The stories of these refugee children are difficult to bear sometimes, but their story yesterday was a joy. I wasn’t there, I couldn’t make it, but we gave these kids a magical day in Lake George, N.Y., Ali called me this morning, he was exhausted, they left for Lake George at 9 a.m., they got home to Albany at 8 p.m.

They went swimming for two hours, had lunch at Pizza Hut, went on the boat ride for more than hour, went swimming for two more hours, played games in a game parlor for two hours or so, and then went and had hamburgers for dinner at a restaurant.

Many of these kids had never been on water before, never been on a boat before, never played in a razzle-dazzle game parlor before. They had so much fun I suggested they go again next week and just swim and cut loose in a game parlor with a special pass, if we can afford it.

Ali and I are meeting in Albany later this morning to plan for next week, the last week of their school vacation. I’m accepting some Rocket Donations – small donations from lots of people – to get them there. I’d like to give them at least one more magical day.

Next week, they are also coming to Bedlam Farm, and we’ve found some state parks to visit. It gives me great joy to hear about the fun they are having, otherwise, there is little for them to do, and no money or people with cars and time to do it with.

Their parents, mostly single mothers, are busy working and have little to spare. If you wish to contribute – Rocket Donations are  small amounts, anywhere from $5 to $25 or $50, for specific events. These kids are a huge success story, they are all honor students and some of the nicest people I have ever meet.

If you can on this gloomy news day, feel better, send your contribution to the Gus Fund, c/o Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y, 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected].

Thanks for giving them this magical day, and thanks in advance for helping to give them another one next week. Tomorrow, they are going to Animal Land in th Adirondacks.

I’m thinking I might go with them next week to see them in the game place, that really blew their minds.

Much live, it is better to do good that argue about good or worry about it.