I wish I could do more: the face of poverty

Hey there Steemit Comunnity. I recently had a truly touching experience with an old lady called Josephine (Josefina, in Spanish, aka Fina). The poor Fina lives near the university I attend and have no son, husband or relatives at all so she survives just because of the mercy of few many because she’s too old to work. I saw her the other day with a really bad look so I asked her what’s going on, so she said “I am sick. I fainted the other day because of the fever. I went to the hospital and they said I have an ear infection, but it is too painful, mamita. I can barely turn my head because of the vertigo and I have no money for food or meds and I’m sick, mamita, and hungry…” I felt really really bad for Mrs. Fina. I see her almost every day asking for some money or food but cash is a real struggle by now in Venezuela, so not many people give this poor old lady a tip. I remember I had some pills in my bag for pain so I took ‘em out and gave it to Fina and said “I have no money or food, but this might help earache. I wish I could do more” she smiled back at me with crystal eyes and said “thank you, mamita. This is more than this old poor lady can expect”. After that, she started talking about her visit to ER and how she saw a young woman die because of badly cured abortion the woman had a few weeks ago. Fina ended up saying “life is tough but couldn’t be able to take my son’s life. Despite my poverty condition, I try to help others… just like you I wish I could do more”

Even though she has nothing and she’s sick, she has the desire to help other. Why? Why are we so selfish and close-fisted? Certainly I’m not a saint or have enough money to help all dispossessed in town, but if we work together we can help those in need even if it’s just with a plate of food. With one little action the chain reaction will never stop and it’s waiting for us. Let’s not only stay in I wish I could do more and let’s do some more so we can be the change we want to see.
@ojitosdeportillo

Maria Isabel Sánchez to "El Estímulo"