DAHLIA Soars because of Clipped Wings

A rainy, dreary April afternoon instantly turned bright and joyful as a group of DAHLIA staff and board members gathered to welcome 4 inspiring women from the Seattle Chapter of Clipped Wings at Halcyon. The ladies of Clipped Wings have been long time supporters of DAHLIA – helping at auctions, assembling newsletters, sponsoring events and even playing Santa’s helpers.

Dottie Bledsoe

On this afternoon, however, they came to bestow a very special gift. One of their own, Dottie Bledsoe, a nurse and former flight attendant, passed away several years ago. For she and her husband, Ben, helping the differently-abled community was a calling. Their will bequeathed a large sum to Clipped Wings with instructions to distribute to deserving organizations whose mission was to improve the lives of differently abled adults. DAHLIA Living was selected as one of four recipients of the Bledsoe’s donation.

Cheryl Jordan accepted the check on behalf of DAHLIA from Peggy Parietti. Cheers erupted and eyes grew teary as everyone in the room marveled at the magnitude of this gift. For years, DAHLIA has struggled with vehicle and transportation challenges that require more funds than were available. With this check, DAHLIA can fully replace an aging van – and even equip it with needed wheelchair lifts – and have money to spare.

The presentation was followed by a lovely reception coordinated by the Halcyon staff and a tour of the home with introductions to our residents.

To the ladies of Clipped Wings – especially Peggy, Sharon Loosmore, Jan Hoetmer and Chris Burtchett - everyone at DAHLIA thanks you for entrusting us with the legacy of your friend Dottie – as well as for your continued support and service to our community. You are truly an inspiration to us all.

Dottie Bledsoe requested this poem be read at the presentation:

Thank you Clipped Wings!

Afterglow - by Helen Lowrie Marshall

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.