Two more friends have died recently, and I've not been handling it as well.

Hello, all. It's been a while since I have posted here. Two more friends of mine have died recently: Jessica Jo Goodmanson/Seon Ja Kim (Born February 2, 1985, Adopted June 13, 1985 - Died April 11, 2017) and Jason Alexander Ritenour (April 30, 1985 - April 30, 2017). These two people were great people, and with all of the things that have been going on, I ended up reverting to some habits and hiding in a computer game and not being able to sleep much. Though I kept up with other aspects of my life (committee meetings, work, friends), I ended up not being able to keep up with this or some new projects that I had started.

Seon was one of the few people who knew the most about me. She was one of the people whom I would have late-night conversations with about what was really going on in our lives, the deep subjects that would delve deeper with full introspection. She was non-judgmental, understood what I was talking about, and was truly unique.

Jason was one of the kindest, gentlest people whom I ever had known. He was kind to me when I was undergoing life changes. But that was Jason - many, many people have been touched by his insurmountable charm and his wonderful puns. So many gathered to share the love that he put into the world. I'm finally past the point waking up and hoping that it was just a horrible nightmare, but it's still difficult.

Jessica Jo Goodmanson
Jason Alexander Ritenour

I find that I am still not able to properly write about either of these fine folks. They are sorely missed.

I've reached my goal for Walk MS, but the efforts go on.

Hello, all!

Step by step and dollar by dollar, Walk MS is changing lives. That's why I registered for Walk MS and why I'm asking for your support. Though I have now reached my goal for Walk MS, there is still a long way to go to bring an end to multiple sclerosis. We all either know someone with MS, or know someone who has someone close to them with MS. So, if you can, please consider doing one of the following:

  • Donate to my fundraising efforts
  • Forward this email to others who might be interested in helping us raise money and create awareness
  • Share this on social media to spread the word

Our fundraising drives groundbreaking research, provides life-changing services and guarantees a supportive community for those who need it most. Together, we will help create a world free of MS. Please, help if you can. I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted about my progress. Thank you.

V/r,
Justin Grays

I am a Virtual Walker for Walk MS on 30Apr2017. Can you help me reach my goal?

My Dear Friends and Family,

I know that I've said it a number of times, but that is because it is true: ending multiple sclerosis for good will take all of us. It’s why Walk MS matters so much. And it’s why I’ve registered to be a virtual walker for Walk MS 2017. I hope you will support my fundraising efforts with a tax-deductible donation. After all, we all know someone with MS, or we all know someone who has someone close to them with MS - and even if we didn't, this demyelinating disease must be brought to an end.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to creating a world free of MS, but they can't do it without our help. It’s faster and easier than ever to support this cause. Simply click the link below to visit my page and make a donation. Or share this email and let other people know about it. Every little bit helps - use social media, use word of mouth. Any kind of help is wonderful.

Your donation will drive groundbreaking research, provide life-changing services and guarantee a supportive community for those who need it most. Together, we will end MS.

Please support me by making a donation today. I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted about my progress. Thank you.

V/r,

Justin Grays

Two friends have both died recently.

I wanted to post this much earlier, but things have been tough. Two friends have died recently: Robert L. Gartner (September 10, 1944 - January 3, 2017) and Michael A. Cucchiarella (January 19, 1958 - February 13, 2017). 

Both of these men are people who are held in the highest esteem, and their passing has left a giant hole the hearts of those who knew them. I met both of them through the Royal Manticoran Navy, and I am glad to have been able to have spent what time with them that we were given. I will miss their friendship, their willingness to help, their dedication to being involved in our activities. Not just the conventions and the charities that we support, but in the social aspects - getting together for celebrations and to hang out. Trading stories and hearing jokes, sharing in their knowledge and experiences.

Robert L. Gartner
Michael A. Cucchiarella

So long, friends.

Just a reminder, if you are thinking about Voter ID Laws

Written on 28Jan2017, after I was asked about VoterID Laws. This was mostly copied (partially verbatim) from the ACLU's Voter ID Legislation Fact Sheet, and I added some Minnesota-specific details. This post came to be because someone was asking if anyone had a good reason why Voter ID Laws are bad, and I found out that simply linking them to the ACLU's website would not work.