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Edited on Fri Apr-30-10 01:33 PM by 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.
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