Donald Gingras Memorial Letter

As you know Donald Gingras died tragically in a car accident on April 25, 2008. He was Luke and Jesse's Dad, Dave's step-Dad, my friend and former husband, Heather Bowen's fiancé, and Bosco Cole's soul mate. Donald followed many paths he should not have explored in his life and made decisions I know he lived to regret. When Bosco and A Day for New Life came into Donald's life, he was a man near the end of his options...he was in and out of jail, heavily into drugs and alcohol, living on the streets, estranged from all friends and family. But on October 23, 2006 a man named Bosco changed the course of self destruction Donald was on.

While Donald was in jail another inmate gave him a number to call when he got out. It took a few days but he finally called and within a few hours Bosco from A Day for New Life was there to take him to the Center. Bosco brought him food, a place to sleep, talked with him, listened to him and witnessed the Reaching, Renewing, and Re-establishing philosophy of A Day for New Life with him. The purpose of the organization A Day for New Life is to give another chance by learning to put your faith and trust in your Higher Power and surrender yourself. It is a transformational program that offers men a new and productive way of life. Donald was ready and embraced Bosco and his new found home. He found sobriety on that day in October, 2006 and remained sober to the day he died. He worked hard at the Center and eventually extended himself to the other men who found themselves there. Bosco showed him respect an d trust and Donald became the resident manager of A Day for a New Life. He had health problems but sought to resolve them rather than drown them. He formed a loving relationship with Ms Bowen and her family. He reached out to his brother, and sisters, mother and nephews. He saw Luke the weekend before Luke died and felt Luke was always there on his shoulder guiding him. He wanted to reconnect with Jesse and Dave and earn their respect once again. He died before his work was done. At Donald's funeral there were many men and their families who came to tell us their stories and how Donald had helped or inspired them on their own road to recovery.

If you were thinking of giving to a charity this might be the one for you. It is not often that we can give to a charity that touched someone we are personally involved in. Donald is only one story of transition to a new life this remarkable man Bosco and A Day for New Life. Please if you feel compelled to give, I can validate that Bosco and A Day for New Life is a worthy cause.