I sat facing both Tom and Anne as they told their heartbreaking story.  Tom's cheeks were soaked with tears and yet more tears continued to stream down his face.  Anne listened carefully, adding what she could.

Their story impacted me deeply and, so much so, it is difficult for me to describe the almost physical nature of that impact.  Then, near the end of the interview I was stunned to realize what had been missing:  Tom had not touched his face to wipe away his tears or even put a hand to his face as he grieved - not once, in almost two hours.

I knew then I had just witnessed a level of openness beyond anything I had ever experienced.  His words were a bridge between earth and heaven and back again as he spoke of loving his life and his family and, yet, he had a burning desire to be with God.  Even as that burning desire grew, his desire to be with his family did not decrease.  He came as close to living fully in both worlds as I have ever seen.

I am so grateful to have met Tom Medved.  I will never forget him or what I learned in his presence for as long as I live.  I know that sounds very cliche so let me say it another way:  I will intentionally remember Tom always.  I know all of his friends and loved ones will miss him dearly.

I believe his description of how The Lighthouse Community helps Clients will never be improved upon - certainly not by me.  His words and passion have helped us immeasurably.  If you have not done so already, take a few minutes and watch Tom's YouTube video clip.  The link to the video is on our homepage next to Tom's picture.  His words are powerful.

Please tell everyone you know about The Lighthouse Community.  We need your help to help others.  You can begin by sending this blog to everyone you know.  We need more business partners, media access, and financial contributions.  We are now registered to help clients in all 50 states.  There are thousands of people just like Tom and Anne that need our help.  Please help us help them.

Thank you, Dale Reed

Early this year I met a man named Frank in a most unusual way.  He had passed away just a day or two before.  All day long, and into the evening, wave after wave of family and friends came to his home to express their condolences.  They told stories of his kindness, generosity, contentment, and his storytelling - always his storytelling and his laugh.

Frank was my father but I knew him as dad or Don. Upon marrying Luisita 10 years before, he had begun using his first name, Frank.  Everyone in his adopted home of Costa Rica knew him as Frank.  I learned more about my father that day from total strangers than I could have possibly imagined.  For me, sadly, it was a stunning new portrait of my dad.  While I had certainly seen these qualities before, I now see them more vividly, more profoundly.

I say, sadly, because while our relationship was cordial and loving in many ways, this new portrait would have been helpful.  His illness was very brief and his death quite sudden.  I always thought there would be plenty of time to reconcile our differences - either real or imagined. 

Why am I sharing this personal story?  Maybe your friend or loved one is a Client of The Lighthouse Community.  If so, you still have an opportunty to reconcile real or imagined differences.  I urge you to do so today.  The Lighthouse Community is designed to help you take this step.

Please click on the "Tell a Friend" link below and send this post to everyone you know.  We are ready to serve Clients and partner with organizations anywhere in the country but we need your help to spread the news.

Thank you, Dale Reed

Two years ago an unexpected moment happened in our family - an extraordinary moment, one that will remain in our family lore forever.

Our daughter, Monica, had just landed in Paris to begin an exciting tour of Europe.  She made a beeline to the nearest bathroom and as she exited the bathroom there stood her grandfather.

Now for the extraordinary part:  This moment was not planned - the flights were scheduled independently and neither one knew of the others plans.  Monica had departed from Seattle, my dad from San Jose, Costa Rica and it was the first flight to Paris for both of them. 

And yet, there he was, standing outside that bathroom door at the precise moment she exited - an extraordinary, incomprehensible moment.  Breathtaking, really.

How does this relate to you or The Lighthouse Community?  Well, we all have unexpected moments in our lives and sometimes they take our breath away.  Maybe you or someone you love has heard a doctor say, "You have cancer and....".  That becomes a breathtaking, mind-numbing, and unexpected moment - one that is always remembered and yet somehow distant and surreal.

The Lighthouse Community offers hope in a simple way - People Helping People.  We provide a mechanism that offers clients both meaningful social interaction and much needed financial support. 

Please use the "Tell a Friend" link below and send this post to everyone you know. 

Thank you, Dale Reed, Founder 

I am now enduring a sleepless night and sunrise is coming very soon.  Last evening when I smashed my thumb in a car door, I had two immediate thoughts, "When did I last do something that stupid? and Boy, that is going to hurt!".  Then it started hurting.

Nothing seems to deaden the dull throbbing pain so I have resigned myself to writing this blog and taking care of a few other things - a much better alternative to more tossing and turning in bed.  My thoughts turn to people struggling with real pain - both physical and emotional.

Someone you care about may be "tossing and turning" this very night as they struggle with the pain of a catastrophic illness.  If they are a TLC Client you can help them by sending an encouraging message or a tax-deductible donation.  More than anything else they need to know that you care about them - that gives them hope and the courage they need to endure.

Or, if they are not currently a TLC Client, direct them to our website.  We want to help.  Please use the "Tell A Friend" function below and send this post to everyone you know.

Dale Reed, TLC Founder

Perhaps you are familiar with this African proverb, "The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago.  The second best time is now."

Maybe you know someone that has been struggling with a catastrophic illness for several years.  You want to help them but you are not sure how and doing so may seem awkward as years have gone by since their initial diagnosis.  What to do?

The "second best time" for helping them is right now.  Tell them about The Lighthouse Community.  We will do the hard work and you get to participate.   I can assure you, they will be encouraged by your gift of caring.

Dale Reed

Some time back I sent out a link to this website because I believe it is a great resource to keep in mind if you ever face a catastrophic illness or injusry in your family.  Please take the time to get familiar with how this resource works and the stories of those who have been helped.  It is truly inspiring.

It has been such a thrill to be on the launch team for T.L.C..  Going from the initial conception of an idea that  "might just work" to the 501 (c) 3 Non-profit we see today has just been incredible. The stories of people that have been helped, the encouragement they have received and the amount of money raised is just amazing.  And now, we are poised today to serve more people than we could have ever imagined.  These are truly Exciting Times! Please join Dale, Ken, me and the others, as we seek to get the word out about this amazing tool.  Thanks for stopping by-

Everyone reading this blog is an important part of The Lighthouse Community. You cared enough for a family member, friend, co-worker, or even a stranger to give them financial help in their time of need. Your donations have encouraged TLC Clients perhaps more than you may realize.

To date over 600 people from 3 foreign countries, 35 states, and 235 cities have donated $227,243. Take a minute to review our 2008 and 2009 financial results. Click on the "Financial Transparency" button above to see more details.Please note that nearly 94% of all donated money went to our Clients.

We are now ready to serve Clients in all 50 states. Please tell everyone you know about our services. The application process is very simple - go to the homepage, click on the "To Apply" button, and follow the directions - it's that easy!

I urge you to forward our website to people struggling with the financial impact of catastrophic illnesses or events. We are here to serve them and it is free. Our program is very compelling: Donors receive a tax receipt, Clients receive tax-free income.

Thanks for your support,

Dale Reed TLC Founder