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Heartstrings

(7,349 posts)
Sun Dec 30, 2018, 06:57 PM Dec 2018

This 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 they’d 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 they’ve arrived in the US, the parents, Jenifer and Alexander, are wearing ankle bracelets and are filled with anxiety about Trump’s 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 I’ve 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 Administration’s daily attacks and demonization.

They’ll never know how grateful I am toward them, and even if I tried to explain it to them, they’d probably think I’m 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

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
This man welcomed a family from Honduras...his story warms my heart....❤️ (Original Post) Heartstrings Dec 2018 OP
Such a lovely post. Paka Dec 2018 #1
After trumps heartless tweet about the children that died Heartstrings Dec 2018 #3
I'm with you there. Paka Dec 2018 #8
It is so very heartwarming, Heartstrings! Cha Dec 2018 #2
Thanks, Cha! Heartstrings Dec 2018 #4
And, a very Healthy Happy Cha Dec 2018 #7
Crying. Happiness for the family and, Aaron Jackson - you ARE a hero! akraven Dec 2018 #5
My pleasure, akraven! Heartstrings Dec 2018 #6
You are one awesome, loving, big-hearted human being. I love you, man. Shine on! ancianita Dec 2018 #9
The family is as beautiful as you are. They will be in your life forever..n/t monmouth4 Dec 2018 #10
K&R treestar Dec 2018 #11

Paka

(2,760 posts)
1. Such a lovely post.
Sun Dec 30, 2018, 07:34 PM
Dec 2018

Thank you so much. We need more of these to reinforce the true spirit of the season.

Heartstrings

(7,349 posts)
3. After trumps heartless tweet about the children that died
Sun Dec 30, 2018, 07:48 PM
Dec 2018

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.

akraven

(1,975 posts)
5. Crying. Happiness for the family and, Aaron Jackson - you ARE a hero!
Sun Dec 30, 2018, 07:53 PM
Dec 2018

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)
6. My pleasure, akraven!
Sun Dec 30, 2018, 08:03 PM
Dec 2018

Not enough positivity, thought we all could use some as this horrendous year winds down.....

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