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The Gosselin saga continues.
I don't think I really need to actually comment ... the article in today's Reading Eagle speaks for itself. Or rather Kate Gosselin speaks for herself.
Since when is being at home with eight children you chose to have and supposedly love considered "not fair"? Since the Gosselins decided God wanted them to have sextuplets.
Posted by Dana Hoffman at May 20, 2005 08:18 AM Posted to Parenting
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Get a member of the Gossellin family to help with the children. The State of PA has enough on its shoulders. I never got free clothes, food, diapers & formula for my 6 children plus a free parking space when I go grocery shopping. Learn how to manage the household and she won't need help.
Posted by: Mama at May 20, 2005 08:46 AM
God help us all - PLEASE.
I just read the laughable story in the paper. It seems like the only one of them with any sense is the husband. He managed to find a job that keeps him away from this kook for 12 hours each day. Something tells me he'll be putting in for overtime on a regular basis.
You're a mother of eight Kate and you need a professional nurse to tell you that your children have a diaper rash or a fever??? That's part of the deal Kate. You have to be hands on with children and pay attention to the signs that they give you. Didn't God tell you that when he told you you should have eight children? He must have left that part out. God's funny sometimes.
I guess now you're going to have to do what the rest of us do - LEARN HOW TO BE A GOOD PARENT AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS. You're vacation is almost over. Now stop whining and do your job as a parent.
If you find that this course of action doesn't suit you, then please respond to this post and contact me and I will give you the $25,000. I can't take hearing about this anymore.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 08:48 AM
Tsk, tsk, tsk Dana. Why do you persist in attacking this poor, helpless woman?
Yes, I did tell Kate that she should have many, many children and yes I do communicate with the Gosselin family on a daily basis. Is that so hard for you to comprehend?? I chose her over thousands of other crazy people to carry this burden. This is all my fault. I thought she knew it would be a difficult road. The community needs to get behind this lost soul and raise these children as if they were their own. Maybe if everyone in Berks County could just forgo going out to dinner just once a week, they could give that money directly to Kate to help her on her journey. After all, put yourself in her shoes. Can you possibly imagine how exhausting it must be to have to spend every day watching someone else taking care of eight children?? I know I wouldn't want to do it - and I'm God.
Posted by: GOD at May 20, 2005 09:03 AM
Oh please who the heck posted as God. No one has the right to pretend they are God.
I agree when is it not fair to take care of your own children?
You had them , now take care of them yourself like the rest of us do with our own!
Posted by: Vicki at May 20, 2005 09:20 AM
I find it appalling that Kate Goeslin does not have enough TIME to spend with each of her children?! WHY did she have them then? WHY does she expect the state (i.e - taxpayers) to pay for HER children? The gall of this woman is unbelievable. Obviously she has no friends or family to help. Perhaps she can call the Macaugheys and find out how they do it.
Posted by: Sandra at May 20, 2005 09:24 AM
we (the state of pa) did not choose to have 8 children why should we (the working class of pa) have to pay for your kids. we work to support our own children. put your kids in daycare and get a job like the rest of america maybe you can get a group discount on daycare. learn to be a mom not a government leech. support your own kids or get a diffrent hobby instead of breeding. i'm tired of hearing about how "unfourtunate" the sextuplets are. i'm sure there wonderful kids but how do you expect them to be proud of how they were raised if they found out their parents never tried to do it themselves everyone else has to do it for them.
Posted by: mom of 2 at May 20, 2005 09:26 AM
If I had know that I could have someone come to my house and care for my children and I could just be a begger and have my house redone and get free groceries, formula and diapers maybe I to could have had a child or 8. But since I was taught that you don't have or spend more than you can afford I never had a child that I could not take care of myself. Did God tell you that you should have these six children and then become a begger and leach so that they could grow up and follow your example and each have six or eight more welfare babies - oh sorry you can't get free money can you - you own a house. Sell it and pay for your own nurse like the rest of us who take care of ourselves would have to.
Posted by: Susan at May 20, 2005 09:50 AM
Sometimes I think these people have multiple births simply for the news media attention. Then when it comes to the real world of raising them, they can't handle it and expect everything to be done for her.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 09:54 AM
Okay, it is true what everyone says. If she could not handle taking care of these kids why did she have them. This is not our responsibility to take care of them. She should be happy for at least getting the help she is already getting. She knew the risk she was facing with this pregnancy because she went with the same choice she did with her first pregnancy. The choices you make dictate the life that you live.
Posted by: Diana at May 20, 2005 09:59 AM
You need help? I need help! We ALL need help.
My mom's maid of honor had 16 (yes, 16!!!)brothers! Her parents never asked for any help. That lady was just smart enough not to use fertility drugs to get pregnant.
You knew what the job would be when you took it, you already had two kids.
Deal with it. You had the babies. Don't expect the taxpayers to share your burden. Lay in the bed you've made.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 10:06 AM
It's funny- when my children were young and I wanted to stay home with them- I need to suplement our income- guess what I did...that right - I took in children- ran a daycare out of my home for 9 kids!! With NO HELP!!! 5 babies- oh my how did I do it?--It's called hard work Kate- get used to it. You decided to have those children - no you need to care for them!
Posted by: ANONYMOUS at May 20, 2005 10:06 AM
Reading Eagle: Please, please, please stop running articles on these people. There are babies suffering in this world for crying out loud and she's begging for help with nurses....gimme a break.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 10:34 AM
Do you believe the nerve of this woman she took fertility drugs to get pregnant she knew the risks of what could happen. Kate you have some nerve the way everyone is struggling in this tough economy with taxes high gas prices etc. That you think the state owes you!!! You had the babies go out and get a job. years ago people had sometimes 16-18 kids and took care of them they didn't get help that was their job to take care of their own children take some responsibilty and stop asking for hand outs there are so many more people that really do need help and can't get it and they didn't ask to loose their jobs or get sick and can't make ends meet you chose the way you got pregnant so stop complaining and do things for yourself the world does not revolve around you!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 11:10 AM
Someone commented on the father working in Harrisburg. Realize this, to make money you have to go outside Berks County. I'm sure he would rather not but to even try and make ends meet you have to do what is necessary. I say he is doing his best.
The comments about Kate are just so funny from both sides. Yes, she choose to have the six babies. The state gave her help to care for those kids. So if they are taking it away, what would you do. Try and keep some type of assistance to help yourself out. Both incomes are needed to make a living these days. So friends and family are a nice idea but reality is they need to provide for there own first. Helping yes is nice. How many say they would help but don't come thru? I'm sure there is a lot out there. So Berks county instead of being so negative and attacking and making fun of someone think about it first.
Posted by: Manny at May 20, 2005 11:16 AM
I wanted to put some day cares that you go to have a 9:1 (maximum) Student/Teacher Ratio. At 2 yrs old some toddlers become independant so why can't the 4 yr old twins do some things on their own? Other people have their children born premature but do you see them receive a nurse to help them care for their child. No.
Oh and by the way people, it looks like were not the only ones sick and tired of hearing about it I think the whole Commonwealth is tired of hearing about it here is a story I found:
Eight is enough
By Dimitri Vassilaros
TRIBUNE-REVIEW http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/opinion/columnists/s_334106.html
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Kate and Jonathan Gosselin want you to pretend that their sextuplets are disabled.
If you play along, they can keep the free nurse provided by Medicaid to help raise the six 1-year-olds and the Gosselins' 4-year-old twin daughters in their Berks County home. Mom and Dad will plead their case at a hearing on Thursday.
Does it really take a commonwealth to raise a child? Or eight?
Surely it is a daunting task for Kate even without Jonathan's 90-minute commute to his new job in the Governor's Office in Harrisburg.
"Every morning I ask the Lord for the strength to try to remain calm," Kate said.
As a registered nurse, however, she knew the risks of fertility drugs. Gosselin did not regret the decision after she was told about her six babies. Nor for opposing the "selective reduction" that sometimes is performed in multi-fetal pregnancies to lessen potential risk to the mother and the surviving fetuses.
But if Kate had had a crystal ball, would she have taken the fertility drugs?
"If I could have looked into the future, I would not have done it," she admitted.
The two parents have more kids than they can handle. Volunteers have helped, some, but nowhere near enough, she said. The taxpayers are helping by providing health coverage, but the Gosselins want much more.
They qualify for state health insurance -- barely. Jonathan makes about $50 per month below the maximum annual household income, said Kate. She does not have an outside job.
For a family of 10, the max is $38,910, according to the Department of Public Welfare.
But the need for special services such as a nurse is not based on income. The state's first question was whether the Gosselin children qualify medically. "The answer is 'no,' so you do not get it," Kate said.
The little ones' good health was her bad luck. Go figure.
"I am urging them to see us as a rare situation, which we are," she said. "And I am begging them to make a special exception. They are six individuals. One mom cannot take care of them.
"I might be able to meet their physical needs, but not the emotional needs. It is very difficult. I'm talking about time to talk about feelings, read books and the absolute bare necessities to get done. I cannot do it five days a week."
The county assessed the Gosselins' property at $142,800 in 1993. Kate thinks the four-bedroom, 2,100 square foot home has a market value of $250,000. They have two vehicles, but no garage, she added.
Why not take advantage of the approximate $100,000 in home equity Kate says they have in it? Why not sell it and buy a bigger one (she would like about 3,500 square feet) in a less affluent neighborhood?
They had been considering a move, but it has not been a high priority because of eight good reasons, she said.
However, keeping the free nurse is a priority.
"I understand that there is no medical necessity," Kate said. "But I hope they see my need. There is nothing set up for someone in our situation. I hope I can hang on to the person that I have."
The Gosselins called the day after my telephone interview with Kate. They asked to preview this column before publication. My editor declined their request. Kate then said she wanted to retract everything -- even though she admitted all of it was true.
"People are out to make us look bad," she said.
Dimitri Vassilaros can be reached at dvassilaros@tribweb.com or (412) 380-5637.
Posted by: Regina at May 20, 2005 11:16 AM
This truly an incredible, ongoing saga. Quite honestly, I can't believe that we aren't reading about multiple births in the paper every week with the tremendous advantages that apparently come along with it. Fertility clinics should be popping up on every corner.
My question is, if the State is willing to grant another year's funding, what about the year after that? Where will it stop? Or, will it?
Obviously you need help caring for 8 children. Daycare facilities don't allow 8 to 1 ratios at this age for the safety and well-being of the children. However, if you take the time (and the expense of in-vitro - twice) to have 8 children, you need to take the time to plan for how YOU are going to provide care for them, physically and financially - not expect the taxpayers to fund their upbringing. If you want to be a stay-at-home mom, you need to hire a nanny - PERIOD. Your church and your community (not to mention the media and the government) have showered you with more than any other mother could possibly ask for - and that's still not enough for you.
I recall a familiar phrase, "God will not give you more than you can handle." So if you say God wanted you to have these children, He apparently felt you could handle them! The reality is, this was not immaculate conception. This was a choice YOU made, and YOU need to find a way to deal with your children and the expenses that go along with raising them. Be a responsible adult and stop taking advantage of the system.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 11:43 AM
This is TOTALLY rediculous....Move to be near to your husband's job, ask family to help, shell out the cash yourself...but DON'T ask me, a tax payer who has raised her own children, to pay for your "day care"! Before you get any help from the government, the government should assist the women who are raising their children alone because their husbands are overseas fighting for freedom. Think about that you whiner!!
