Madre Vilma’s newest resident has an especially heart-breaking story.
This man has been blind and mute his entire life. Now, because of his old age, he is practically deaf as well. This photo is one that Madre Vilma took when volunteers arrived to rescue him.
He had been provided with a temporary home by a neighbor some years ago. We don’t know the circumstances behind the arrangement, or what the plans were (since he was unable to fully care for himself, and he was never married and had no children). What we do know is that he was given a place to stay…and that’s about it.
As with other elders that come to stay at Hogar Betania, his neighbors had tried to help this old man, and had visited him from time to time, but they could only do so much.
He lived like this, bed-bound, for 20 years before the neighbors finally called for help. This man had become too malnourished and too sick for them to help.
When Madre Vilma got the call for help, she knew she had to take him in. She has taken a vow of service — service not just to God, but to others. Here’s the old man, being transported by volunteers to his new life at Hogar Betania.
Imagine not being able to see or speak, barely being able to hear anything. Imagine being so old and so frail that every movement pretty much intensifies your aches and pains. Now, imagine being lifted up by strangers and somehow knowing that you’re going to be safe. Finally safe.
Now, at Hogar Betania, life opened up for him. For the first time in perhaps 20 years or more, this man had steady interaction with people who love him. He had regular meals, regular baths, and clean clothes. He had people to stroke his head and kiss his cheeks. He had hugs and human interaction and genuine love all around him.
But he didn’t have a name.
It’s not that he forgot his name. No. It’s that no one knew his name. Not the neighbors, nor this man. In fact, he told Madre Vilma that he didn’t even have a name.
So Madre Vilma and her staff decided to do something about it.
They had him baptized.
Please join me in greeting Don Juan José.
Here’s Don Juan in his new bed and new clothes.
He is slowly regaining some weight, and the human interaction and love are bringing out a new joy and peace in him that you can see in the photo here.
Don Juan is no longer bed-bound and he doesn’t have to wonder if he’ll have anything to eat today, or tomorrow, or the next day.
Madre Vilma and the nuns have become his family.
Your donations help us to keep Don Juan safe in his new home. We thank you!
