For all of you who share in the The 10/20 Project on a regular basis, or know Ron or I personally, you’ve undoubtedly heard us mention our friend, Rickey.  As with many of you, Rickey has been a great supporter of The 10/20 Project.  The difference is that Rickey has also been a recipient of the services of The 10/20 Project.   Rickey loves to read and he loves to write.  I asked him yesterday if he’d consider writing something we could post on the website.  Something about his experience with The 10/20 Project.

Although Ron and I are mentioned, I want to be clear that this letter is not about Ron and I.  This letter is about anyone who has contributed and supported The 10/20 Project.   I share with you these treasured words:

“My name is Rickey and I am simply writing to say thanks to Ron and Karin and to all of those who have contributed to The 10/20 Project.  As a homeless person, your care for people and caring about people has encouraged me and given me strength.  I no longer feel that all is lost.  I feel as though there is a whole new world out there and it is simply time for me to start a new beginning.  The 10/20 Project has given me a new outlook on life, but they have also given me basic needs to maintain my personal hygiene, take care of my cleanliness and wash my clothes.  To all of the people with The 10/20 Project thank you for your love and support.”  -R.W.W.

The Blind Side has a scene where Sandra Bullock is out lunching with some of her girlfriends.  One of them says, “You’re changing that boy’s life.”  To which Sandra replies, “No, he is changing mine.”   Well, Rickey, you have changed mine.   As a wise man recently said to me, “It is never about us.  It is always about our service to others.”  Your service, your support, your contributions have made a difference in the life of Rickey and countless others.