Posted by: someone who has kids too! at May 20, 2005 12:04 PM
About the 2 on therapy. "Two of the sextuplets, Collin and Alexis, receive physical therapy through the Easter Seals." I don't know if they went through the same program I did but I'm a little upset. My daughter has a medical condition which is probably why she is delayed and she is put on a waiting list and has to wait for such therapy. I don't understand it.
Posted by: K. B. at May 20, 2005 12:47 PM
This is absurd. They're living in a $250,000 house and are asking for handouts from the state?Why should taxpayers have to pay for a nurse for these people? Here's an idea for Kate, get a job and let your husband stay home. If she's really an RN and he is only making $38,000, there's a nursing shortage so she can get a job making a lot more than that. And then maybe they can stop getting taxpaper-funded health insurance too. Or maybe they can both work (she could work weekends while he watches the kids) and support their family like the rest of us do.
Posted by: Sue at May 20, 2005 12:54 PM
This women needs a huge "reality" pill. The other posts are correct. She and her husband decided to do this. God didn't. They had 2 beautiful twin daughters and that wasn't enough. One of my close friends tried for years to have a baby and couldn't even with fertility. They did adopt a beautiful baby last year only after spending 10's of thousands of dollars on fertility treatments and $25,000 for the adoption. They came up with the money and made it work. Why does Kate have to have a registered nurse help with the care of her healthy children? Get donations from your church and other members of the community who don't mind helping you out to pay for a responsible adult to help you. Don't expect the tax payers to pay your bill. Your family created and chose this situation. Now make it work so you can hold your head up high and in the future your beautiful 8 children can be proud of you.
Posted by: Patti at May 20, 2005 01:04 PM
Hey. People we don't write the articles. Make sure you have all the facts before you comment. Also do you believe everything you read in the newpaper or see on television. Do you believe everything on the internet? Also the Pittsburgh article is from a columnist not a journalist big difference. Until you walked in our shoes don't tell us anyhting about your life. You must compare apples and apples. The State made us promises and then took them away. How would you feel if you depended on something and it was taken from you? At the last minute. No planning. I think people should realize what is happening. Most people stand idly by and watch and never ask. So don't sterotype us. That's just plain ignorant. The media will make us out to who they want us to be. Lets remember the care is for my six kids not for the twins or my wife and I. Let me tell you its a scary thing putting privacy out there. You can't hide someone will always find you. You have to weigh the whole situation. Finally, I will do everything and anything for my family especially my kids.
Posted by: Jonathan at May 20, 2005 01:34 PM
More BS Jonathan. The bottom line is you're asking for a handout when you clearly don't deserve one. You're no different than anyone else with a large family. Maybe it's time you realized that. You cant hang on to your 15 minutes forever. It's over - now move on.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 01:47 PM
hey. Why are you Anonymous? Whats to hide.
Posted by: Jonathan at May 20, 2005 01:50 PM
Because I don't want you to know who I am; that's what anonymous means.
And why are you playing on the Internet when you should be working to support your family of 10?
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 02:10 PM
Get back to work, instead of spending our tax dollars surfing the 'net.
Posted by: Anonymous 2 at May 20, 2005 02:16 PM
Jonathan does have a point. When having a child whether they have 10 fingers and 10 toes isn't so important. It's all just part of parenting. Most people out there aren't taught this and until you have something hit you up close in the face, you just aren't aware that it doesn't always go the way you expect. You learn and you grow from your experience so far. When you are hit with something like this, it doesn't mean they aren't good parents. It just means that they are learning about something that no parent ever expects to have to learn about. Since Jonathan works during the day Kate is doing everything she possibly can to provide the best care, to love, teach, and care for their children. She will learn as much from them as she is able to teach them. Some mother's go this route and have A Mother's Helper. It is a babysitter that watches children while the children's mother is at home. If you ever need to get work done at home, or want some time to yourself, a Mother's Helper can come and watch the children it's almost like a nanny maybe this is something they could try if things go sour with the state.
Posted by: u know who i am at May 20, 2005 02:30 PM
To Jonathan - I don't really believe everything I see on the news or read in the newspaper or read online, but what I find hardest to believe is that you or your wife could have been misquoted and/or misunderstood in every single story published by so many different news gathering organizations. Does that seem realistic to you Jonathan??
It looks like the tribe has spoken and you're being voted off the island, or in our case, out of Berks County.
Posted by: Anonymous 3 at May 20, 2005 02:31 PM
To u know who i am
They weren't HIT with anything. They knew how many children they were having very very early on. They should have begun preparing for what was to come, instead of getting a free ride off of handouts from good people.
Any suggestions to them are great -- as long as they don't involve my tax dollars.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 02:36 PM
Attention: Anonymous
One article went AP. But apparently you know nothing about Media. Once its AP its distributed to all media types. If you resource the original article it goes to the Patriot News. From there it went to the Associated Press. So in essence everything you have read recently is misquoted. Go to the Patriot, they recanted the quote.
Posted by: Concerned Harrisburg resident at May 20, 2005 02:39 PM
I work for one of the news gathering organizations in question so I feel informed on how it works, but thanks for the media lesson. That was nice.
In addition to the print piece that was picked up by the Internet outlets, I'm also referring to their quotes that I saw on several news broadcasts like the one recently on WFMZ TV (that's television with real people - at least I think the Gosellin's are real) in which they wrap up a nice fluff piece on the babies first birthday by asking for a final comment from the family - and do know what they said? Not, "thanks to everyone for all the support", no they said "WE NEED TRANSPORTATION." "A 15 PASSENGER VAN, WITH PLENTY OF STORAGE." Always with the hand out.
Just read the articles on their own Web site and you'll have a complete understanding of who these freeloaders are.
Wow - this is fun.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 02:49 PM
Jonathon, I think the point here is that you were depending on something you shouldn't have been getting to begin with. You should be happy you had a nurse for this long instead of whining about your handout being taken away. You could have adopted one child but you chose to have fertility treatments that everyone knows may result in multiple births. Fine, your choice. But don't expect the rest of us to pay to care for your large family. You invited the press into the hearing so don't cry about the coverage. I'm sure you were hoping the attention would force the state to continue your benefits, but now that it has backfired, you're implying that the article is false. Well, here's your forum to set the record straight. Which parts are wrong? That you had fertility treatments? That the state has provided a nurse to help your wife care for the children? The $250k house? Or maybe that your wife was quoted saying, “It's me with eight children, which is not fair.”??
Posted by: Sue at May 20, 2005 02:53 PM
Jonathan, I don't believe everything I read in the newspaper or hear on the news, but please I wasn't born yesterday.
You agreed to these articles in the newspaper. They cannot print anything about you without your permission. I find it hard to believe that you were misquoted as many times as you have stated.
You had to know that the state was not going to give you funding forever, no one said it was for your wife or the twins, but the sextuplets do not necessarily require a nurse.
I know many people that have worked in childcare and there was not even a nurse on the premises.
I have gone through fertility treatments myself, I have a son through adoption. I am not bitter , but my son's adoption cost thousands of dollars and not once did I ever ask for assistance. My son had some medical issues and we handled things ourselves, yes we were out a lot of money but we kept going and are still paying off the adoption.
Posted by: Vicki at May 20, 2005 02:55 PM
This is a classic example of why people need to not only be responsible for their own action but also think things through to the ultimate conclusion. Obviously this is something this family has absolutely no idea how to do until reality slaps them in the face. And by then, well, usually it’s too late. “How grandiose it will be the state has promised us help so we can have all these kids!" The state promised us so we can now rush ahead with our plan even though we do not fully understand our decision? We don't need to consider what would happen if throughout the lives of these children (which is longer than dogs and cats incase anyone still doesn’t understand that) we lose this promise and have to face our decision on our own? What would happen? What will we do? How can we provide the emotional needs to these children if we are left on our own like every other normal working family? This never crossed your mind? Ever hear the term some people should not breed? Now 8 more children enter the world with the same genetics that lack the foresight and intelligence to understand they are doing something they should not do. The state or the tax payers do not owe you any help and should not make a special case out of you. This is your lesson on how to think about your decisions fully until conclusion and stop acting like this is not your fault. I think maybe your cry for help should be directed to the Pro Life crowd, as they most likely have an answer for you because they understand how to care for children when things like the basic resources required to raise the children are not present. Good Luck and by the way I have a bridge I would like to sell...
Posted by: nona at May 20, 2005 03:04 PM
I am so sick of this family! Stop crying the blues and live with the choices you made!
How can you say it's not fair for Kate to be left to care for 8 children? Did you NOT choose that for your life? Common sense says - the way the world is these days, it's hard enough to raise 2 children, let alone 8 - why wouldn't you have chosen voluntary reduction? Or better yet, what was wrong with the nice, happy, affordable, 4-person family you had? Your 2 beautiful daughters weren't enough for you?
You wanna talk about what is NOT fair - The soldiers that don't come home alive from Iraq is not fair, the price of gasoline these days is not fair, children with disabilities is not fair, life is just not fair.
Welcome to reality - may it slap you in the face!
Posted by: Amanda at May 20, 2005 03:24 PM
Don't argue or even take these remarks personally.
You created a situation and you are asking for handouts and trying to have tax money allocated to take care of you. Tax payers can have a say how tax dollars are spent like it or not. It doesn't make anyone an expert on your situation, but you make you own bed time to lay in it. You turn away help that is offered, Newsflash Beggars can't be choosers!
You can't live a champaign life on a Mad Dog budget.
You just don't have the desire to change your standard of living - welcome to the real world. Trade in your cushy freebie filled suburban home and come to the city and live cheaper - get 2 row homes and with the money leftover you can easily afford a 15 passenger van, You had options at the start of this, and you still have options maybe some that you aren't willing to consider but there are options.
Quit pretending to be a victim, you made some choices you must live with them. If that means Hamburger helper or meatloaf instead of sirloin so be it.
Posted by: anonymous at May 20, 2005 03:55 PM
Jonathan, as a West Reading resident who attended Wyomissing and as a former patient of your dentist father, I say this: You and your wife get a job and quit whining!!! My father drove a fork lift for a living and we never got any handouts. Get a clue and a life please and spare us all!!
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 04:59 PM
The basic truth is this. You wanted the children, now you have them. It is your responsibility to take care of them, plain and simple. It is not my responsibility! If and when I give birth, it will surely not be your responsibility.
Posted by: Beth at May 20, 2005 05:54 PM
Never in my life has a subject made me so angrey!!
Having eight children was their choice. Was two not enough?! "Its me with eight children which is not fair" Not fair!!! I'll tell you whats not fair, there are poeple out there living with alone with illness and disabilites, thats not fair. There are poeple out there who really need help and they do not get it, thats not fair. I workes for years as a private health care provider and I have seen these things close up. This women does not need hand outs. This woman does not need a nurse. This woman needs to stop asking everyone else to help raise her kids and start being a mother and doing the job herself.She wanted to use fertility drugs, she wanted to have 8 babies, shes needs to take responsibility for her decisions.
