Support for Steve
Donation protected
My name is Amanda, I am Mr. Burkman’s Daughter-in Law and am joining in support with all of Mr. Burkman’s children and their families to launch this Go Fund Me post. As some of you may already know my father-in-law experienced a sudden & complete loss of his home and literally all of his belongings with the Volcanic Eruption which started May 3rd in Hawaii. We have encouraged him from the start to participate with this project however, he is a man who is private in nature and has tremendous pride having always made his own way in life, always providing and giving to others. It has been like pulling teeth to have him agree to open up and tell you his story. But he finally has!
Hello, my name is Steve Burkman. I just recently retired in October, and also turned 65 years old this year, finishing a most wonderful 30 plus year career working with blind and visually impaired individuals, taking a human limitation, (loss of vision) and matching that with k-9 potential. ( a guide dog). Then being blessed to have been entrusted with the opportunity to provide support in the form of follow-up service throughout the working life of each of those projects. To participate and help those amazing individuals and their awesome doggies, A fascinating experience.
A brief accounting-story of my loss.
On the evening of May 3, following a week of steadily increasing seismic activity, cumulating with several hundred earthquakes directly under my subdivision daily, Mother Earth finally erupted in the form of an explosive vent opening up, located about 700 to 800 feet from my back door. This required an immediate departure with no time to pack any belongings or possessions . A small blessing..... the night prior to this event I did place a small “Bug out Bag” containing some important papers in my car.
When I made a mad dash for the van to flee for a safe place that afternoon the world as I knew it changed in just an instant. I would not be afforded an opportunity to return safely. You can’t really prepare yourself for something like that until it actually happens and it has taken me awhile to assimilate and allow a little time pass before doing anything other than enjoying my daily gratitude list of what I do have, mainly and most importantly my 4 children and their wonderful young families.
I must also express to the world that the love and “Aloha Spirt” of the immediate locals was awesome.
I take away from my loss the rare opportunity to have experienced and witnessed the most powerful awesome powers on earth, in action. Violent Steam and gas blowing lava bombs twice as high as the trees, ripping off branches on the way up, the amazing sounds and physical pluses of tremendous energy. The sight, smell and sound of surreal lava giving birth to new land, beautiful to see, surreal in nature, slow moving and beautiful, yet also taking everything it made contact with, no defense or escape possible.
After much careful consideration and internal searching I have come to acceptance and ease to the concept that This Go Fund Me post may be an avenue to receive a little seed money as I move forward, as I had no insurance to help me recover from this loss.
I Sincerely Thank You for your time and any consideration you may have.
Steve Burkman
Hello, my name is Steve Burkman. I just recently retired in October, and also turned 65 years old this year, finishing a most wonderful 30 plus year career working with blind and visually impaired individuals, taking a human limitation, (loss of vision) and matching that with k-9 potential. ( a guide dog). Then being blessed to have been entrusted with the opportunity to provide support in the form of follow-up service throughout the working life of each of those projects. To participate and help those amazing individuals and their awesome doggies, A fascinating experience.
A brief accounting-story of my loss.
On the evening of May 3, following a week of steadily increasing seismic activity, cumulating with several hundred earthquakes directly under my subdivision daily, Mother Earth finally erupted in the form of an explosive vent opening up, located about 700 to 800 feet from my back door. This required an immediate departure with no time to pack any belongings or possessions . A small blessing..... the night prior to this event I did place a small “Bug out Bag” containing some important papers in my car.
When I made a mad dash for the van to flee for a safe place that afternoon the world as I knew it changed in just an instant. I would not be afforded an opportunity to return safely. You can’t really prepare yourself for something like that until it actually happens and it has taken me awhile to assimilate and allow a little time pass before doing anything other than enjoying my daily gratitude list of what I do have, mainly and most importantly my 4 children and their wonderful young families.
I must also express to the world that the love and “Aloha Spirt” of the immediate locals was awesome.
I take away from my loss the rare opportunity to have experienced and witnessed the most powerful awesome powers on earth, in action. Violent Steam and gas blowing lava bombs twice as high as the trees, ripping off branches on the way up, the amazing sounds and physical pluses of tremendous energy. The sight, smell and sound of surreal lava giving birth to new land, beautiful to see, surreal in nature, slow moving and beautiful, yet also taking everything it made contact with, no defense or escape possible.
After much careful consideration and internal searching I have come to acceptance and ease to the concept that This Go Fund Me post may be an avenue to receive a little seed money as I move forward, as I had no insurance to help me recover from this loss.
I Sincerely Thank You for your time and any consideration you may have.
Steve Burkman
Organizer
Steve Burkman
Organizer
Santa Clarita, CA
