So sad today – Rosie’s mom came to visit. She cannot weigh more than 50lbs. She was diagnosed with AIDS a few years ago and I kind of thought she would die last year – but when I see her today – it is so overwhelming. Jose and I had tears just coming down our cheeks as we talked to her. Even Elveus’s eyes filled with water as he was here helping translate.
If it weren’t so inappropriate – I would have taken a picture. She is like a walking skeleton. Her arm shakes uncontrollably. She can barely speak – she told me she can barely eat. I watched her eyes as they were looking all over the place – like she couldn’t keep focused.
Rosie is certainly someone with attitude who can be quite a handful. Yet I look at her mother who was just right in front of me and can’t help but wonder what her life would be like. How horrible Rosie’s life would be to watch her mom die of AIDS and have no one to take care of her.
I gave her mom some money and as she put it in her pocket – she lifted her shirt – nothing but bones. A pair of jeans held together with rope and she was too skinny to even hold them up. I bet she could wear Rosie’s clothes – that’s how skinny this woman is.
I watched as her mother looked at little Rosie (Rosie doesn’t know who she is). There were tears that flowed down her cheeks and it took her breath away. I asked her if she wanted me to call Rosie over but she just shook her head no. She began to head down my house steps and looked back only to murmur – Please take care of little Rosie. Please tell her how much I loved her.
I think we both knew – this would be the last time she would see her daughter. I don’t even think she’s a Christian even though she was baptized last year – so this may really be the last time. As a mother – I cannot even imagine what that is like to see my precious baby – playing in the distance – knowing this would be the last time I ever saw her.
I just feel so sick to my stomach right now – some days it’s just too much. You hear stories like this all the time here – much like in Africa and other parts of the world – mothers and father and children dying of AIDS. It’s just something else when they’re sitting on your couch.
One response to “Rosie’s Mom”
Jody, I looked at the kids picture and just smile and think how cute and how organized you are to have the tree up. Then I read the blog. I’m saddened also to hear of Rosie’s mom’s condition. I feel a bit like I did when Rosie was so critical and her mom went home to gather a few things and I wondered if she was coming back and I was just weeping. Then I was comforted by a song that says Even Jesus Cried. So, it’s good to cry, it shows God’s love, compassion and empathy. I just thank God that the mission was there for Rosie’s mom, Rosie, and all of the rest that have been touched by their lives. I believe Rosie’s mom knew God’s love exsisted at the mission and she came bringing her gift of love and allowed the mission to love on her and Rosie. Know that her visit brought comfort to her, to know that her little girl is loved and well cared for. What a gift you gave her. Please keep me informed if you hear any thing about Rosie’s mom. I’ll be praying for all. Thanks to you and Jose for loving Rosie. May God’s blessings be abundant in your family, Love ya Laura.