“We can’t all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by” Will Rogers
I’m writing to every single person who reads this blog. I’m doing so in deep prayer and hoping the good in each one of you can rise to the occasion. I’m literally pleading for every single reader to join me in any way they can to help right the greatest single American tragedy in our lifetime. No, not the credit crisis or the war in Iraq, but an unbelievable human tragedy that I’m extremely a shame America has allowed to happen.
We all know about 911. It was itself a horrific act that caused pain and suffering too many that lost family and friends. As tragic as that was, a far more horrific act, or in this case a lack of act, has been allowed to continue that makes me truly a shame of my country and especially our government.
Over 40,000 ordinary Americans went to Ground Zero as First Responders. Their initial quest was to find survivors and then the bodies of those lost in the attack. These brave men and women did this without any concern of risk to themselves. Many worked without any real government assistance for days and were constantly told that the air was safe and there was no risk to their lives. Some first responders stay just hours, while others stay days, weeks and even months.
It wasn’t long after that when many started to become very ill. Seemingly as each week and month past, the number of those becoming ill went from hundreds, to thousands, to tens of thousands. Soon, many started to die. While this was occurring, many lost their job, health benefits, homes and what savings they had, all the while our government refused to step up and treat these brave souls like they did those who perished on that horrible day.
Today, about 70% of these true American heroes are either sick or dead. Their families have lost everything due to the heavy medical and job lost. Every once and awhile, some politician makes a speech about this dire situation but then the call for help drifts away. How can we as a nation raise so much money for the families who lost love ones in the attack, but we let true heroes suffer and die? Again I say this is America’s greatest tragedy.
I’ve been very blessed to meet so-called sports heroes, including my own all-time favorite athlete. As great of experience this has been, in doesn’t remotely come close to the honor and privilege I’ve had to meet the greatest hero my ordinary mind and soul has had. His name is John Feal. His story should be on every major TV and radio network along with the cause he champions. I would trade every meeting of some athlete, an ability to experience interaction with these athletes, and yes, even give up the great blessing of such a close relationship with my all-time sports hero, if it meant John Feal could continue to succeed in a much bigger way his most Godly act of human kindness and compassion. In fact, I would take off years of my life if it meant these heroic first responders could have their lives back or at least their families receive help similar to those who were killed in the attack.
Please! Please! Please. First watch these videos #1 #2
Afterwards, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go to John’s website and read and watch everything. Then from the goodness of your heart and despite how tough things are, find a way to make a serious donation to his foundation as it’s struggling to stay afloat. Please email John and/or call him to encourage him to continue fighting.
I know many readers are Canadians and from all around the world. I beg you to step up where my fellow Americans failed to do so and show that the good people of your country realize these folks were not just American heroes but world heroes. Watch
From the bottom of my heart I truly thank you and pray your gift will be blessed ten-fold by almighty God.
“Jesus said, Greater love has no one than this, that they lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:13-14
I am humbled and filled with tears Peter my friend,my angel and god sent.
“Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure”
Abraham Lincoln
Peace & Love
John Feal
Peter I sent off an email to ladies in my Bible Study directing them to your site and message. You are a good man doing your best to help all of us navigate these most troubling times. I will send a check out this week to FealGood Foundation. Thank you for your caring ways. May God continue to heal you, bless you and keep you safe.
susan
Ps. During my quiet time this morning in contemplation I happened to just turned to Isaiah 26:3 – 21, I think it speaks volumes of why we are, where we are today.
A donation follows, and I’ll circulate information via ‘E-Mail’ & regular mail to all my contacts asking for assistance to this cause, asking they pass it along. It will be productive.
This has certainly been a matter close to my consciousness and prayers. Mr. Peter G. …. as awkward as this sounds, I’d like to send you a box with a letter of explanation, via U.P.S. Please watch for it . Allow a little time.
For other folks, there are so many pressing needs surrounding us. Certainly, if you you are more fortunate than others, remember that Jesus has said, “Those who give so much as a cup of water in my name shall dwell in the house of the Lord Forever”.
Thank you Susan and SG. As God works, a true Christian prophet, Dr. Charles Stanley, did a program this week entitled “God’s Financial Master Plan”. http://www.intouch.org/site/c.dhKHIXPKIuE/b.2287421/k.944D/This_Week_on_TV.htm
It talks about how God rewards tithing. Couldn’t have been more suitable for this drive to help the First Responders.
Several months ago from Peter Grandich’s lead I had the joy and honor to speak with John Feal (one most incredible human being). I had the opportunity to spend two days at Saint Paul’s Church at Ground Zero an month after 9/11 to volunteer and provide foot and ankle care (as a podiatrist). This changed my life for the better with much reflection and was all the more proud to be an American. When Peter told me about The Fealgood Foundation I jumped at the opportunity as a fellow American and human being to do my part. I purchased a huge box of clothing to share with my loved ones which we often wear these clothes so proudly.
