My prayer of 27 years ago has been answered. Before I tell you how Bridge of Hope was a part of that, let me tell you how I came to know about Bridge of Hope.
It was 6am on a cold morning last November. As Mary, Kelly and I did our early morning walk, they started talking about Bridge of Hope, how happy they were to be involved it in and how this was unique in serving our community. The seed was planted. I continued hearing more over the next few months, and when Mary told me they needed a website and blog, I said, “I’ll do it”. I had only created one website/blog for my own business, so there were gaps in my skills, no doubt! But, I had the feeling if I needed help, I would find it!
As I read through all the Bridge of Hope materials and worked on design and content for the website, something happened that I was quite unprepared for.
I started thinking about my own situation back in 1982. My husband and I were living in northwestern Connecticut with our 20 month old son and 6 week old twins. It was a hectic but happy time in our lives. I recall quite clearly the day he came home and said his company was downsizing and his engineering position had been cut. We cut expenses down to the bare necessities, sought out every support we could, but watched as our savings dwindled. My constant prayer was “Lord, please give me courage and strength to care for my family”. I wrote out the last mortgage check, and we prepared to sell everything and move to my parents in Maryland. We were so very grateful to have a place to go to. Then, at the last minute, Bill received a good job offer.
As our life returned to normal, I found myself saying another prayer, beyond that of thanks. I prayed to be able to reach out and help other mothers who were struggling.
Back to today! Because of my personal experience, I know all too well how a family can be turned upside by one life event, and how that family needs all the support they can get. I am so thankful to be a part of Bridge of Hope so I can now reach out and help other mothers!
And, that is how my prayer has been answered….after 27 years.
{ 2 comments }
Thanks for sharing this very powerful story! It is always so moving when we recognize our own vulnerabilities to the struggles of life!
Hi Dale,
Thank you for posting and sharing your personal story. Your real appreciation for the Bridge of Hope mission is evident. This summer all 4 of my children are experiencing a parallel that helps them understand how desparate things get without someone to help:
Andrea- currently living with her 2 children in temporary housing( summer cabin) in Italy while her husband hopes that his job will not end after the 90 days and hiring freeze predicted.
Adrienne- husband lost his job and she finds herself the breadwinner for their family of 3.
Audrey-could not afford the accumulated IU tuition, rent, etc. moves back home only to find no work to pay those bills.
Anthony-in an attempt to accumulate some funds decides to live out of his car prior to his deployment to Guam for the Navy.
It is amazing to see what the human spirit is capable of…..I am proud to be connected to the Bridge of Hope people both local and national….Thanks for joining us in this blessed work!
Mary
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