What child does not have diaper rash or gets a fever? I have a baby and those are common things that go along with the game. Maybe instead of asking the state for hand outs, she should go back to church and ask her God for help to become a more responsible parent
Posted by: Amy E. Sep at May 20, 2005 06:04 PM
I work two jobs to support my children and help out with my grandson who also has developmental delay issues and receives therapy. Why must I also support a family who chose to have all the babies? I believe they have received enough freebies to last a lifetime. When one makes choices one must accept the path those choices will take you on.
Posted by: Mom of AAAs and Gigi to 1A at May 20, 2005 06:48 PM
Kate and Jonathan, you should be thankful for all that they have...8 healthy children. Be grateful that the state is at least providing an aide, even if it isn't the nurse that you wanted. Think about the many, many couples in this world who struggle with infertility and may never have children of their own. You should be counting your blessings...I can only imagine your own struggle with infertility.
You are not the only people struggling and you have to be thankful for whatever benefits you have received. I work with disabled students. Many parents of disabled children spend more money than they have to find appropriate therapies for their children. Several parents are also single parents, who have lost their husbands due to illness or divorce. None of these people asked to be put in these situations. They have to take what is given to them and figure out how to make a life no matter how hard it may be.
Remember the Dilley's who had sextuplets? She was also a nurse. The dad ended up staying home with the kids and they moved to a smaller house. They wanted to raise their family on their own. Look to them as an example. I am sure it wasn't easy for them, but when you see them, you can tell that they truly feel blessed with what they were given. I don't think that they would ever look back and change the decision that they made.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 07:36 PM
To Katie & Jonathan, and all others reading this site.
I must first advise you to all go to the Gosselin Website. www.sixgosselins.com.
Here you will find the Gosselins story of how they decided to increase their family size. What is said in "Our Story", I want to quote some of these things. Then perhaps Berks County can better understand what is going on here ?
Katie has PCOS (Polycycstic Ovarian Syndrome). Basically she needs help getting pregnant. So they decided to go to a Fertility doctor. They had 2 beautiful girls. "They were tickled pink".
"The girls turned 1 and the Gosselins started to think about more children". "The girls were pure fun & they wanted to do it again".
"In May of 2003, we had the opportunity to adopt a newborn in a kind of a rare circumstance. Jonathan & I came to a joint decision that we were not ready to take on such a responsibility at this time."
"We decided in October we would try to get pregnant & then again in August."
"That cycle went PERFECT ! Everything went GREAT! I was told I had 3 with a possibility of 4 folicles, and this was a great cycle! The only thing that made our doctor nervouse was the fact that we were OPPOSED TO REDUCTION, and that we were concerned about multiples again. We prayed about this."
"I will never forget this day as long as I live. There were 7 sacs with 4 yolksacs, or babies in 4 of them. At the count of 4, then 5 I started crying and at 6 I was shaking absolutely sobbing. Jonathan had turned away from the screen, he couldn't look anymore. I have never seen him so close to tears in my life! The doctor "reassured" us by telling us, we could talk about reduction. I pulled myslef and STARED right at HIM and said "WE'RE NOT DOING REDUCTION!" After the ultrasound he called us into his office and tried to convince us that reduction was the thing to do. Again we REFUSED."
"That weekend Jonathan and I spent our entire time staring at the walls (literally) and crying. It was the WORST WEEKEND of my entire LIFE."
"Jonathan and I have already learned so many GREAT LESSONS through this experience!"
"I have learned to be GREATFUL for EVERYTHING I have!"
"This has been a WONDERFUL lesson and learning time in our lieves, and the learning has just begun"
Now these were all "QUOTES" from Katie Gosselin herself.
So I dont understand WHY Jonathan in a previouse "BLOG" writes that we (BERKS COUNTY) should not belive everything we read or hear in the Media.
Maybe perhaps it is time for Berks County Children and Youth to step in ?
In todays Reading Eagle, Kate is "quoted as saying. "Gosselin fears for the health of her Family"
If anyone else in Berks County said something like this a case worker would be at their front door, taking these children into custody ?!
Is this what the Gosselins are asking us to do ?
Also Kate Gosselin is a registered nurse. "But she is too bys caring ofr the sextuplets, twins and running a household to spend enought ime with each child to spot all of there needs."
What does she thinks happens in everyone else's lives. Not everyone in Berks County only has 2 children ? Most of everyone that has 2 or more children either both parents are working and the chilren are in "daycare" or a parent stays home and tends to the children, chores, school, homework and the like.
Do we need to pay a nurse to do this for our families ? If the Gosselin babies have diaper rash or a fever, well guess what ?! So do alot of other babies in and around Berks County. This isnt news and we dont have the State pay for a nurse to help us with this.
This is all part of being a wife and a mother.
In the meantime Kate says "Its me with 8 children, which is not fair" !!!
When you figure out in life what is fair ? Let me know ? ok.
I would like to be there.
Is it fair that because there has been no ruling yet, the STATE will continue to pay for this nurse until JULY ? That is giving them 3 more FREE months of nursing care and for what ? To give a child vitamins ?
I can do that myself.
Katie is quoted as saying "If a swith to a home-health aid is made, she FEARS she would need a long time to find the right worker"
Katie had alot of "right workers" FREE that is what VOLUNTEERS are. She turned them away, because she said "They wanted to do this on their own"!!
Well now you are on your own...and you dont like it any better.
Please help me and BERKS COUNTY to understand what is going on here.
Posted by: Pretzel Stick at May 20, 2005 07:52 PM
Kate is quoted as saying "Me & 6 babies isnt fair"
Did GOD ever tell you that life would be fair ?
Is it fair that our children have to go to IRAQ never to return to their families ?
Is it fair that some children are born deformed ?
Is it fair that Tax payers have to care for these children?
Is it fair that some people make more money than others in their jobs?
Is it fair that some mothers get to stay home with their children while other mothers have to go to work ?
Is it fair that some children must go to day care so that their parents can provide for them ?
Is it fair that some children will never know their mother ?
Is it fair that some children can wear name brand clothing (ie gymboree) and others will never know what a name brand is ?
Is it fair that some children are given, diapers and babyfood the first year of their lives....and others arent given anything ?
Is it fair that some children will get a college education from the TAP FUND and others wont get one thin dime ?
Is it fair that some babies have a nurse care for them their first year of life, when others arent even lucky enough to have a mother ?
Is it fair for some babies to have a single home in a suburban neighborhood ?
Or is it fair that some babies even have a roof over there head ?
Tell me about what is fair ?
Posted by: Kevin&Kendra at May 20, 2005 09:06 PM
Gosh, I feel sorry that the Gosselins aren't able to take care of their own children. If those babies aren't getting enough attention in their home, they should maybe be in homes they are getting attention. Mom needs a Nanny, not a state-funded nurse. Sell your house, move to Harrisburg (they have beautiful homes there), and see if Dauphin County will help you.
I'd have gladly helped with the babies, but since volunteers weren't exactly welcomed with open arms, you missed a great opportunity for more free help.
Posted by: Robyn at May 20, 2005 10:49 PM
I can't believe what I am reading... Are people in Berks County really this heartless? Regardless of what you think of Kate and Jonathan.. at the heart of this situation is 6 innocent babies, who through no fault of their own are in this world trying to survive. I applaud the Reading Eagle for telling their story. Where would you people rather see Medicaid money going? To some family where mom and dad sell drugs on the street and ignore their kids health issues, relying on the state to pay their all their bills? Here in the Gosselins is a loving couple just trying to do their best to raise their family. You people need to get a grip and leave them alone. You are heartless and cruel. Your comments are hurtful and attacking to 6 innocent babies. I pity you and urge you to examine your own conscience.
Posted by: bob at May 20, 2005 11:11 PM
Wow! The tone and volume of comments is overwhelming, and, funnily enough, all seem to have the same feel as my opinion. Just another case of the "poor pity me" syndrome. BooHoo--we created 8 babies and now we're freaked out caring for them. BooHoo--we created 5 kids who need extensive therapy, make $75k a year, and MIGHT have to now chip in for our Medicaid. Who asked you to have so many kids, people? Why should the government pay for your pity parties? I am the sole financial support of my family (husband and ONE child!). I make about 12k a year. Yes, we get food stamps but hopefully not for long. I am pursuing a bachelor's to be a teacher. My one son needs more extensive therapy, so, yes I am applying for Medicaid again for him because my private insurance that I pay for won't cover the wraparound services he needs.
It is a wise person who knows his or her limits. I knew that I wasn't capable of handling more than one child emotionally or financially. I am a great mom to my son because I knew my limits. I am able to be there for him and see that he gets what he needs. My husband, God bless him, is himself struggling to stay afloat with his own disabilities and has recently applied for advocacy with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to try and get back into the workforce. I understand a stressful home life, albeit mine is different from the Gosselins'. Yet I know I am the one who owes my son what he needs--not the state. I long for the day when we can be independant from state aid, but I am highly grateful it is there to help us through this part of our lives.
No wonder kids today feel no compunction to take personal responsibility for their attitudes and actions. They see grownups not doing it! I certainly hope that the people recently profiled in the paper do not complain of kids having no respect or "bling bling" folks on welfare. People in glass houses...!
Posted by: Sarah at May 21, 2005 01:38 AM
As a member of the media I have been covering this story since almost day one. When I first went to the news conference in Hershey I was so excited for the Gosselins. They seemed liked good people and they had so many people really pulling for them.
However, as time went by they became, how do I say, unlikable. They no longer seemed genuine. They had such a transparent agenda.
I was at the house the day the television crew came to film "Home Delivery" and I was just appalled at things that were said by Kate once the cameras were turned off and she thought her voice couldn't be heard. She complained about the nursery saying the murals would scare her kids and that the twin’s room was "horrendously horrendous"...a phrase I just can't forget. She then went on to say "thanks for nothing..." I couldn't believe my ears and I am not a naive person.
So, my advice to the Gosselins is...endear yourself to people....make them want to like you. You have become so very unappealing and just down right self-righteous. No one wants to help affluent self-righteous people when there are so many good people in dire straits that also need a hand. And, lastly, Kate stop talking....stop giving interviews, stop pleading for help, stop. You are beginning to sound a bit like a nut...a selfish, wish-you-could-change-your-mind kind of mother as well.
Posted by: Taking it in at May 21, 2005 01:57 AM
Bob, I am totally offended that you feel people in Berks County are heartless. Please,give me a break! The Gosselins received plenty of help in the beginning and still want more.
They are not the only family with sextuplets, nor are they the only family that received donations. However, they are the only family still asking for something.
I have done some research on families with multiple births and the others have volunteers or pay for their own help and no one has a nurse in the home , they have volunteers or Nannies.
We are not heartless, nor do we want to see drug dealers getting a hand out, but their are many , many other families in need, that have children with special needs and maybe some of that medicaid and extra money and donations needs to go to them.
Posted by: Vicki at May 21, 2005 06:41 AM
Bob - Your last name wouldn't happen to be Gosselin, would it? You just made things worse with your blind nonsense. The children will be fine - it's the parents who you should worry about. That kind of mentality is impossible to penetrate with reality. I feel sorry for the kids, but not for medical reasons.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 21, 2005 08:25 AM
To BOB, Jonathan, Katie & everyone else reading these blogs.
