February 1 we did a distribution at a large school in
Tiruvallur. As we gathered, Ravi, the head of SCAW for the Chennai
distribution, shared that Murray Dryden died 11 years ago on that day. Ravi
requested a minute of silence to remember and honour Murray for his commitment
to needy children in the world. In that moment, Ravi also spoke with gratitude
for SCAW’S connection to India. Having Judy Dryden with us made the silence
more poignant. Our hearts softened as tears silently slipped down her face. The
last greatest act of love is to grieve our losses. Murray is remembered and
held in a place of love and admiration.
 |
| Murray Dryden |
As the Rotarians, SCAW team, and the multitude of
volunteers bowed their heads in respect, a solitary bird sang a melody in tune
with the background hum of traffic drifting over the school's wall.
Excited children's voices trickled in. Murray had a vision so many years ago. A vision
carried forward by his family and volunteers. He would have been so proud to
know that, this year, the 100,000th Chennai bedkit is to be delivered in
Ambattur this week. Over 1,000,000 children sleep better. Over
1,000,000 children have received an otherwise unattainable gift. Over
1,000,000 children have experienced hope for a new, exciting day. All because
one man had a vision.
Donna Chantler for Team Chennai
Post your comments here:
