I was comforted by an unexpected occurence. I knew when it happened that it was my mom reaching out, letting me know, somehow, the next "road less traveled." It came in the form of a phone call and an invitation. My husband, Ralph, a retired AT&T employee, had been a member of the Pioneers, AT&T's non-profit volunteer organization. Ralph was an active member until his return to the workforce. The Pioneers were needing active members to carry on their community service.
About the same time this happened, Comfort House, a non-profit organization, was having a fundraiser. Their flyer popped up on my news feed on Facebook.
Comfort House is a Special Care Facility for patients in their terminal stages of illness, whether it be cancer, Aids, etc. who have prognosis of 4 months or less of life to live. It's their desire to serve those who are in most dire need of their care. It's a 510(c)3 agency and donations are tax deductible.
It's a humble home with 10 bed homelike residences providing 24/7 care to anyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, social status or ability to pay. They work together with a hospice to provide a comfortable, clean place where your loved one can live with love and dignity. Their ministry of love and compassion goes beyond anything I could have imagined. They stand by you in whatever is needed, providing physical comfort, administering medications as directed by the hospice nurse, but what I felt most was the love, and selflessness of each member of their staff. Their love and prayers sustained our family during my mom's short stay.
They don't charge familes for their services. Families of residents are asked to make donations if they're able but it's not required nor expected. Other support comes from the community, gifts, fundraising activities and foundation grants. They do not seek Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement by choice. Community volunteers make up the difference that enables them to operate with a smaller staff. (Comfort House Services Inc. for more information.)
It is their mission to provide a peaceful, homelike environment where a person may die in peace, with dignity, surrounded by loved ones. It is their belief that no one should die in pain nor should they die alone.
They have served the community for 22 years.
So when the Pioneers asked us to continue their community services in the Valley, I jumped at the opportunity. But there is more to the story.
It was where I first heard of Victor Alvarez, a beautiful 23 year-old, who lived at Comfort House as a young boy because his family had given him up due to his illness, spinal muscular atrophy. He was not suppose to live long but he did, long enough to catch the eye of one volunteer, Elva Yolanda Morado, his mother who adopted him. He was a poet, artist, writer (he had column in "The Monitor") and an inspirational speaker. It was Victor who inspired me to return to college and finish my degree. I watched Victor as he attended Rayburn Elementary, then Morris, followed by McAllen High School or McHi as most of us know it. Victor fought to live...but was interrupted. He was called home on August 17, 2010.
Some of us are not crippled in body but in mind. Seeing Victor triumph gave me the courage to go back and finish my degree...in journalism and in life.
You can read more about Victor at Victor Manuel Alvarez - The Monitor
And there is still more...
One of the Pioneer representatives , Belinda Castillo Estrada, was someone from my past. Forty years ago, I was a bridesmaid at her wedding to Mario Estrada in Corpus Christi. Belinda and I hadn't seen each other since her wedding. So it was a homecoming besides a golden opportunity to serve. And just to extend the story further, her next door neighbor at the time was Thomas Weber. He was my escort at her wedding and if the name sounds familiar, it's because he is now married to one of my closest and dearest friend and classmate, Cynthia Garza Weber. As usual there is also another story but we'll let that one be. Everything happens for a reason. And while I may not be able to pronounce that reason at this moment, my life has come full circle, again.
Life is amazing isn't it?...or life can be amazing when you follow the dots...
Comfort House is in much need of donations. They provide meals for the staff and all volunteers. Check out their Wish list. Maybe you have some extra supplies you can spare. They'll appreciate it.
Thank you to the Pioneers, Debbie Martin and Belinda - Comfort House Administrator, Mary Botello and Margaret Gutierrez, administrative assistant - for all you do.
God Bless...
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