You need to know and understand what is going on here.
"If I could have looked into the futre, I would not have done this" Kate was quoted.
Why would you say such a thing ? Are you now realizing the hardship enduring your family ?
"Volunteers have helped, some, but nowhere near enough," Kate was quoted.
I know personally that you have had many, many volunteers, many that you have turned away. Many that even came the "night" shift or double shifts, but you have also turned them away. "You said you wanted to do this on your own". Now you are on your own and you still dont like it ?
The Gosselin children dont quilify medically for a nurse.
"The answer is NO, so you dont get it." Kate said.
"I am urging them to see us as a RARE situation, which we are," she said. "And I am BEGGING them to make a special exception. They are 6 individuals. One mom cannot take care of them."
Yes the Gosselins have made this RARE situation. Again Katie has her hands out BEGGING. Why should the State make an exception for her ? She wanted all 6 of these babies. If one mother cannot take care of all these babies, then I think "Foster Care" is and should be on the horizon.
At least there they could get more love and care than Kate will ever begin to be able to give them.
"I might be able to meet their physical needs, but not the emotional needs. It is very difficult. I am talking about time to talk about feelings, read books, and the absoulte bare necessities to get done. I cannot do this 5 days a week."
Katie, did you not think about this ? When you said you were against REDUCTION ? How did you ever think you would be able to take care of the emotional needs of 6 babies or 8 children ?
You also talk about the BARE NECESSITIS often. Is that all you want to be able to give your children ?
You also say, "I cannot do it 5 days a week."
When did parenting become a 5 day a week job ?
I do this 24/7 ! What parent doesnt ?
"I understand that there is no medical need," Kate said. "But I hope they see my need. There is nothing set up for someone in our situation."
The need that we are seeing here in Berks County is the selfishness. If you are in such need then maybe you should go out and get a job ? Nurses can make alot of money ? Especially on the weekend s ? Alot of other families are doing this ? Why not you ? Or perhaps your need for some mental health issues ?
In alot of thse quotes either from the media or radio the Gosselins never mention GOD ? in their lives, is he no longer in the picture ? Since I do believe the last time you were in church was to "Thank" them for the work they did in your home ?
Not all of you need to go to church at this point but it would be nice if Katie & Jonathan could go, often to refresh there minds, and to udnerstand what the Lord has in store for them.
And since they dont have a vehicle to take them all to church, Katie and Jonathan could get there in 1 of their 3 ( yes I said three) cars they have.
After the Gosselins 1st Birthday Party a final comment to the Media was
"WE NEED TRANSPORTATION." "A 15 PASSENGER VAN, WITH PLENTY OF STORAGE."
If this is SOOOO needed then how did all the Gosselins get to the State Building on Friday ?
Is it realy necissary for them all to be in the same vehicle ?
Could they not sell some of their vehicles and get a "USED" 15 passenger vehicle ?
This is what alot of Berks County people do, but used vehicles, because we cannot afford NEW VEHICLES!!
Another "BLOGGER" mentions "God will nto give you more than you can handle." So when you say this was "Gods will, he must have felt you could handle all these babies.
This was a CHOICE YOU MADE, now you need to find a way to deal with your CHOICES and the expenses that go along with raising a family of this size.
Did you think the Stae and or the Media would help you with this, from infancy to adulthood ?
Jonathan is quoted in a recent BLOG, "Until you have walked in our "shoes" dont tell us anything.
Well I guess this will NEVER happen since SHOES are never worn in your home!!
"The State made you promises, then they took them away." The State does this to Pennsyvanians all the time, we are used to it. That is why we plan for a "RAINY" day....sometimes very rainy.
"How would you feel if you depended on something & then it was taken away from you ? ? ?
This happens all the time, and not just in the Stae of Pennsylvania....but everywhere.
This is LIFE, this is why people have Life Insurance and other Insurances as well, we always have to have a plan B. For lifes little "What ifs"
"I will do everything & anything for my family, especially my kids."
Jonathan that is great, your kids are the ones suffering here, the ones we (People of Berks County) are concerned about. Your wife, well thats another story.
God Bless you with that one.
Posted by: Pomagranite at May 21, 2005 10:37 AM
Dear Bob,
The people of Berks County are NOT Hurtful & CRUEL!!!
Where do you think so many of the donations & Volunteers have come from for this first year ?!
Yes, we are concerned about the babies here!!
Why do you think so many people are speaking out?
They are concerned about the wellfare of these children, not just the babies.
8 children are involve with parents that cannot care for them ?
As far as Jonathan goes, being gone from home for 12 hours a day, that is not so unusual ? Most Fathers/men do leave there homes by 6:30AM in the morning and not get home till 6:30 or even later in the evening. What is so unusual about that ?
This is life. This is the life he chose. No one forced them into this or forced them into creating new lives ?!
When couples decide to have a family, the number one priority needs to be, "how will we be able to afford" this, or how will a baby effect the life style that we have become accustomed to ?
If you have all the answers to this, and are satisfied with it, then you have to be able to provide for your "new" family.
Without the State help.
A few months ago a couple in Sinking Spring gave birth to 4 babies, all we heard about was the day they came home. I have not heard this family whineing to the State or any neighbors, volunteers or churches to help with them.
I guess they must have planned for their new family ?
So I dont want to hear how Berks Countians are heartless and cruel !!
Posted by: Berks County Taxpayer at May 21, 2005 05:47 PM
Where are the families of Kate & Jonathan ?
I just found out that Jonathan was a well known dentist in the Wyomissing area for many years ?
Shouldnt his Estate be settled soon ? Then Jonathan & Kate could use this money to pay for Ms Krall ?
Also Kates Father is a minister ? Does he or his chuch give to charity ?
Posted by: Joe at May 21, 2005 11:31 PM
I guess you cant belive everything that you hear, it was Jonathans Father, Dr Thomas Gosselin. Deceased in January 2005.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 22, 2005 10:06 AM
As others (and the judge at the hearing) have said, what the family needs is a nanny not a nurse.
While I'm not as seething with rage over their situation as other posters (IMO some people on here need to chill out & take a breath), I do agree that they chose to have so many children and must deal with their choices. It is just sad that so many little ones, who didn't choose to be in an apparently over-stressed family, have to be the center of such vitriolic nastiness.
As for Jonathan and Kate: I also know that 8 kids under 5 years of age must be profoundly hard and exhausting. They do need help, I just don't think it should continue to be state funded and I don't think it needs to be a trained healthcare worker. It should be an experienced and caring mother's helper.
Unfortunately for the Gosseleins and other families in Berks County who need trained child care other than daycare or preschools - there is no agency or entity in the county that (free or for a fee) will help you find and screen an experienced nanny. I know, I've tried.
There are agencies in other counties - Lancaster, Montgomery, Chester, Lehigh - but they don't work here. There's the BCIU, they offer you phone numbers of daycare centers. But that's it.
You have to advertise yourself. Sounds easy but the average person can't run proper background checks or get clearances (like teachers or even school bus drivers are required to have) to be sure that you are hiring a legitimate, never arrested person.
I just don't understand why Berks County doesn't have such an agency. I'm willing to pay for the service and the nanny....
Posted by: Anon1 at May 24, 2005 12:50 AM
Please keep in mind that no one here stated they were angry at the innocent children.
No child asks to be put on this earth, but when they are it is the parents responsibility to do what is best for their children not the tax payers.
No one wishes these children any harm, nor do they wishes the parents any harm. It was clearly stated by all that there is no need for a nurse to be the care giver in the home, nor was it necessary for the Gosselins to turn away all of the volunteers.
It was their decesion to have more children not ours and they should be responsible for their own just like the rest of us.
I think what caused the hostility was Mrs. Gosselins statement that taking care of eight children herself was not fair. Since when is it not fair to take care of your children that you decided to have?
Posted by: Vicki at May 24, 2005 08:51 AM
I don't hold any ill will toward the family but I do not feel they should win this appeal. A skill healthcare worker is NOT what this family needs. I understand that the children and the mother have all bonded with this nurse. But families all across the country loose child care that they have grown to love for one reason or another, finances being the most common, all the time. Other families have to deal with the lose and find someone else they can afford to help care for their child(ren) all the time. I don't feel the Gosslins are any different than the average Americans just because they had their children in two bunches. But it does NOT take a Medicare funded skilled nurse to dispense vitamins, change diapers, give baths and play with kids.
I do think this family needs assistance and I hope that they find it. I hope they can find a regular mothers helper or nanny to help the family on a regular basis. I only fear that the family’s attitude on this issue will sour people from wanting to help them in the future.
I would also like to add that Jonathan has stated that the family was misquoted or taken out of context or we don't people don't know the whole story (here and on other sites). Rather than just condemning everyone for listening to the media and taking you and your wife out of context and storming off why don't you take the time and in your OWN WORDS here or on your website free of the medias ability to take you out of context or misquote you tell the whole story. Set the story straight so people will know the truth.
Posted by: Kelly at May 24, 2005 04:14 PM
I feel for all involved to a point. My problem is Kate has dismissed qualified volunteers that dealt with the children. My mother in law was a volunteer and had 7 kids and has 8 grand kids and volunteered to help with a bunch of other people only to be fired. Kate and her family refused 2 mini-vans that where given until they said yes to the 3rd. What they should do know is get a PR firm to help them with the public and media because they seem like very un-greatful citizens of life, a life that should be blessed but is know being tarnished by an apparent selfishness that is un becoming to such a blessed family. It makes me feel bad all around.
Posted by: Jeff at May 26, 2005 11:50 AM
Katie, you say "people are out to make us look bad".
On the contrary. You have done this all by yourself. You expect the Community to DIG DEEPER into our POCKETS. To support your FAMILY.
Dont you think that we have our own families to support ?
Do you not think, that the job market in Berks County is bad ? Have you figured that out yet ?
Since it took Jonathan such a long time to become gainfully employed ? and employed at something you could say that you are proud of him doing ?
Some people in Berks County can push a broom, and be proud, but I dont really think you would consider this something for your husband to do?
I guess this is why he had to go to another County to find a job. Something that you can be proud of.
"We have not tried to make you look bad" I think that everyone could see by the way all of you were dressed for the babies birthday party, that clothes is a #1 priority for you!
As I saw in another Blog, someone wrote, "Is it fair that some children will wear name brand clothers" ? Gymboree, well most people that dont have much dont even know what that is ? Because guess what ? They shop at Walmart or Kmart.
When you dont have much in your pockets, you but what you can afford. Not what you would like to afford.
Wouldnt it be nice for more families in Berks County to have larger families ? Then we could all be on the same "Band Wagon" as you. With our hands out ?
There are a good majority of people in your/our community that dont even come close to what you and Jonathan were making before you had all these babies, but they are not living beyond there means. They know what that can live with and what they cant. And they live accordingly.
There certainly would be alot larger population in and around Berks, if we/they knew that they wouldnt have to provide for the 1 or second year of their lives, and that they would have a "Paid College Eduacation" for them since Katherince Bake Knoll, said that "these Children are our GREATEST asset, and the all "Deserve" a College Education.
