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Health & Fitness

The Little Nest: Jacob's Ladder

Series Finale "Light streams down in bright unbroken beams... Follow men's eyes as they look to the skies The shifting shafts of shining weave the fabric of their dreams..." - Rush

Part 3 of 3

Luis woke very early; he couldn’t sleep.  He was feeling both apprehensive and relieved about the health fair that was to take place in the parking lot of DeFlorio’s Market today.  He knew the fair was the result of the health questions the high school students had been asking. For the first time in a long time he felt a glimmer of hope – hope that he might be able to get the medical care he so desperately needed and, as a result, a chance to not just survive, but to thrive.

He remembered last Christmas when the students brought a bus full of groceries to the bridge.  Countless hours had been spent standing outside Stop & Shop distributing a “shopping list” to customers.  The list was comprised of items that day laborers as well as victims of domestic violence were in need of such as canned goods, cereal, rice, and hygiene products.  Some shoppers, upon exiting the store, offered a few items from the list to the students with the caveat “I want this to go to the victims of domestic violence, not to those men – those illegal immigrants.”  Without hesitation the students responded, “I’m sorry, we cannot accept your donation then.”

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When Luis arrived at the parking lot, he was overwhelmed.  An enormous bus from the Stamford Department of Health was parked prominently; a table in front covered with health information and colorful billboards.  The services at the fair include blood pressure screening, HIV/AIDS exams, Lyme disease information, flu vaccinations, glucose tests, food pantry information, insurance information, dental exams, and an “Ask the Doctor” opportunity.  Depending on the men’s needs, they are directed to the appropriate services. 

From that point in 2008 forward, the health fair continues to run twice a month, every month.  The Norwalk Community Health Center, Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk Department of Health and Christian Community Action all participate by sending medical volunteers and supplies. 

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Other remarkable stories of selfless compassion and generosity exist.  Like the students from Brien McMahon High School, there are people who are able to see the good in others and willing to provide precious opportunities.

Miguel and his wife Maria arrived from Mexico many years ago on tourist visas.  However, when their tourist visas expired they remained in the United States and ultimately became “illegal” in status.  Initially, Miguel supported his wife and himself through work as a day laborer, but continually sought more reliable work and, in time, was hired as a gardener on a full-time basis by the owner of an estate in Fairfield County.

Miguel and his wife eventually had 2 sons, U.S. Citizens by virtue of being born in the United States. The employer wanted the same for Miguel and retained an immigration attorney.  Miguel eventually received his green card followed by U.S. Citizenship.

The employer soon saw the academic potential in Miguel’s eldest son, Diego, and encouraged him with respect to education.  He purchased a computer for Diego’s schoolwork and the two began to correspond by email.  The employer constantly stressed the importance of education and the value of moral and ethical conduct. Toward the end of Diego’s high school years, the employer began talking to him about college, but no one in Diego’s family had gone to college or received much schooling at all.  As a result, Diego’s father was unable to provide guidance to his son on the subject of college, never mind financial support.  The employer intervened and assisted Diego with college selection, the college application process and covered all costs associated with tuition, room and board, and daily expenses. 

Last fall, Diego started his freshman year at a college in New York State where he continues to excel.  His dream is to become an aeronautical engineer and he will most likely realize this dream as he walks through unlocked doors – unlocked by someone capable of seeing a human being when he looked into his eyes, just like the girl with the salamander could.

May Luis’ dreams, too, continue to be bright, unbroken beams as he looks toward the sky, where the eagle flies.

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