Please meet Doña María Elena Zetino Herrera
One look at this photo, and you can see that this 93-year old woman has seen a lot in her years.
Madre Vilma says that Doña María is quite cheerful but often restless as well. She doesn’t remember the names of her children — and perhaps for a reason. Doña María’s husband passed away about 30 years ago; after that, two of her three sons passed. While these two sons were married with children, Doña María’s daughters-in-law made no effort to help her, nor did her grandchildren.
Doña María had one son remaining, but he has had his own struggles with alcoholism, and left his mother alone for days or weeks at a time without any food. Madre Vilma described for me the “little angels” that began to visit Doña María from time to time — the neighbors who brought her food, and helped to care for her.
After 10 years, though, these volunteers decided the elderly mother needed more than they could offer. They approached Madre Vilma for help, and she gladly took in Doña María.
As with any new arrival at any elder care home, Doña María struggled to adapt to her new surroundings. With time and patience and love, though, she eventually settled in.
When Doña María’s neglectful, alcoholic son showed up one day for a visit with his mother, Doña María was immediately distressed mentally and emotionally. She became restless and agitated and refused to eat or drink for a few days. She also couldn’t sleep.
When she finally settled in once again, Madre Vilma notified the son that he shouldn’t visit again. Her priority is protecting these vulnerable elders, from threats both seen and unseen, and both physical as well as emotional.
Here, a brighter Doña María is happy after a walk around the grounds. At the time of this photo, she had been with us for one year. What a difference some love and compassion can make in an elder’s life!
Thank you to those whose donations provide for all of Doña María’s care, and thank you for being amazing and beautiful human beings!
With gratitude,
Alicia Jean Demetropolis
