Armando

[jillan]

I think part of the reason this bill makes me so upset (I live in Arizona) is because of Armando.

When my dad was in the last stages of his life, rather than move him into a cold, impersonal, smelly nursing home I found an alternative. There are group homes for people in the late stages of their lives. It's an actual home where each resident has their own bedroom.

Armando was the one who took care of my dad most of the time. He helped him walk down to the kitchen, and when my dad could no longer walk - he got my dad in and out of his wheelchair. He got him out of bed. Washed his clothes. Wiped his butt. Gave him a shower every other day. Made him smooshed up food for every meal because my dad was having trouble swallowing, even tho most of the time my dad wouldn't even eat. Made sure the Golf Channel was always on when dad was by the TV because my dad was an avid golfer.
Armando was the nicest guy. He had such a big heart. He was always smiling, always there. He knew my kids names and everytime I stopped in to visit with dad, Armando always asked me about my kids. And he always updated me on how my dad was doing.

Armando was here from Mexico, illegally. And I will always be thankful that he was.
Yeah - maybe he took that job away from someone else that is here legally, but given the choice - I would've chosen Armando to care for my dad.

Edit to add - what's really sad is all the "Armandos" that will no longer be in the US because of this bill.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

1. Thanks for posting something about a real person rather than a stereotype. K&R

It's all too easy, even here on DU, to reduce people to "they".

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

5. Kick for a great post.

[jillan]

6. Aw - thanks :)

[csziggy]

2. I wonder how many of us have an Armando in our lives

Even if we did not recognize their importance to us or know that they were illegal? I would bet far many more than we would expect.

I doubt our "American way of life" would be possible if the only people allowed were those born here.

[jillan]

4. Exactly - I think it was Menendez (NJ) rambling off all that illegals do to keep our economy going.

When he mentioned caregivers, it brought tears to my eyes because I thought about Armando.

[babylonsister]

3. Thank you for sharing. There are a lot of Armandos out there; thanks

for pointing out their value. :hug:

[tavalon]

7. Thank you for telling us about Armando

These "illegal aliens" that the right is trying to turn into the new Jews actually have faces, names, hopes and dreams and they are hard workers just like Americans.