The Power of Connection

Have you ever had a chance encounter that took your breath away?

I met Ron in the CVS parking lot to deliver power tools he was buying from one of my home organizing clients. I’m not sure how the conversation started -- these are usually quick transactions -- but we got to talking about the value of donating unwanted items to nonprofits instead of throwing them out.

Ron told me about his daughter Elizabeth, an executive chef, who struggled with addiction for years. She went to Oxford House in Indianapolis, which provides safe and supportive housing for individuals in recovery. After getting clean, she worked there as a chef. Tragically, after a year of sobriety, Elizabeth was killed by a drunk driver in April 2020. Due to pandemic restrictions at the time, Ron wasn’t allowed to see her body or touch her; he identified her from a picture.

It took my breath away.

In light of their experience and informed by their faith, Ron and his wife are committed to giving back to Oxford House and other nonprofits. I was so touched by his story; we were both near tears, grateful for our meeting.

I meet a lot of people in my work; this encounter was too powerful not to share. It was a stunning example of the power of connection.