Should we all give our names and addresses so "EVERYONES" child can receive assistance for the TAP FUND ?
Its GREAT having a "Spokes person" from Harrisburg ? Isnt it ?
Now let me see.....what will you be schemeing up next ? Goodness IF the State doenst continue to pay for Ms Krall to administer Vitamins to your babies, to look for diaper rash ? or other childhood ailments ?
Wouldnt it be nice for you and Jonathan to "walk in our shoes" for once. To really see the reality of what it is like to pay your own way.
See not everyone in the community has a "Poppy" to help us out, when we THINK we are down and out ?
But now that you should be standing our your own 2 feet, how does it feel to have the "shoe on the other foot"
YOUR SCHOLARSHIP IS OVER !! Grow up !!
Posted by: Scholarship Committee at May 27, 2005 11:47 PM
There were five sets of sextuplets born in 2005, Van Houten, Otten, Gosselin, Hayes, and Hanselman. How come none of the other four sets are asking for public assistance? I'm pretty sure they all received help in the beginning after the children were born but how come the parents of the other four sets can assume responsibility for all of their children themselves? Why can't the Gosselins do the same? Sure, they have four-year-old twins too but look at the Hayes family. They have TWO sets of older twins! If anyone is in need of help, it should be that family. In all honesty, if she needs help that badly, she needs to learn to ask for volunteers, not a skilled worker.
Posted by: Katrina at May 29, 2005 07:28 PM
I get such a rise out of reading comments on the Gosslin family. My question is if it was God's will to have all these babies, why did they need fertility drugs? If Mrs. Gosslin can't handle all of her children she should consider putting some of them up for adoption. There are alot of wonderful parents out there (like myself) who would love more children and can afford them as well as dedicate quality time to them and can't have them. Mrs. Gosslin, next time you consider complaining...think before you speak. You created these children with the help of science, not God. Now, either take care of them of allow someone who can do your job. Don't make the children sufer just so you can constantly be in the spotlight with your hand out. The only ones I pity are the children who will never have a "regular life"; they will never know what quality time with a parent is. Also, how will you afford Proms, and Weddings when they come about, say sorry it's God's fault...NO Will you be able to tell your children they will never have those things because you were selfish?
Posted by: wendy at May 31, 2005 03:36 PM
Not for nuttin but there is a family with more kids than you and have yet to ask for help... The Hayes Family. They have sextuplets and TWO sets of twins and are managing... http://www.thehayes6.com/index.php
By Mary Jo Layton
The Record (Bergen County, N.J
HACKENSACK, N.J. — Eric and Elizabeth Hayes, already the parents of two sets of twins, wanted one more baby.
The couple got their wish — and more — this week when Elizabeth delivered New Jersey's only sextuplets. The Hayes brood grew to 10 children in less than three minutes at Monmouth Medical Center on Tuesday, hospital officials announced yesterday.
A team of 44 delivered the babies by Caesarean section at 1:07 a.m., a birth that deserved to be called "a miracle." Four of the babies weighed more than 4 pounds, well above average for a multiple birth, and the pregnancy lasted 32 weeks, much longer than is typical in such cases.
"It's a far cry from the 24 or 28 weeks we see, that's why we're so ecstatic," said Dr. David Wallace, who headed the delivery team. "At 32 weeks, they're almost home free," he said. A typical pregnancy lasts 40 weeks.
Eric Hayes, 38, a Marlboro, N.J., police officer who lives in a "very small" home that his grandfather built, said the three girls and three boys arrived with breathtaking speed.
He said he timed it at 2 minutes, 47 seconds.
"It was like, boom, boom, boom, and they were out," Hayes said. "I was trying to get pictures of them, and I was trying to get the flash to work. By the time I got the camera working, they were out. I got the back of one of their heads."
The babies were born in the following order: Tara Rose, 4 pounds, 7 ounces; Rachel Ann, 3 pounds, 9 ounces; Rebecca Mary, 4 pounds, 10 ounces; Ryan Peter, 4 pounds, 10 ounces; Connor James, 3 pounds, 9 ounces; and Eric John, 4 pounds, 8 ounces.
Wallace said the children, who needed minimal breathing assistance, will be discharged in four to six weeks. Elizabeth Hayes, 37, is expected to go home in a week.
The couple conceived with the help of fertility drugs and learned after each checkup that they were expecting a greater number of children, Eric Hayes said.
"We heard there were possibly three, then the next week five, then six," he said. "My wife said, 'I'm not going back next week.' "
The "Hayes 6" as they will be known on their official Web site (www.thehayes6.com), are indeed rare. According to one Web site on multiple births, there are 143 sets of sextuplets in the world.
The couple have consultants lined up to help them deal with a flood of media requests, community donations and the simply curious, Eric Hayes said.
Six car seats already were waiting for the children, he said. The family has received donations of clothing and supplies, as well as financial help.
Eric Hayes intends to stay home with his family for the rest of the year, a paid leave thanks to the generosity of each of his department's 76 officers who donated unused sick days.
Posted by: Hayes Helper at May 31, 2005 10:17 PM
My wife, a registered nurse, and I also used fertility drugs and now have have 1 year old triplets. I'm not against them recieving help from the state, but my wife works during the day and I work at night, why can't a similar situation work here? I know alot of nurses who work two twelve hour shifts on the weekend that make more than $38,000. It's hard, but it can be done.
Posted by: Dad of triplets at May 31, 2005 10:37 PM
WOW!!!! That is all I can manage at this moment! I have NEVER been so embarressed to be an AMERICAN as I am right now!!! You people have NO IDEA what the Gosselins are going through yet you sure can manage to pummel them into the ground. Okay, so Kate took fertility drugs and she knew the risks....so did I....but let me ask each and every one of you people...who would you choose to "reduce"??? Not that easy is it??? Would it be baby a, b, c, d, e, or f??? How would you like to TRY and make that decision? You all should get off your high horses and commend these people for LOVING their children! How many kids died today because "MOM" was too young, stoned, drunk or the all time fav....post partum depressed!!!! There are 8 beautiful children who are loved more than you will ever be able to imagine (I live that life every day....the loving of MY Triplets)
The last I checked this was AMERICA! We should be proud of our Country and the PEOPLE IN IT!!! What ever happened to "love thy neighbor"? Have one of you ever bothered to get to know them? Probably not...too busy, huh?
Okay, I have said enough. Just remember next time you want to take a jab at the Gosselins always remember "you shouldn't throw stones at glass houses"!!!
NYTRIPLETMOMMY
Posted by: Another Multiple Birth MOM!! at May 31, 2005 10:43 PM
I was directed to this blog by Jonathan (Daddy of 8), who frequents an online triplet support group that I visit from time to time. I do have spontaneous triplets, means I did not use fertility drugs, they are natural.
I am disturbed by the Gosslings, I feel they give all parents of mulitples a bad reputation. Before I had my triplets, I was the main money maker in my family. I had to quit my job to stay home and take care of the girls. My husband started working overtime like mad to make ends meet. We never asked for money, cars, diapers, stollers, etc. We bought everything ourselves. That means that I must visit second hand stores to buy my girls clothes and I shop with coupons every week to get deals. The days of $200.00 shoes are way out of the picture for me.
I do not see how Jonathan can always say that the media gets it wrong. The arrogant attitude he has on the triplet website is the same one I see in the articles that are published. He often states he would do whatever it takes to care for his family, but apparently that is not working overtime.
Many, many families have 8 children, my mother cames from 12 children, two set of twins (natural) so yes Jonathan I am comparing apples to apples or as close as it can be, and you know what, they never begged for anything.
I feel sorry for the state of PA having to support you and your family. Stop whining, work hard like the rest of us. Being the parent of mulitiples is hard.
Stop asking why people are being so mean to you and your family. You brought this on yourself, every part of it, the kids, the media, the anger, etc.
Posted by: ECkins at June 1, 2005 01:17 AM
Haters and sheeple: If this got your attention and you feel you need to rebuttal, you are probably both of the above, not just one. Read on Haters and sheeple …
Haters: I cannot believe what I am reading. My husband and I found this blog and sat down to read all of your responses. We are so shocked at the hatred towards this family. Is this what you spend your time doing? Attacking others to this magnitude? You are probably the type of people who cry to save the whales or chickens but can abort a baby – or fetus- with a beating heart without second thought. And it is all justified in your mind. You are probably the kind of people who want everyone on welfare, Medicaid, or other social program but not anyone who mentions the name of God without using it in vain. You obviously have double standards.
Most of you know it, whether you will admit it to yourself or not, that your attack isn’t about your tax dollars going towards this family. It is about your hate-filled minds attacking a family that possibly believes in God, or some other reason that makes your blood boil.
If my statement was false I would see your hate-filled blog messages on other posts about social programs.
I’m not convinced that the family should have more social help, but I’m sure as heck not going to attack them with the hatred as you are!
Additionally, how would you know what it is like to care for six children that have special needs due to their premature birth? I have triplets and at one time was only able to sleep one hour at a time during the nights, which went on for months.
Sheeple: Do not believe everything you read in the media. Yes, Clinton had an affair and lied about it under oath. The CBS documents that alleged Bush was AWOL during his service in the National Guard were in-fact forged. There were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Clinton even acknowledged it himself along with Kerry and the others you blindly support each day.
Likewise, contact Jonathan and Kate and get their side of the story. I bet your opinions might change a bit. Whether you will fully support them is wishful thinking, but maybe you’ll focus your efforts elsewhere, apart from this hate.
Lastly, if you feel you need to respond, chances are very good that you are both of the above, not one ... no matter how you justify it.
I am not a republican, nor democrat. I am neither a sheeple, or one that follows the flock blind. Just one that doesn't hate or follow without thinking.
Posted by: Anonymous at June 1, 2005 02:00 AM
Dear Anonymous: That was just about the silliest thing I've ever read. Sheeple??? Wow, how long did it take you to come up with that one? You sound very, very bitter. Maybe get out of the house once in a while and get some sunshine. It might pick up your spirits.
I've written several installments to this blog so I guess I'm one of the haters and sheeple (still sounds silly). The only problem is that I believe in God with every ounce of my being. I don't hear people coming down on this family for their belief in God. Quite the opposite. I hear people who believe in God getting very upset at this family for using God's name in every other sentence to support their predicament. I also think that every person who posted here has the same concern for the children. They're the ones who ultimately suffer here. There are no bad children, just bad parents. I'm raising my children to always help people who can't help themselves. The Gosselin's don't fall into that category. I think they really enjoyed the media attention and fanfare a little too much and now that it's ending, they're not happy about having to do the work. (Any work by the sound of it.)
God bless the children.
Posted by: Lover at June 1, 2005 09:20 AM
I have to agree with NYTRIPPLETMOMMY on her point about reduction. I find it upsetting that so many are so quick to just suggest that family with larger order multiples like this family and the Macaulay’s should have reduced. I don’t know if it is the name “selective reduction” that sounds so innocent to them. I would venture to guess that very few of these same people would tell a woman with one child struggling to support that child that she should have aborted. But that is what they are saying to these families with large sets of multiples. Selective reduction is abortion people.
