We see the good. We see the bad. We see the in-between too. Sometimes we understand. Sometimes we don’t. But every now and then someone does or says something with complete clarity. Their words may be many, or just a few.
But they speak them in a way that leaves no question as to what they mean. What they’re feeling. Those moments touch us quickly because everything that needs to be said gets said right then.
David rides the bus several miles to get food for his four cats. Each one of them has been spayed and neutered. He’s no longer a young man and he lives on a budget that would make you blush. He’s also suffered some hearing loss, so he asked us to speak a bit louder when we talk with him.
He arrives and takes his seat like clockwork. He greets everyone and makes us feel appreciated. We know his name and he knows ours. He lifts our spirits.
In a rare moment he missed a Pongo day. But he was back on schedule the next time. We were happy to see him back, but it was his few words that painted the picture.
He said “I missed you guys. Coming to Pongo is the only time I get out to socialize.” Those words were followed by a BIG SMILE. Pongo Manager Andrea quickly told him that we missed him too. It was true.
David comes to The Pongo Fund to get food for the cat family that is his only family. Trusting us with both his hope and his dignity. From the time he leaves his home to when he returns, he’s spent about four hours.
That’s four hours he’ll never get back. But according to David, he gets something far more valuable. He gets to be among friends. His Pongo friends.
We don’t know his birthday or his favorite sports teams. But we’re friends. Being there for friends.
And this is why we Pongo. thepongofund.org