As I prepare my morning coffee, scan my emails, and initiate "operation breakfast" for Axel, 23 year old Julissa remains present in my mind. What is she doing right now? Is she just waking on a dusty floor in a dark, humid closet? Is she still trying to fall asleep because she's alone and scared from the darkness?
When we visited Julissa's home two weeks ago, I immediately noticed her stepfather's bicycle carriage and the flashbacks began flooding my mind. The anger immediately started to transpire within me, for last year's visit was heartbreaking, seeing Julissa experience the worst possible living conditions known to the human soul.
I reminded both Harry and Morgan that they wouldn't like what they see, and my statement was proven as we stepped out of the car. Turning our gaze to the front door, we noticed a body being dragged across the dirt floor, as if it was pulled from wreckage, yet swiftly concealed from passersby. It was then that the nauseous feeling overpowered me, and I can feel it yet this morning-I sit here, holding my breath unintentionally because no human being, no matter their state, should be treated this way.
As we approached the entrance, each family member, one by one, came outside to greet us, including Julissa, who was hoisted into a plastic chair by her mama, but their smiles were conveniently masked by the mood, this feeling of hatred and disgust. Julissa lacked expression in her face, and her yellow-gray skin told the unspoken tale of abuse, of a life in the darkness, a life deemed inhumane.
Furious and sickened by her appearance, I immediately fired questions at Aleyda, our phenomenal you-don't-ever-want-to-mess-with-me translator, requesting honest answers from Julissa's parents: Is she eating? Is she ever outside? Why don't they send her to Escuela Especial? The product...excuses, excuses, excuses! Per her mama, "I don't know what she'd do all day, we don't have any diapers, we don't have access to transportation, etc." And you know what? Aleyda and I had an answer and solution for every question.
After providing Julissa with hugs, kisses and kind words, we encouraged the family to attend our Friday Function at the school, promising we'd send transportation and diapers. Mom informed us that she only drinks milk, and that any food would need to be processed, and I assured her we would figure it out. (I wasn't sure how, as a food processor was definitely not on the list of needed items at the school) I still hold this image in my head today...pressing my sweaty hands together at my heart, the tears streaming down my face, the desperation in my eyes, begging Julissa's mama to bring her out of her world of darkness, to the bright, loving faces of teachers at Escuela Especial, por favor, por favor...
The outcome? Julissa and her mama attended the function. My heart was full. And still is, knowing we gave her 2 hours of happiness, smiles, love and liquid broth full of nutrients. I love you, Julissa, and I think about you often, and I anticipate the day I will see you again.
Much love and gratitude...