But that is where my agreement ends. Yes this is America and I am very proud to be an American. Part of the reason for that is we are free to all have our own opinions and we do not have to all agree. We do not have to be proud of everyone in it if their behavior doesn’t warrant it. As for what ever happened to “love they neighbor”, well in Berks County it was living strong. People were lining up to want to help, donations came in and everyone was extremely happy for the Gosselins. What happened to it, well thy neighbor told everyone to get out I want to do this on my own. Oh but on the way out don’t forget to leave your tax dollars to pay for medical care she free admits her children do not need. What happened to the pride in this family? The attitude that anything less than what they want (the best) will not due. A less expensive mother’s helper? No we need a skilled nurse because we like her so you pay for it. Sell one of our 3 vehicles to buy a used van? No we will just keep asking and asking and asking until someone will finally give us one to shut us up.
I don’t fault the Gosselins for any help and donations they got in the past. Everyone WANTED to give them to the children. Everyone WANTED to help this family (‘thy neighbors’) if I were in their positions I would have been extremely grateful for every gift and volunteer who wanted to help. They were not out begging for them they were given freely and with love. But then the Gosselins turned the community away only to come back and ask for more. Their right to do, but not the community’s responsibility at that time to then jump and respond.
This brings me to the volunteers. This is where I feel some of the community’s anger come from. Not because the family believes is God as some other inane post suggests. Well I feel the anger comes from a few places, turning away the volunteers ‘to do it on our own’, insistence on a skilled nurse paid for by Medicare of all agencies when there are no medical issues, the constant cries of “I will do anything for my family” will no action to back it up. I understand having volunteers in your home will diminish your privacy. But who says you have to have so many volunteers all the time? If a nurse 30 hours a week is enough help for Kate then she only needs to schedule a few volunteers one at a time to fill those 30 hours right. You don’t need a situation like Jonathon describes on another site: “We had 18 different people come to our house every day. Obviously you wouldn't have a clue what that is like. You can't just turn people away if they want to help. There were people in our bedroom at 2am. How much privacy is there.” Well yes you can turn people away if they just show up at your door wanting to help. You Schedule people to come in at set times just like the nurse is scheduled to come in. If you have more volunteers that you needs you CAN politely say something like “thank you so much for offering to help. We currently have more people than we need. Would it be ok with you if we add you to our list of potential helpers should someone no longer be able to come and help?” You don’t ever have to call them back, they feel their offer of help was appreciated and you don’t have a string of people in your bedroom at 2 am. Oh and you aren’t taking Medicaid money from services for people who are truly ill to pay for a nurse to do what a teenage mothers helper could do. And Jonathon’s constant cries of “I will do what every it takes for my family” doesn’t include giving up any of his privacy with a few (no need for strings of strangers 24/7) volunteers.
If volunteers are not acceptable then that is their choice to make. But it should not be MEDICARES responsibility to foot the bill. They should pay for a helper they can afford. I think the suggestions of Kate going to work and putting the kids in daycare are laughable. Yeah I want to see her make enough to pay for that and then try finding a daycare with 8 open slots. Maybe they need to reevaluate their situation. Could she make more as a nurse than the thirty something thousand he makes now? Maybe he could be a stay at home dad and her go to work. Others have suggested Kate working on weekends to help pay for the help during the week. Or be more creative than I am and come up with another solution other than asking Medicare pay for childcare. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t say you will do anything and they say but we don’t want to so you pay for it.
Posted by: Kelly at June 1, 2005 11:03 AM
NYTRIPPLETMOMMY, to put it simply. I do not hate the family, or the children. I for one DO NOT WANT MY MONEY PAYING FOR THEIR CHOICE. If that is not clear enough, then I would be willing to pay to have your eyes checked or your mental health evaluated. Obviously you have no real say in the matter since by your username I assume you are from out of state and it is not your tax dollars that will be flushed down the toilet to pay for these childrens care rather than going to OUR families.
Posted by: J.P. at June 1, 2005 07:56 PM
Sometimes, I wonder, how is it that the Hayes family can get along? We don't see them all over the news or newspapers or online asking, begging for more. No. They took what they received, gladly, I might add, and then took it upon themselves to raise their children to be proud of their parents. No offense to the Gosselin's but if their 8 children ever see how much havoc their parents have caused, they will never be proud of them. I just wonder...why on earth did you want to have more kids when you are making probably just enough for a family of 4 to live comfortably on? Because of your decision, your twins will never deserve the attention they should. They will forever be known as "the siblings of the sextuplets". Do you think that's how children want to be known? I think not. There are so many opportunities for you...it's time to reach out and grab one. No, not a free one. Work for it.
Posted by: Katrina at June 1, 2005 08:40 PM
As the Mom of Multiples and a singleton I support the Gosselins and realize how challenging raising multiples can be. I also used fertility and believe my children to be gift from God NOT A SCIENCE PROJECT as someone inanely stated. What in the world does fertility treatment have to do with accountability and/or responsibility?? I believe the Gosselins need help, are couragous enough to ask for it, but are misguided in believing it should be an LPN when a less skilled helper will suffice. However, I have no problem with my tax dollars going to help out a family in need, any type of need.
Posted by: PATRIPLETMOMMY at June 2, 2005 01:54 AM
Hey anonymous with your ridiculous words...sheeple.
I take offense to what you stated. I have posted on here several times and I am not a hater or malicious.
I take serious offense to your abortion comment. I do not cry to save the chickens or the whales, but I was a fertility patient who now has an adopted child. If his birthmother would have had an abortion I would not have my son, so how dare you have the audacity to say something so incredibly cruel. You should really think before you speak.
The Gosselins put themselves in the line of fire with their begging. I do not hate them nor do I wish the children any harm. I just feel they do not need a state funded nurse. Do they need help, yes, but a nurse ,no.
They had many volunteers but turned them away.
I also know several people who have met the Gosselins and were treated very rudely.
Also I have a friend that emailed them on there very public website about the constant begging for money and Jonathan posted the email address on the triplet connection and they received emails from members that do not care for Mr. Gosselins attitude to warn what happened.
So before you speak such harsh words, consider what some others have gone through .
Posted by: an adoptive parent at June 2, 2005 08:30 AM
Adoptive Parent-
I don't think anonymous was stating that he/she was for abortion. I took it as the very opposite. I am a triplet mommy and when you find out that you are having multiples the doctors most always recommend selective reduction - abortion in my mind. I believe anonymous was supporting the families decision to keep all 6 of their blessings - unlike a lot of hateful posts have stated. Make sure you read things correctly. You're right, what a blessing your son is and the decision his birth mother made. God Bless!
Posted by: Anonymous at June 2, 2005 12:59 PM
Drama drama drama
I am beginning to think Jonathon loves the drama. I don’t know any attention is good attention to some people. Trying to stay in the spotlight. After the inundation of triplet parents we have had here I went to the Triplet Connection website An Adoptive Parent mentioned. I found him complaining about baby chores, talking about being stalked, complaining about the home makeover they received on Home Delivery, telling how Kate wishes she could go back on bed rest now that the babies are here, and in his few ‘supportive’ emails his overall tone in many of this posts just comes across as very condescending to the triplet parents. I know it is hard to detect tone from emails but there seems to be a constant reminder that he has sextuplets plus twins. Yeah, I am sure they get it. But still most of them seem to be in awe of Jonathan and giving him constant praise. But then there was an e-mail about the nurse situation and amid the many “I hope you they let you keep her if anyone has special circumstances its you” there are a few who say they need help but NOT from a nurse paid for by Medicare. Jonathon whips out a “Thank you, but goodbye” speech for the lack of support. Of course he doesn’t really leave just waits for the “oh please don’t go” pleas. Now is back with us as stalkers. Looks like drama just follows him.
Posted by: Kelly at June 2, 2005 01:13 PM
Quote by anonymous... You are probably the type of people who cry to save the whales or chickens but can abort a baby – or fetus- with a beating heart without second thought.
Please tell me how I midread that comment?????
She is accusing those who do not agree with the Gosselins of being in favor of abortion.
I do not agree with reduction myself, I just don't agree with all of the begging for state funding.
Posted by: an adoptive parent at June 2, 2005 02:11 PM
Kelly, what is the site and or Chat room that Jonathan visits ?
I would like to go there myself.
I would also like to know how someone with so many children finds the time to visit and "chat".
I hardly find time to even read email, and I only have twins!
Thanks
Wendy
Posted by: WDB at June 2, 2005 02:18 PM
Wendy,
I went to goggle and did a search on triplet connection and got the site www.tripletconnection.org It has a forum/chat area.
Posted by: Kelly at June 2, 2005 07:23 PM
Hmmm, Kelly. I wonder how you got on TC without being a member to do a search?!? You have to register to become a member in order to search the threads both current & archived. Wanna explain that one to everyone? Drama Drama Drama!!!
Posted by: TCMember at June 2, 2005 09:57 PM
WDB, the website is http://www.tripletconnection.org/
Wow, he really does have an arrogant attitude. Is it just me...or does it seem like he did a public goodbye just to get more attention? And to allow people to know that his poor little feelings were hurt because not many people agreed with him?
Just more begging for his 30 seconds of...added fame.
Posted by: Katrina at June 2, 2005 11:56 PM
It's www.tripletconnection.org
Jonathan would like to sue someone for writing libelous comments, and have someone arrested for stalking their babies. If anyone is actually stalking them/the babies, that's one sick person. It's probably a case of 'daddy needs attention'.
I would like to know where Jonathan finds the time to post on a message board....if he's gone 12 hours at work, he shouldn't be playing on the web. At home, he should be helping with the kids!
Posted by: Robyn at June 3, 2005 01:04 AM
Kelly,
Thanks for the info.
Wendy
Posted by: WDB at June 3, 2005 06:17 AM
All of you disgust me. How dare any of you judge this family. Have any of you been faced with anything like what this family has gone though? You people say, she had 2 kids she should have been happy with that... scuse me? They had 2 beautiful daughters and wanted them to have a sibling! It's natural to add to a family, add to the love etc.
Unfortunately for her the fertility assistance worked all too well for her.
Have any of you been asked to KILL your child?
Well that is something that they were faced with and something they chose not to do and you all are criticizing her for not making such a decision.
Her situation is unfortunte yes, but maybe you all should look at your own pathetic lives and stop picking on this family.
Posted by: Anonymous at June 3, 2005 12:19 PM
Anonymous,
Whoa. Slow down. Take a look at the facts. They chose to be in the spotlight, asked for it, begged for it. People on this blog have encountered them and said they were rude. I have heard the same thing through other people. Some people who wrote on here were VOLUNTEERS at Gosselins' house in the beginning and still weren't happy with how the situation has turned out.
When the public is invited into people's lives in such a way, the public has a right to comment. And it seems that many of the people posting comments on here do NOT in fact have pathetic lives; they are responsible, holding themselves accountable for their life choices, not looking to others for help with a lifestyle THEY CHOSE to have. And even looking for help isn't a bad thing. It is better than letting the children suffer. But demanding it, not being happy with it when it IS offered, and expecting it as their right, is not a good thing at all.
Posted by: AnonX at June 3, 2005 12:40 PM
My apologies for the pathetic comment. I myself am a mother to Quads who has taken care of my children 100% with no help since day 1, I am alone till my husband gets home from work. I have had 0 media attention, 0 ANYTHING. And that is they way *I* like it.
