Rainbow Families Foundation Newsletter - March 2003

March 2003

I am well and have a extra boost of energy. The past 3 days have made all this work worth the hard and grueling effort. The fund raising campaign has been very, very difficult in a country that is so poor, however, the dividends of joy cannot be bought with money. Jose Antonio continues to improve. The radiography test was performed on Thursday and the barium passed through his esophogas. Thursday he drank milk and orange juice for the first time in about 15 months. Friday he had creamed soup and was so looking forward to eating smashed potatoes today. The excitement and joy from him and his mother has made this long journey something to never forget. He is so precious. One of the people that helps me asked why don't I take him home. I see that he is the favorite of his mother and father and the other four children seem to be like step-children. I hope that changes when Jose Antonio is healthy and not attached to his mother's hip anymore. I think I told you that the little sister cries when the mother tries to take her. She is cared for by the 8-year old sister. Jose Antonio's mother kept telling him that I am his second mother. I asked that she please not say this to him. When she would say this he would look at me with such deep thought in his eyes. He is only 3 years old and I don't want to confuse him to think that I will always be here for him. She is young and uneducated and I am sure she doesn't understand. I took time yesterday to visit some of the people, businesses and politicans who donated money and update them on Jose Antonio's progress. I was so caught up in emotion that each time I would start crying tears of happiness. I wanted the people to know that Jose Antonio would not have been able to have this operation if it wasn't for their generosity. When I would show the people that their contribution was deposited in the bank they did not even want to see the passbook. They have total faith and confidence in me. Several of them said that I saved his life. I feel that I was only the vehicle that enabled the surgery to happen. It was the good work of the doctor that saved his life. Unfortunately we are still lacking about $1,000 before converting to pesos. I would like to leave enough money in the account for Corina to disburse to Jose Antonio's mother so she can continue the follow-up visits, medical tests, motorconcho, public car, bus, meals, etc. to go to Santo Domingo and then taxi to get around in Santo Domingo for the next 10-12 months. We have come so far, I don't want this to end in a tragedy because she didn't have the money to continue treatment. The meeting with city hall was postponed until Monday. It is on their agenda to approve a donation. Wish me luck. I have learned some other contacts that I must make. Some people simply just don't care when I explain the situation. We'll see what happens. Corina's 62nd birthday was Thursday the 13th and I was just passing making a quick stop at her house and they invited me for her surprise party. The daughters-in-law prepared a wonderful luncheon with a huge cake. Lunch is the big meal of the day and the food was delicious. She tells everybody that I am her daughter and her kids are my brothers and sisters. She is a very special woman, always giving of herself and asking for nothing. Dana (from Minnesota) came here and brought many donations. She emailed that she will try to send another check on her next payday. The check from the man named Norman (I think) was introduced to me by Jacobo. He was a tourist in his hotel. Rita said she sent a check and also a check from the band teacher at the Kirtland High School from their holiday concert. Three more families are coming soon and bringing donations. I am asking for school supplies for the school in Arroyo de Leche. It is so far removed way out in the countryside. I was impressed with the Director and teacher coming so far for the needs of the children. Especially in light that their pay is so little. On occasion I get to watch CNN and am so saddened to see what is happening in the world. A few times Europeans will talk to me about Bush. The majority are very angry with the US and get carried away expressing this to me. For so long I have been so out of touch with the TV and what's happening in the world that I cannot even comment. Maybe not having knowledge of what's happening in the world is better, like for the poor people in the countryside. The space shuttle tragedy brought back sad memories of the Challenger. It was terrible to watch this happening once again.