Memorial Honoring Donald and Lucas Gingras!

I was down and out spinning my wheels getting nowhere. Legal problems got me into trouble in Walton County and after going to court, found myself serving 30 days. The first few days found me fasting and unable to sleep. This situation changed when I received a surprise visit on my birthday from my son Lucas. He encouraged me to eat and get some rest. He assured me this situation would work out for me, so I followed his advice.

After 1 week in Cell 9 Room 13, I met a man named “Gree” Gree was 15 years younger than my 51 years. He took care of me by sharing the food he got from the jail store. Before I was released he gave me a phone number and a name, Bosco.

I was released after 30 days and with no money, and no ride, I walked 18 miles to Snellville, GA. Spending the next few days outside in the cold and damp. I walked into the Eastside Heritage Center on a Monday morning, sat in the lobby and literally stared at the name Bosco and telephone number for over an hour. I had severe doubts that anything positive would come out of the name and number I had obtained from an inmate at Walton County Jail. A few hours later still doubtful anyone would come, a man, named Bosco picked me up the First Snellville Baptist Church. My life and attitude were revived from that moment on. Bosco bought me some food and set up a bed for me and told me to relax. I was home, safe and secure. He had complete faith and trust in me. I prayed and cried at the same time. God had sent us to each other. Disappointing people close to me was a recurring theme in my life, but no longer. Coincidences do not happen. The old Don and ways had died and a new Don was born. Working with God’s guidance, Bosco would begin to witness the Reaching, Renewing, and Re-establishing philosophy. God Bless you Bosco and all the people who have made this transition program possible.

Friend in Life,

Don – Entered the program October 23, 2006

Life is not a problem to be solved; it is an adventure lived.

On November 8, 2006 Lucas Morin Gingras was in a car accident and lost his life. Lucas, I love you, your family loves you. You will always be my little boy.

Love, Dad (Don)

In Loving Memory of Donald Gingras

Donald Edward Gingras, of Snellville, GA, father of Jesse Gingras, the late Luke Gingras , and step father of David Terry, passed away April 25, 2008. Donald was born and raised in Portland, Maine before he made his home in Georgia in 1985. He is survived by his brother Stephen Gingras of Oklahoma City, OK, his sisters, Elaine Maltais of Epson, NH and Denise Keene of Falmouth, ME, his mother Florence Gingras of Portland, ME, and his fiancé Heather Bowen of Snellville, GA. Donald worked as a registered nurse for many years. The last months of his life he was the resident manager of A Day for New Life of Atlanta, GA. He touched many lives through his association with them.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to A Day for New Life, Inc., (A Georgia non-profit corporation) 595 Piedmont Avenue, Suite 320-250, Atlanta, GA 30308

Click here for a special link to donate.

Dear Friends and Family,

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.

Love, Penny

In Memory of Lucas Gingras

GINGRAS, LUCAS MORIN, 25 Charlotte, NC - Lucas Morin Gingras, age 25 of Charlotte, NC, formerly of Loganville, GA died November 8, 2006 from an automobile accident. He was survived by his mother and step father, Penny and David A. Dicus of Loganville; father, Donald Gingras of Loganville; brothers, David Terry of Alpharetta, Jesse Gingras of Loganville; step brother, Todd Dicus of Hiram; maternal grandmother, Doris Russell of Castine, Maine; paternal grandmother, Florence Gingras of Portland, ME; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. Lucas was a 1999 graduate from South Gwinnett High School and a 2005 graduate from the University of Florida. After graduation from college, he lived with his brother David, in Alpharetta, GA until moving to Charlotte, NC. Lucas was a very loving and caring person who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 11 at 2pm at Wages Snellville Chapel with Rev. Danny Odum officiating. Interment at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 until 9pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers make donations to A Day For New Life, 595 Piedmont Avenue, Bldg 320-250, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.adayfornewlife.org, 404-422-2929, in memory of Lucas Gingras.