Anyway, so I know the struggles of being alone with many little ones and I just feel for her situation.
I was just apauled by the many of the comments towards this family. I had no idea they were not thankful for the help they have gotten thus far. That in itself is unfortunate as well.
Posted by: Anonymous at June 3, 2005 12:49 PM
to the person who put:
"Hmmm, Kelly. I wonder how you got on TC without being a member to do a search?!? You have to register to become a member in order to search the threads both current & archived. Wanna explain that one to everyone? Drama Drama Drama!!!
Posted by: TCMember"
Well, TCMember since you don't seem to be too bright. All you have to do is type in http://www.tripletconnection.org and go to the left hand side and it will say SEARCH and then click on SEARCH THIS SITE and type in the persons ID NAME like Daddyof8 and it will show you all posted messages by Daddyof8. So you don't HAVE to be a member to do this!!!!
Posted by: Anonny at June 3, 2005 12:53 PM
All parents who take responsibility for their choices and do what's best for their families should be commended. Sad that we have to say that; it should automatically come with the territory ... but when you look at the state of affairs today, it isn't nearly the case.
So hats off to you.
And yes, people should maybe move on and think about something more positive now.
Posted by: AnonX at June 3, 2005 12:54 PM
http://www.ltgovernor.state.pa.us/ltgovernor/cwp/view.asp?a=1147&q=440450
From the above
Lt. Governor Knoll Remarks
"Gosselin Six" Birthday Party
May 12, 2005
There is no need to be coy about this celebration today.
This is far more than a birthday party. It is recognition that the Gosselins have given a whole new meaning to the concept of Mother’s Day!
I am a proud, outspoken, no-doubt-about-it fan of the great treasures of Pennsylvania. I can bend anyone’s ear about Valley Forge National Park or Independence Hall or the Library Hall or the Pocono’s, or Pennsylvania Dutch Country or the Carnegie Institute, or a hundred other places---but today, in this place, at this time, the Number 1 Pennsylvania treasure is the Gosselin Six.
I’ve been asked often: “Who are the best-known people in Pennsylvania?”
The temptation is to answer with names like Benjamin Franklin, Marlan Anderson, Arnold Palmer, Grace Kelly, Johnny Unitas, Margaret Mead---so many others---but the short-form response about Pennsylvania’s best known people is simply to say: Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah, and Joel, and, of course, their beautiful big sisters, Cara & Madelyn.
My amazement continues. When this hockey team was born a year ago, I instantly recalled the responsibility and workload I experienced in raising four children---and their arrivals were spread out over a period of time.
To have six show up at the door on the same day, each saying, “Feed me. Clothe me. Shelter me. Guide me.” ---well, that is a challenge of staggering dimensions.
But a challenge the Gosselins have energetically accepted.
And so has the “village.”
By that I mean the “It-takes-a-village” reference Hilary Clinton made so famous. The way friends and neighbors, and in many instances, the whole state, have rallied around this family is a very special story.
As Don Harold once said, babies are such a nice way to start people!
I’ve always believed that a baby is God’s opinion that life should be regarded as precious, and that no child should be starved for food, for education, or for love.
Every year in Pennsylvania we welcome over 140,000 new babies. That the Gosselins chose to escalate that number dramatically in 2004 is an occasion worthy of all the celebration we can bring it.
I try to picture 49 years from now when Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah, and Joel will get together for their 50th birthday party. There will be more candles at that event than there were at the Vatican a few weeks ago. It will look like the runway lights have been turned on at an airport.
Somewhere in between this birthday and that one, there will be a lot of other milestones to celebrate -- multiplied by six. Six first days of school, six first dates, six drivers’ licenses, six college tuitions…
I know that all parents think about these milestones, especially how they are going to provide their children with a college education. For Kate and Jonathan, I’m sure they think about this often.
That is why, for my gift to the Gosselin Family on this very special occasion, I am opening accounts for all eight of the Gosselin children through the Tuition Account Program, which I had a hand in creating when I served as Pennsylvania State Treasurer.
Contributions to these accounts will accrue throughout the children’s lives and be available to them once it comes time to attend college.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Gosselin Family’s TAP account, you can do so by making your check payable to “TAP 529,” writing “Gosselin” in the memo portion of the check, and sending your contributions to: Gosselin Sextuplets and Twins Accounts, TAP Bureau, 218 Finance Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120. More information on the Tuition Account Program can be obtained by calling 1-800-440-4000 or by visiting the Treasury website and clicking on Tuition Account Program.
Happy Mother’s Day, Kate and Jonathan. Pennsylvania is proud of you and this wonderful six-pack whose birthday we honor today. Congratulations, and many blessings for a healthy, happy, and prosperous future for your family!
Posted by: haha what a joke at June 3, 2005 01:03 PM
Hurray!!!! Now instead of working two jobs to save money to send my own children to college, I can donate my hard-earned money to Katie and Jonnie so they don't have to. Thank God someone thought of this. I was terribly worried that the Gosselins might have to pay for something.
Posted by: Another Freebie at June 3, 2005 01:18 PM
I am yet another triplet mom that heard about this controversy on TC. Its natural that other HOM (higher order multiple) families would flock to support this family, but there is a quiet yet growing minority who are concerned. If you overlook all of the hateful ranting in some of the posts, there are actually some folks who, in a calm fashion, make some valid points. As a mom of triplets (granted its not six, but its still more babies than I have arms) I relied heavily on volunteers in those early months. After a while when all of the gawkers lost interst in helping I was left with a core group of faithful volunteers that knew the routine and were tremendously helpful. I fell that this family DOES need help, but I also get the overwhelming sense from the sum total of all that I've read that the Gosselin's are just not trying hard enough to exhaust all options before they look to the gov't for help. As someone mentioned, perhaps being gone 12-15hrs a day for a 38k job isn't best choice of employement at this time in your life? Your wife could make at least 10k more than that working 3 12hr shifts. Then you would BOTH be home more and wouldn't need as much outside help. Maybe you could work shifts opposite each other, then you each get a chance to get out of the house and have the extra money to pay for help.
I understand that you are religious and maybe you feel its necessary for the mother to be the one staying at home. I am also religious and understand this point of view, I think in general people should be respectful of this POV even if they disagree (just like your decision not to selectively reduce) HOWEVER, there are just times in life where you have to set aside such values because of extreem circumstances. What if Johnathan were to die suddenly? You would be forced into the workplace if that happened. Not every mother who wants to stay at home has that opportunity. I think there sould be some wiggle room on that point, having the wife work, even part time, isn't asking much IMHO.
I also cringe at the comments Gosselin's have made saying that they MUST have a particular nurse because she knows the babies and they have bonded with her. Sure its a nice thing to have, but when you cannot afford it, it comes off sounding greedy. Babies adjust quickly to new people, get a few trusted volunteers and let them develop new bonds.
I do feel strongly though that you DO need help. People on here saying 'my so-and-so raised 20 kids and did just fine without any help' demonstrate their complete ignorance of the HOM world. Of COURSE people with children in the double digits can do it without help, why? because when you have children one at a time the older children help out with the younger ones. Obviously six babies aren't going to be able to pitch in and care for the youngest of the brood - they ARE the youngest. Its not even the same thing, and its utter stupidity to think that those situations are the similar.
Good Luck to you Gosselin family. I hope you get the help that you need, even if it means being a tad more flexible.
Posted by: NoMoreDrama at June 3, 2005 01:32 PM
Why not check this blog out.
http://www.berksparighthook.blogspot.com
This guy really hits home on you haters, and sick twisted freaks in Berks County. I love the part about free loaders from Dana. [Editor's note: referring to Dana Corp.]
Posted by: Scott Katzman at June 3, 2005 04:46 PM
Johnathan,
You and I do not know each other, but I am a former patient of your father's and I knew your older brother T. from Wyomissing High School.He was the goalie for our soccer team. I am trying really hard to be on your side but you and your wife are not coming across very well, and it is frankly your fault. Grow up.
Posted by: Anonymous at June 3, 2005 05:28 PM
WOW... that's all I have to say.
Posted by: My name at June 4, 2005 12:27 PM
To all of you that thought you could read what Jonathan had "posted on the Triplet Connection"
He requested that all information he had posted be removed ?
Why on earth would he want to do this ?
If we arent supposed to belive everything we hear or see on the media, then why when Jonathan would have been giving in his own words ? information and to ask that it be removed ? Where your words incorrect as the People of Berks County reading it ?
I also heard something about a past volunteer "Stalking your babies" ?
I wonder how anyone could stalk your family ?
Do you ever take them outside ? Or did I forget that maybe you got that 15 passenger van ? to take your family to church ?
I have an idea for you and your Wyomissing crew. Let all the families in Wyomissing start a FUND RAISER for the GOSSELINS ? That would be approiate since alot of the people in Wyomissing can afford to live in the Suburbs ? Perhaps your family could walk in the July 4 parade ? and instead of the participants in the parade throwing candy to the little children on the streets....you could have a "HAT" passed up and down the streets, sort of like the "collection plate" in church.
Then lets see what is collected. Or how they like, to continue to give to the "greatest treasure".
Posted by: Wendy at June 4, 2005 07:07 PM
I don't think that they should be recieving any funding. It was their choice to take the fertility drugs and they knew the chances of multiple births was extrememly high. If they can't handle 6 babies, then they shouldn't have had them. They already had twins!!
I am going through the infertility process right now and I'll be damn before I take all those doses of drugs to end up w/ multiples! If they would've done in vitro thye at least could've controlled how many embryos formed.
Posted by: Troubled at September 22, 2005 12:26 PM
Shame on each of you who says one bad word against this family. Do not judge them until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Have compasion for them. Kindness go a long, long way. Love your neighbor!
Posted by: Connie at May 15, 2006 09:24 PM
First off I would like to say a few comments about all that has been read. Let me inform you I am not religious, nor am I against abortions but.....
1. If anyone is placed in the same situation as this couple has gone through and and tried once again to get pregnant. The first time was two and you find out the second time there is 6. Could anyone sit there and say well we have to get rid of a few, which ones? That not only is a very big decision but a very hard and strssfull one. I am sure this couple wasn't intending for 6. (but you take what you are given if you can not abort and deal with it)
2. do not forget this EVERYONE IN THE UNITED STATES USES SOME FORM OF GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE!!!! From Medicaid, foodstamps, etc... everyone complaining will one day be on Medicare and social security. Don't sit here and tell me well you are entilted to your social security because you paid into it through your working years..... Plain and simple it is a form of government assistance like medicare, just more accepted because it is socially more acceptabe. So IT IS OK FOR YOU TO ACCEPT THIS LATER IN LIFE BUT THIS COUPLE CAN'T GET HELP IF THEY NEED IT NOW....???????? Get informed people
you all know you are all guilty of some kind of assistance ....... i am sure anonymous over there gets help from mommy and daddy to buy her house.... not all of us have family to help us out... but regardless we all get help somewhere and everyone gets help from the government
Posted by: kimberly at May 5, 2007 11:36 PM
I read the above articles. It appears that people are extremely worried, that this family will use their tax money. Don't forget, that they didn't ask for sextuplets. Yes, they didn't opt for selection, but lots of other people wouldn't neither. Also, comparing them to other family with six or more children doesnt not bring the point, as these kids were born at once. You can't pass the clothes , shoes, strolles etc, from one another you gotta buy it at once. While i dont like begging neither, and i may not always agree with Kate's behavior (I love Jonathan though) i think they should get some help, definitely, the state should offer it by themselves, and to all other kids who need it too. Mccaugheys got help as well. I certainly am glad I have gosselins in my life even if through tv only. They are awesome and very cute.
