Here's the truth about why I ask.... This is the time of year, when you receive lots of donation letters from good causes. But this letter is different. I won’t talk about numbers and statistics of how many people we’ve helped, the services we’ve added, and the funds we’ve raised. You can find all that information in our 2015 Impact Report at www.bridgercare.org. Bridgercare’s Board of Directors would normally write to you, but have allowed me to tell you a story instead. A story of how you’ve made a difference in my life and the lives of our patients. I was unsure of whether or not I wanted to talk about this, but I truly feel you need to know WHY I’m asking you to make a donation to Bridgercare: This summer my family went on vacation to the Oregon Coast. Two long days in the car were worth it once we were playing in the waves and searching every square inch of endless beach for sand dollars. It was the very first time we’d been able to afford a family vacation. One night I stopped by the local grocery store to pick up a few things for breakfast. At the checkout, the woman ahead of me carefully made piles of bread, milk and cheese, each topped with a paper coupon. I recognized them instantly. The realization sent a mixture of sadness and gratitude rushing through my body.There was a problem processing the vouchers and the cashier apologized to the woman, who was now looking at her feet in embarrassment. My heart pounding, my face red hot, I tapped the woman on the shoulder. When she turned to face me, I asked if I could buy her food. She nodded gratefully and left a few minutes later, grocery bags in hand. The cashier exclaimed what a wonderful thing I'd done, while I was choking back the tears, shaking my head, no, no that's not it at all...
“I’ve been there. Five years ago, I was that woman.”