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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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All of our seniors have witnessed some of
the many landmark events that have shaped the world. Most can recall where
they were and the emotions they felt as they watched these events unfold.
And as they watched, many faced their own struggles, brought on by those
very events, like depression and war. And even during those difficult times,
it was easy to see a brighter future, where the problems of the day faded
into happier times. However, for most of our seniors, the problems of
yesterday have evolved into today’s anxiety and great limitations caused by
poverty and failing health. Homer, 72, and Antoinette, 75, recent additions
to our Senior Citizen Project, are no exception. We are thankful and
fortunate for your sponsorship dollars enabling us to provide them with
greatly needed support and stability each month.
As you are well aware,
our mission is to help seniors in poverty throughout DuPage and Kane
counties. Here at HSP we see the first hand effects of crushing poverty
every day. Whenever we talk to one of our 115 seniors, many of them share
what’s been going on in their lives. Some being good and some being very
sad. Our hearts always go out to them. Many times we wonder just how they
can get by with so many illnesses and financial troubles creating
frustration and worry which always takes a high toll on them. For too many,
sharing their stress of not being able to purchase the things they need is
compounded by their increasing age and failing health. Despite these
challenges, most of our seniors always seem to find something cheery to talk
about in their lives. Many are very strong and courageous. They face each
day with a smile, feeling grateful and counting the few blessings they have.
It is an inspiration for us to see their warm spirits remain positive in the
face of difficult adversities.
Homer was born in
Minnesota and grew up with his family moving around from town to town. When
he reached working age, he continued to move frequently, as was required by
his job. He was an engineer by trade and worked for a company that
outsourced its employees to repair diesel engines in industrial
applications. Antoinette was born and raised in Chicago, but spent many
years moving with Homer as new jobs were assigned to him. Homer served in
the South Pacific for 4 years and the couple, who do not have any children,
lived in South Dakota, Montana, California, Colorado, and Iowa before the
company Homer worked for closed its doors. Shortly thereafter Homer found
work in Chicago as a building engineer, a job that he kept until he retired
at 62. Antoinette worked off-and-on, finding part-time positions but always
knowing that Homer’s work could require a move at any time.
Homer and Antoinette are
very much alone in terms of friends and family. Antoinette’s parents and
siblings have all passed. Homer’s parents have also passed and he has had
little, if any contact with his 5 siblings in the past 40 years. The couple
does not socialize much. Homer said, “We mind our own business and we stay
out of other peoples.”
Antoinette had open heart
surgery in her mid-sixties but is now considered to be in good health. For
Homer on the other hand, every day can be a struggle, as his health is an up
and down rollercoaster. He has had multiple heart surgeries and was just
released from the hospital where he was being treated for bronchial
infections. “You name it, I’ve got it,” he told us. In fact, Homer says that
he does not even know what all of his health issues are because they change
from day to day. Those problems that have been identified require that he
take 16 medications each and every day. Both Homer and Antoinette have
failing eyesight, but Antoinette also struggles with extremely poor hearing.
She said that her hearing aids only help a little because the noise from
electronic devices, like the TV and phone, is very distorted and painful to
listen to.
The couple spends
most of their days in their apartment. Homer will read history or mystery
novels 5 or 6 hours a day. He reads many war novels, including all those by
W.E.B. Griffin at least once. Homer lovingly refers to Antoinette as “a
walking nut.” He went on to say, “she’s always gotta be moving, doing
something.” In the winter when it is too cold to be outside, Antoinette
keeps herself active performing various chores around the apartment. The two
also enjoy watching television, but Antoinette is always struggling to
understand what is being said.
As a result of all of his
medications, Homer follows a strict diet, which precludes all greens. Aside
from that the two said that they love all produce and are “just thrilled to
death about everything that we get.” Homer said that although he is on a
bland diet that he is still able to eat nearly all of the items that they
receive. Both love pork and beef and said that before they started receiving
the deliveries they could not always afford the luxury of 3 quality meals
each day. Homer said, “We eat everything here except the box and I am trying
to figure out how to do that!”
The couple has a monthly
income of $1598. They spend $468 on rent, $100 on their car, and an amount
that fluctuates each month on medical expenses. Now, because of your
sponsorship, Homer and Antoinette can rest knowing that they will always
have a monthly delivery of healthy food, including fresh fruits and
vegetables, bread, frozen meats, and non-perishables. In addition, the
couple knows that they will receive paper products and other personal care
items. We are happy to have Homer and Antoinette in the HSP family and we
are confident that, together, we can help them get through these difficult
times in their life!
Things to remember about Homer and Antoinette:
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Homer was born on September 3, 1934; he will turn
73.
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Antoinette was born on April 11, 1931: she will
turn 76.
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Their monthly income is $1598
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Homer likes to read history and mystery novels.
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Antoinette’s favorite flower is the rose.
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Their favorite colors are blue and black.
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