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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThis man welcomed a family from Honduras...his story warms my heart....❤️
The Honduran refugee family that I sponsored has arrived at my house and is all set up in my RV motorhome (parked in my driveway). When they set out on foot months ago, I'm sure that they never imagined that theyd make it to sunny Los Angeles and all of the comforts of the first world. When I first met them in Tijuana, they were literally sleeping on the floor, starving, and sick as can be.
Now that theyve arrived in the US, the parents, Jenifer and Alexander, are wearing ankle bracelets and are filled with anxiety about Trumps threats and their looming court date/asylum proceedings but I can assure you that their good spirits are intact. After they unpacked their few belongings, I put on their favorite song and we all danced like one big, happy family.
They are so humble and appreciative for all of the help that they have received along the way from kind-hearted strangers, but the funny thing is, I think Ive gotten more benefit out of our friendship than they have. Jenifer just surprised me by cooking a fantastic meal, young Alexandra just picked a grapefruit and sliced it for me, and Alexander is already doing handy-work around the house to help me out, all without being prompted to.
2018 was a very tough year for me both personally and professionally, so I was feeling blue and dreading spending a lonely New Year without my family (I cut my family Holiday vacation short and flew back from Mexico to receive them), but having them here and being treated like a part of their family has not only warmed my heart and made me appreciate all of the blessings life has afforded me, but it has also rekindled my passion and dedication to protecting desperate refugees and their families from the Trump Administrations daily attacks and demonization.
Theyll never know how grateful I am toward them, and even if I tried to explain it to them, theyd probably think Im crazy... but like Gandhi once said, The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
For me, his timeless words ring truer than ever today.
*Posted on Facebook by Omar Rivero, founder of Occupy Democrats...The sponsors name is Aaron Jackson
Paka
(2,760 posts)Thank you so much. We need more of these to reinforce the true spirit of the season.
Heartstrings
(7,349 posts)I read this and Knew I had to share it, if only to confirm the fact that there are good, humane people still in our country....we at du are compassionate, I know. But this story gave me hope.
Paka
(2,760 posts)We all need a big dose of hope these dark days.
Cha
(295,913 posts)Heartstrings
(7,349 posts)Hello to you and your family! And Happy New Year!
🥂 🍾 🎇 🎆 🎊 🎉
Cha
(295,913 posts)New Year to you and yours, Heartstrings!
akraven
(1,975 posts)Angry tears at sTrump and his racist buddies in the administration. If we had a motorhome or any extra room (16x16 cabin) I'd be happy to welcome some refugees.
THANK YOU Heartstrings for this uplifting and wonderful story.
Heartstrings
(7,349 posts)Not enough positivity, thought we all could use some as this horrendous year winds down.....
ancianita
(35,812 posts)monmouth4
(9,664 posts)treestar
(82,383 posts)This is how America really is. Not what the Trumpets say it is.