On March 11, 2005, Kevin Berthia went to the Golden Gate Bridge. Overwhelmed by depression and medical bills for his premature daughter, he climbed over the rail. California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Briggs walked up and started talking. Berthia later said it was the compassion in Briggs’ voice that let him lower his guard. They talked for 92 minutes about everything he was facing. Briggs helped him see that his daughter, whose first birthday was the next month, needed him. Berthia climbed back over. Years later the two met again, and Berthia said the friendship works because Briggs never judged him. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer is a patient ear and a voice full of compassion.
