Things that have impacted me in 2015. Part 1

Profe Maria’s death.

One of the first people that we met when we began entering the life of Lo De Reina was the self-proclaimed mayor – Saul – and his wife Maria Clara. “Profe Maria” was the local teacher and had been for the past 20+ years – and before that she was a teacher up the mountain. Basically everyone knew and respected her. She was a major advocate for El Ayudante and for all things true in Lo De Reina. Standing at a whopping’ 4’ 6” that woman could whip anyone into shape and yet also make you feel the most loved you’ve ever felt.

A few years ago she got cancer. Cancer for a poor, rural cancer is beyond rough – treatment means traveling to the capital – you must bring a family member to care for you in the hospital and usually must take public transportation back and forth – 2 ½ hours each way.  The house bathroom is an outhouse –imagine being sick from chemo and having to go outside for the bathroom. The good thing is that family bands together. Her kids and husband did everything they could for her – as well as the rest of the community.

This summer I got a call from her daughter telling me it was an emergency and she needed to get in to the clinic ASAP. We met them at the door and did everything we could to stabilize her. While she was in the clinic she held my hand, asked how I was (while the Dr’s were working on her) and was worried about everyone else around her – not about herself. They then continued onto the hospital. At 3pm I got the call that she had just passed away.

A death in Honduran custom means an immediate, all night wake/viewing in the home of the family. We rallied – as did the entire mountainside. Food was bought, chairs brought in, lighting set up outside, coffee made by the gallon. As we were walking up to the house carrying our contributions of snacks and soda, Tristan and I realized we had arrived – we were officially a part of the community. We were accepted; we all cried and mourned the passing of this beautiful woman/wife/mom/grandma/patriarch/teacher together with our neighbors. We sat with all our friends who had lost their aunt. It was a beautiful and healing night to be a part of true community.