Posted by: Nikka at October 15, 2007 09:38 PM
Well, good, keep em then. Wait til you try to help them and they turn on you just like they did on a lot of people in Berks county.
Posted by: a lady who knows at October 22, 2007 09:42 PM
Tough noogies, my zipperhead constituant! If you can't feed 'em, don't breed 'em! And what's going to happen the day the kids look at mommy and want to know why everyone looks the same except her?You couldn't have been happey with two kids, no, not you, so you had 6 more. NOW RAISE THEM and quit bitchin"!
Posted by: Bill Clinton at November 5, 2007 08:22 AM
You all are ridiculous & deserve to rot in hell!!! So many minorities are out there on welfare w/ 5million kids not working when working class have to bust their ass to pay their way. How fair is that, that you have to be ignorant and discuss how KATE should be.
First off, IM ON FERTILITY drugs & if i have 12000 that's MY BUSINESS.
While most of you ignorant people probably have 18 kids a piece that you NEVER took care of.
It's the people who DONT deserve kids pop them out & the ones who really try get bashed.
Kate wouldnt have taken them fertility drugs if she wasnt prepared. They tell you multiples, but sextuplets are very uncommon.
Get a grip, dont hate because you are all still little pe-on's in the world & they are actually good people!
Leave them the hell alone!!! Why dont you get off your computers, get jobs & freaking pay your own damn bills & stop worrying about theirs.
YOU ALL MAKE ME SICK!
Posted by: Pissed OFF!!! at November 15, 2007 01:48 PM
I am appalled by the nasty things people are saying here. First of all, any of you who are like "I have X kids and nobody gives me any special treatment." Did you have 6 at one time? I think that is the main problem here. I think anyone would be completely overwhelmed by having 6 babies at once. Come on now. Give them a break! And people that are commenting obviously haven't had fertility issues...but I won't even go there. Stop being so judgmental. I'm glad you all are so perfect.
Posted by: Kim at November 26, 2007 11:09 PM
Keep up the great work John and Kate! I love you all...... an inspiration to many. You are in my thoughts and prayers always. May your life continue in great blessings and true happiness. To all those who had negative things to say about them...... I'd like to encourage you to wake up! and smell the roses! Don't forget what really matters in this life. John and Kate are building family bonds to last eternally. Shame on you for coveting that. It's so obvious. You should turn your noses back to your own yard..... and think about what you can do in your families to build the same kind of love that they so beautifully share.
Posted by: Lynn at December 3, 2007 04:42 AM
It is not Kate's fault for having mutiples. I do not think that people purposly have mutiples and then go to T.V. I love Jon and Kate plus 8 and I think they are doing fine. GO GOSSELIN FAMILY!
Posted by: Janine at December 17, 2007 10:17 PM
i have read all of these comments on the gosselins. I work as a nurse myself and lpn. I have to agree with the majority of these people. Jon and Kate....get a life! You are getting things from people very cheap if not for free for your family. There was a saying that god won't give you more than you can handle. Well man made fertility drugs not god and you chose fertiliy drugs. Why not have the good sense that god gave you and stop at your twins?? Alot of couples out there that have problems getting pregnant not just you and they can't even afford to adopt or use the fertility drugs even once, and you went for it a second time. To me you made your bed now lay in it. And now the kids are older you are still getting all this publicity and things. I have the show a few times just to see and I can not believe you. First of all you seem to me that you are flaunting all this in everyones faces, telling t.v how much you paid for the meat you bought and then going to disney....for a second time. Many americans can't even afford to go there in a lifetime! You are a whiner about those kids all of the time. Get a job like anyone else to help your husband support the family and if you want to be a stay home mom which is great if you can then stop your bitching about everything and do it on your own. All of the others who have many kids do it. I may not have but one child but that is all we can afford. And it was not easy to have her either but I thank god every day that she is here and that is enough for us. I feel sorry for Jon at times because of your many cuts on him and on television. Bad Kate. He is supporting you and his children the best he can and puts up with alot of crap from you when you are just soooo tired and don't want to deal with the kids. So snap into reality and take care of your family as you should, quit being such a needy beggar. You have had so many handouts from people, I dont mind helping people only the ones that really need it. And be thankful those kids are healthy from being preemie. Alot of kids aren't. By the way Kate, you are a nurse I hardly think you need someone to let you know when your kid is sick and runs a temp.
Posted by: cindy at December 21, 2007 07:10 AM
Jon & Kate ~ Keep up the good work! Your family is beautiful and your relationship with each other is strong. I admire you for putting up with all of the negative comments with such unity. I feel sorry for all those who are choosing to judge your beautiful family. Keep your eyes toward God! I love your show and look forward to watching it!!
Posted by: Erin at January 8, 2008 04:24 PM
I agree wholeheartedly with that LPN. I am an aide who has worked with everything from the cradle to the grave and I KNEW when my daughter (who is now a 17 year old woman) ran a temp, had a rash, etc. and I had no state funded nurse. My mom had seven of us and she knew these things too. Of course, my dad paid the bills and that, but hey, there was no reality shows back then. I HATE THESE whining jerks. I know their former neighbors and they can add credence to this too. In fact, one of the neighbors is the father of a 50 year old schizophrenic who is in the heart ward at the local hospital here and you don't hear HIM whining. He is 86 and has taken care of his son for 35 years and he did not get public sympathy and support(except from friends who cared). At least his son tried to work, which is more than I can say for this gang of whiners. So There.
Posted by: Anonymous at January 13, 2008 10:55 PM
As a mother with twins I can tell you just how offended people get when we simply ask them not to touch our twins. They have gotten illnesses from well meaning people who like to touch touch touch and just a kind no to these people send them into a rage. I do think that Jon and Kate have put some boundaries up and can only imagine the situations that have occurred that have forced this to be the case. I think that most poeple are well meaning but not all. I have found that once you put any boundary up at all, then you are painted as ungrateful or spoiled. I think there is more to this story and my advice to Jon and Kate.....Move to a larger town!
Posted by: Amy at January 29, 2008 12:37 AM
Ok guys that was 2 yrs ago. Give them a break.
Don't believe everything you read. I had one child and sometimes I felt overwhelmed with him. So I can't even imagine what she is going through. Stop the he said she said from ex-volunteers. I'm sure Kate and Jon appreciated them all. You guys all know that having children is stressful and I feel for all of you, especially the ones with special needs and mulitples. It seems to me some of you are a bit jealous and that in itself is not a good or healthy. Emotions expressed on this forum are scary. The state is not going to do anything other than the law itself represents, so let it go. I would have tried if I was her, whether out of pure exhaustion or plain trauma. As far as her parents are concerned and John's, c'mon, not everyones family is that helpful. Think about it and I bet you can come up with a few who wouldn't help you. Maybe they all work supporting their families. I know Jon and Kate appreciate all the help they get but you guys know that you must truly trust and know someone who will take care of your children and allowing complete strangers into your home without knowing their background these days is dangerous. I appreciate her being that protective over her children. I would be that way too.
About the van... My husband is a local Pastor and grew up as a missionarys child. He told stories often of people giving them their discarded clothes with stains and broken furniture. Sad but true. Just because someone gives you their old furniture for your children doesn't mean it's necessarily the cleanest and or safest.
Kate and Jon I'm sure they have their reasons for picking the van they did.
I think they are wonderful parents who love their children very much. And "no" I have never met them or know them. Just a simple observer.
Examine yourselves before judging others.
Peace
Posted by: casey at February 18, 2008 08:36 AM
I love the show and think Jon and Kate are wonderful parents. I am the mother of 40 yr old twins (and one twin has 5 yr old twin girls.) At the time I had my twins, I also had a 3 and 5 yr old. Just having 4 kids 5 and under was almost more than I could handle. (We laugh about it now.) What I can see with all of the negitive commits and nasty remarks from everyone is (one word) JEALOUS!! Be happy for anything good that someone gets and quit with the "sour" attitude. I admire both of these parents and look forward to their show each week. Oh! I had to raise my kids by myself since their father died when they were small.(also their step-father died 10 yrs later.)If life throws you lemons, make lemonade but don't be critical of others. Love One Another and be supportive. That's what it's all about.
Posted by: Gail at March 7, 2008 03:41 AM
I am appalled by many of the hateful, disgusting comments by members of the "community", some community that must have been. I am sure glad I don't live there among a bunch of resentful, nasty jerks who hurl insults and unkind words to someone they do not even know. And based on information that does not paint the whole picture of Kate Gosselin. You all reaffirm to me what I have always heard about lemmings and sheeple and the stories of the unthinking angry mob attacking a person over not much. Sickening.
If this is representative of Berks County, then you all that reside there must be ashamed. I would be. Not very neighborly, is it?
I enjoy watching the show and find Kate to be a loving, wonderful mother who seems flawed in some ways, but I must say WHO ISN'T? If she had lived in my neighborhood during what occurred years ago, I would have been MORE than happy to lend a helping hand. Rather than spewing angry hate on a wasteful blog. I am so glad I live where I do, where members of the community would not be so quick to judge and crucify someone over so little. Berks County, shame on you.
Posted by: Natty at March 18, 2008 09:27 PM
I am sad to read these attacks on a family just trying to figure out the best way to live their lives. Having one baby can put a person into crisis mode amid the sleepless days and nights, let alone 6 babies! This came up when they were still babies. Yes, there are other families with many children, but having that many babies of the same age is not common. Unless you have walked in their shoes, perhaps you shouldn't be judging them. I'd bet many of you posting nasty comments are blind to the unique challenges this family faces. I have met Kate. She is kind and funny. She never once mentioned to me that she had a TV show going or talked about her situation being unfair or a burden. She had no self righteous attitude that so many people seem to accuse her of. So just stop. Pick on someone else. Maybe we can put your lives under a microscope and pick it apart and see what nasty things we can say about you.
Posted by: SaddenedMomma at March 21, 2008 11:31 PM
TO all of you who have some nasty things to say about the gosselins...you'r really messed up if ur gonna talk about them like tis! first off u dont know them and seciund of all john manged to egt a job 12 hours a day not being with his kids ..???????????WHAT IS THT???? HE GOT A GOOD JOB TO SUPPORT HIS FAMILY IT WAS ABOUT SURVIAL SO WATCH WHAT YOU SAY BECAUSE THEY SEE THESE COMMENTS AND THEY DONT NEED ANY OF THIS AND NEWS FLASH JOHN GOT A JOB WHERE ITS FLEXIBLE TO HIS HOURS SO HE COULD BE WITH HIS KIDS! THT THEY LOVE
SO STOP
AND GOD BLESS JOHN AND KATE PLUS 8
Posted by: lllll at May 3, 2008 12:59 PM
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