As Peter says below, economic times are a challenge but do know from hanging with many angels of our world (and Peter, you are on top of the list) both rich and poor that they keep giving and giving and their buckets quickly refill and often run over. So please, help John with the FGF, every dollar counts. I just wish each and every one of you could have seen the pain in the workers I treated for the attack to our country while they also showed joy in doing their part to make a difference at Ground Zero amongst the rubble. Let us never ever forget.
John and Peter, God Bless you and one of my mantras is Love, Faith and Hope!
To a warm, loving, safe and happy 2009…Hal Ornstein, DPM (Howell, New Jersey)
Just made a small donation online. Keep up the good work. Thanks.
Dear John Feal – I’ve told you this privately and now i must tell it publicly. I’m am nothing, zero, zilch.You and the 40,000+ who went to ground zero and are now sick, dying or dead are the real heroes. I sit from the comfort of my desk and home while so many First Responders are suffering as I type this. I only wish I could be one-tenth as humble and gracious as you are. So like i told you yesterday, last month and last year, never thank me again. It is I and all of America that should never stop thanking you and the brave men and women who did the job most of us wouldn’t.
P.S. Buddy. I want to give you a rooting interest today. If the Giants win, I will donate $10 for every point they score.
Go G-men!
Go Blue,love you Peter & Friends
Peter I posted the picture of me & Brandon Jacobs of the G-men on my facebook page. Everyone still talks about that great day when we bought 18 9/11 responders kids to Giants practice,thanks/love to you. And to think I gave my autograph to an NFL running back.
There can be no question about the amazing effort of those who sacrificed so much for others on that fateful day. They and others just like them around the country who face unthinkable conditions to support what at times is an ungrateful society are just like those who fought wars on our behalf,
Its sad that the government (aren’t they supposed to be for the people and by the people) fails them, fails us, and will ultimately fail their own greed! Nothing associated with that atrocity …. and the countries leaders reaction before and after the atrocity would come as a surprise … no matter how devious and how unbelievable any of the theroies may be … Nothing would surprise me!
The Prophet
The Giants laid a big fat egg. The Eagles defense also played great and are my pick to go all the way now. I will never freeze my butt off for any team again. It stinks losing and dying of the cold at the same time.
Thank you for letting us know of this very important foundation. I am going to make a donation right away. Keep up the good work John Feal.
Regards,
Peter & Friends,
Thank you so much for your time,energy and donations. It speaks volumes and humbles me when I see great people all over the world noticing my body of work. It also helps to have angels in the world like Peter Grandich. I am sure you all feel the same way. Peter I love friend,and would give you my last kidney to know that you can continue on this earth to serve all those who look for your guidence.
Peace & Love
John Feal
Truly a human tragedy and I must say it is moving to see there are people such as John out there in America. You tend to forget that there are caring, real, down to earth people out there when it seems all we see on the news these days is greed in the financial markets and so many lives getting totally devesatated by their fellow countrymen. It’s almost like everyone is out to screw there neighbour instead of help them. Kudos to John and all those like him for rising above and resolidifying what humanity is all about. If America was built on helping thy neighbour, I sure hope what we’ve all witnessed in the last number of years is just a blip in American history and values will again become prevelant in your country. But somehow i think it is going to get worse before that happens , the cancer seems to run very deep. Political leaders seem to forget, or have intentionally forgot and redifined the defination of a political office , truly reflected just lately by the Govenor of Indiana. They are supposed to govern for the people, not just for themselves. I fear life will never be the same, but in the end all we have our faith our family and our fellow being and if that is tested in the future,I only hope it will be strong enough to overcome the evil that will come to test it. There is so much love and attention needed in the world, increasing in velocity every day, every minute, I sometimes wonder how it can all be attended to.
A donation has been made this morning. Again, I cannot be thankful enough for people like John and Peter. John, your story and efforts toward helping others is immeasurable. Your courage alone is very, very rare and you are a huge inspiration to all. Thanks again.
Frank and everybody – Thanks for truly caring. John Feal and I had a terrific meeting today with a group of people who are extremely charity minded and spoke like they have every intention to help in a very big way. Please keep helping and pray for this discussion to turn into tremendous help.
God Bless You All!!!
Thank you everyone,I am the most blessed person in the world to know God’s angel Peter Grandich & his friends.
Peace & Love
Dear Peter,
What a Phenominal Blog! May God Always Bless You & Yours for always thinking of the heros of yesterday. Every 9/11 Responder including myself is truly humbled & blessed to have a man of your stature advocating for us. God Bless You & Yours!
Charlie- You, John and all 911 responders are the true heroes. People like me are the ones who need to be grateful.
God bless you and all 911 responders. Our father in Heaven knows what you all did.