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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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Here
at HSP, we often hear heartbreaking stories of loss and hardship from our
seniors. Sometime it can be difficult for us to learn some of what our
seniors go through on a daily basis. For many of them, deprivation and
despair are nothing new. They have endured a lifelong struggle with poverty
which has only gotten worse as they grow older. When we hear their stories,
however, it only strengthens our resolve to continue to bring compassion
into their lives with our Senior Citizen Program. One senior who has had a
particularly harsh life is Victoria. At 89 years old, Victoria has had a
lifetime of tragedy which would stir sympathy in even the most cynical among
us. We are so thankful to you for your help in bringing an extra gift to
this woman who has been through so much, and we wanted to share some of her
story with you.
Chicago was where
Victoria spent her childhood, but her family moved to a farm when she was
young. She fondly remembers playing with the animals on the farm, saying
that they kept her company because the isolation of living on a farm meant
she had few friends. Victoria’s mother died of scarlet fever when she was
young and her father and oldest brother left her and her siblings on the
farm for a whole year while they went to Chicago to find work. She says that
during this time no one ever came by to check up on them. These harrowing
events were merely foreshadowing a life filled with tragedy and anguish.
Victoria was married to a
man named Edward who she loved dearly. Edward died in his 50's of a heart
attack, however, leaving Victoria to take care of their 3 children. Victoria
considers herself lucky, however, because most of Edward’s family had
already passed away of heart attacks in their early 40's. Edward and
Victoria had three children, one of whom was adopted because Victoria almost
died in childbirth delivering her second child. Only one of her children is
still alive. Her first child died when their upstairs neighbor fell asleep
smoking and their apartment burned down. Victoria was so distraught she had
a heart attack and was hospitalized. Victoria’s second child died when a
drunk driver ran over her in a stolen truck. As if all of this wasn’t enough
for one woman to take, her remaining child has cancer in her spine, and
Victoria was forced to raise her grandchildren because her mother was too
sick.
Complicating matters
further are Victoria’s numerous health problems. She has had 24 surgeries in
the last few years, mostly on her knees and hips. She has great difficulty
walking because of this. She also had a stroke a few years ago. As a final,
cruel twist of fate, this poor woman who has suffered so much can’t even lie
down because it causes her too much pain in her hip. Instead, Victoria has
to sleep sitting up in a chair. On an income of only $736 a month it’s
unbelievable that she is able to press on.
When we first met
Victoria in 2003 we were filled with sadness at her situation, but her story
also moved us to act. We knew we could make a difference in her life!
Victoria has had much to worry about over the years, but she can rest
assured that she will never have to worry about where her next meal will be
coming from. Each month she is delighted to receive 90 lbs. of groceries
including non-perishables, fresh produce, paper products and personal care
items delivered right to her door by one of our volunteers. She says that in
89 years no one has helped her like we have. We’ve even arranged for an
Eagle scout to build a wheelchair ramp for her trailer, making it easier for
her to get in and out! Victoria’s story may be grievous, but we are
confident that, thanks to your support, Denise, we can bring comfort to her
life.
Things to Remember about Victoria:
• Victoria’s birthday is December 23, 1914.
• She has a puppy who keeps her company.
• She likes waffles and vegetables.
• Her income is $736 a month.
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