided firewood for our campsite, and pledged $200 to Jim, not the cause, if I completed the trip, and would go back to tell him all about it. He couldn't stop hugging me. Yeah, I had to go back, lol, and not for the money. I needed a dad's hug! (Picture from June 7, 1995)
— with Floyd Graham, Woods Road Camp