Lydia Silva

Focus Services, Trainer Rock Falls

Below is the essay that Lydia wrote in his application to be part of the trip to Guatemala:

Since my childhood years as far as I can remember my father planned every year a trip to Mexico to see our family. There would be weeks before our departure my mother would tell us to for through our clothes and anything that didn’t fit and was in good shape need to be boxed. Shoes shirts pants, and coats were boxed and put in our van. As I grew older I started to realize where it all went.

It took three days to drive down there and we’d always hit the boarder late night on day two. As I watch my parents shuffle through paperwork, signing and getting stamped away I knew we were almost done. Border patrols would inspect our van and we would be on our way. It took 24 hours to reach my fathers home town so on the way we’d stop for gas and at these gas stations would be kids my age 8 and even younger selling gum and candy to every car that pulled up even washing windows with newspaper and spray bottles that I think only had rain water. They’d put their hand out for whatever change you would give. There was a stop that I remember seeing my mother open the back of the van and handed out boxes that had the clothing we packed. The smile it gave those kids will never leave my mind as we drove away I stare out the back window watching those kids open the box like it was Christmas trying on the shoes and shirts and me waving bye.

That is when I realized giving to someone doesn’t always have to be the latest and greatest it is what you give to help some ones well being of there daily lives that so many people take advantage of from water, shelter, and health. As those years passed I realized that is when values were instilled in me the whole time. Times are getting harder at the fact gas price are steadily rising along with food cost many people are facing the facts of which to purchase first. I look at my children every day and are thankful for there health and what we do have as there are so many without. I am raising my children with the same values I learned so long ago and know as long as I keep teaching in hopes they will learn and also be thankful.

My mother was very active with volunteer work in the community she was always being recognized for her volunteerism and was recently given recognition from the Hispanic community for her hard work. My mother passed away 6 ½ years ago and is the inspiration in my life as a women and mother. I have always wanted to get involved in such work and believe this opportunity has come across for that very reason.

 Sincerely,

Lydia Silva

A website has been set up where you may leave a note of condolence or a memory of Lydia Here.

If you would like to add photos of Lydia to the photo album please email them to bwiser@focusservices.com.