Alejandro lives in a difficult situation. Crippled, 84 years old and without work, he depends on his $80/month pension and the compassion of others to survive. I visit him weekly to talk, bring him food and water (his room has no running water) and again to take him to church. His room is cluttered and noticeably dark because of the dark walls and the lone light bulb (his landlord nephew won't allow him to have more than one bulb because of the cost of electricity!) Mary Beth went with me to visit him a couple of weeks ago and remarked, "You know what would make his room better? A new paint job!" "I was given the wrong color of paint a few months ago when I was painting my bedroom, so I've got some nice ivory-colored paint to use!" I noted. So today we painted the back wall of his room, making it much brighter and him happy. Sometimes it helps to have some new eyes look at a situation.
