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7 selections of fresh vegetables
6 selections of
fresh fruits
7 varieties of
frozen meats
5 bags of
non-perishables
1 bag of paper
products and personal care items
Gifts from a Secret Pal
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It is heartbreaking when tragedy strikes truly
decent people who deserve nothing but bliss and comfort in their lives. As
painful as it is to deal with loss and sorrow in our own lives it can often
be equally hurtful to bear witness to bad things happening to wonderful
people. But, like all negativity, these tragedies can stir us to commit
great acts of compassion. So it was when we met Wilma and her husband Carl
in 1999. Their dire situation filled our hearts with the desire to improve
the quality of their lives. Thanks to your generous donation, Don and Beth,
we have been consistently able to do just that! It has already been a year
since we last updated you on Carl and Wilma, so we thought you would like to
know how they are doing, as well as learn a bit more about these wonderful
people we are so privileged to serve.
As you know, Carl and
Wilma both have extremely serious health problems. Carl has dangerously high
blood pressure and heart problems. He also has Alzheimer’s disease. It is
deeply saddening for Wilma to experience Carl’s loss of memory as his
condition worsens. Wilma, however, has her own health to worry about as
well. Cancer claimed one of her lungs, a kidney and half of her stomach. She
is blind in one eye and has had three heart attacks. She also suffers from
breathing trouble, seizures and nervous problems. Each day she still has to
take nineteen different medications! It is a true testament to her strength
that she is able to take care of both her own health problems as well as
Carl’s.
It would be nice to say
that Wilma’s life was once more idyllic than this. Sadly, this would be a
lie. Wilma was born in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in
Tennessee in 1936. As a young girl she dreamed of meeting her perfect man
and raising a family. She married for the first time at age 16 and had two
daughters by her first husband. This was not the dream marriage she had
wished for as a child, however. The couple was divorced by the time Wilma
was 21.
Wilma struck out on her
own and moved to Chicago. Working as a waitress she began to save enough
money to support herself. Wilma’s happiness would not last, however. She was
married twice more and both times was widowed when her husband suffered a
fatal heart attack. She became depressed after this, wondering if she would
ever be able to find happiness.
Carl had grown up in East
St. Louis, and led a quiet life compared to Wilma. He had never been married
until he moved to Chicago and fell in love with Wilma. Finally, things
seemed to be going right for poor Wilma, who had such bad luck in love.
Eventually, however, health problems began to affect both Carl and Wilma,
making their lives more and more difficult. Nine years ago a heart attack
also claimed another of Wilma’s close companions as her son from her second
marriage passed away. With a combined income of only $600, and expenses
totaling almost $700 it seemed as if the couple’s situation was truly
hopeless.
Carl and Wilma’s story
saddened us, but we knew that we could make their lives better. We could not
sit idly by to let more tragedy enter their lives when we could intervene
and ease some of their stress and pain. Now, Carl and Wilma never have to
worry about their cupboards being bare. Thanks to the support you have given
Carl and Wilma for all these years, we have been able to provide nourishment
and personal care items for them which they would have had no way of
affording without outside help. When we think of the difference that our
combined care has made in the lives of Wilma and Carl we are filled with
joy. It is never too late to assist those in need.
Things to Remember about Carl & Wilma:
• Wilma’s birthday is April 26, 1936
• Carl’s birthday is June 17, 1928
• Their monthly income is $600
• Their favorite foods include pork chops and spare ribs
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