Lisa only smiles when we talk of her late husband, killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, or when someone offers help  help children, Mudasir, seven and Baseer, 5. Her love for them all is touching and uplifting.

I think she will be smiling on Wednesday, I hope so, she is just 27, and has a beautiful smile. Last week, I asked for help in raising $500 to take Mudasir and Baseer to Wal-Mart to buy some clothes and toys, the first new clothes the boys have ever had and the first new toys also.

Ali and Lisa will be there, and so will I. Thinks just lifts my heart right up, we make our own good news since they won’t give us any. I will also be bringing a new Black and Decker lightweight vacuum for Lisa, to help clean her current apartment, filled with mice and roaches, and prepare for the new one she is getting in September.

Her husband was killed because he was working for the Americans. We hope to give something back for the same reason.

This is a wonderful and deserving family, Lisa is independent and hard-working, we are helping her get to an open field so she can continue to put her new life together in America. She has been living out on the edge, without enough food, or money for things like soap or deodorant or proper lighting. We are taking cafe of those things.

She was very alone, not any longer. If you wish to help you can contribute by sending a check to the Gus Fund, P.O. Box 205, State Route 22, Cambridge, N.Y., or via Paypal, [email protected]. You can also make a one-time donation in any amount through the donate button at the bottom of the blog.

Please note there that your contribution is for the refugees or the Mansion residents. Thanks so much for making this happen, I think we will all be smiling on Wednesday..

Lisa’s new vacuum cleaner