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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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Children often grow up thinking their lives
will unfold just like a fairy tale. It is their destiny to marry the prince
or princess next door, move into a castle filled with treasures they earned
through incredible acts of bravery, and live happily ever after. That fairy
tale does not usually play out in full for most people. For most of the
seniors in our program, life is nothing like this perfect picture at all.
However, some refuse to give up on this childhood fantasy altogether. No one
would see the life of 68 and 67 year old George and Patricia as a wonderful
Walt Disney movie filled with songs and heroes, but these two seniors have
held onto that idea of young love since meeting at age 3. Now, after 47
years of marriage, the couple still holds onto the love, but struggles with
financial and health issues and the strain of raising teenage grandchildren.
Thanks to your help there is one concern this couple does not have to face
as we can relieve some of their stress with our monthly grocery delivery. We
would like to take this opportunity, to share with you a little information
about George and Patricia.
George and Patricia grew
up together in Chicago. They were married at ages 20 and 21, soon producing
two daughters. George had a steady job as a Pace truck driver, but was not
bringing in enough money to support his growing family. The financial
burdens began to set in as the couple was forced to refinance their home
several times, crippling any chance to save for their retirement. As the
years passed, George and Patricia’s children grew up and started their own
families, producing six grandchildren. Sadly, one daughter married an
alcoholic and is unable to care for two of her four children. Despite their
age and increasingly poor health, George and Patricia welcomed the teenage
boys into their home and provide them with the emotional and material
support they need. Unfortunately, the task of raising children has taken a
noticeable physical and mental toll on the couple.
Physical drain should not be
hard to notice in both George and Patricia as both are suffering from
several health conditions. Both suffer from arthritis, diabetes, and high
blood pressure, with George’s back also being affected by a bad accident
years ago. Patricia is confined to a wheelchair due to degenerating bone
disease, has leaking heart valves, ulcers, and a cataract in one eye. Paying
for any treatment is a treacherous climb with a combined income of only
$1566/month. George is attempting to find work again to help pay the bills,
but is caught in a catch-22 as his health must improve first.
With all of these
obstacles crashing in their path, it is a wonder George and Patricia do not
complain more. This couple, however, finds happiness in any aspect of their
life that offers it. Patricia collects recipes and loves to cook and bake
cookies. George’s passion lies in fishing and anything to do with horses.
Both like to escape into a world of literature, George choosing western
novels over Patricia’s inspirational readings. Although they are not avid
television watchers, good comedies like Everybody Loves Raymond and Friends
keep their spirits up in the face of daily hurdles. Of course, nothing keeps
George and Patricia happier than family. Whether it is the grandchildren for
which they care, the grandchildren that come to visit, or the neighbor they
treat as a daughter, George and Patricia are glad to put their own cares
aside and bond with their loved ones. We thank you for becoming part of our
family at HSP by providing the five fresh fruits, six fresh vegetables, 7
frozen meats, non-perishable goods, paper products, and Secret Pal gifts
every month to keep George and Patricia’s version of a fairy tale alive.
Things to Remember about George and Patricia:
• George’s birthday is November 23, 1937, Patricia’s is August 25, 1938.
• They’re combined income is $1566/month.
• They are raising their two grandsons, ages 14 and 17
• Patricia enjoys cooking/recipes, George enjoys Westerns and fishing.
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