I can't hold it anymore. A friend of ours DIED in my house today.

She was such a sweet person. She sold snacks at the bus terminal one block away. Wifey got friends with her and learned she transported her goods back and forth every day a great distance (Bangu, a district 2 hours away from where we live). Wifey offered our house for storing the goods (didn't take that mush space actually). She eventually slept here too, saving a long trip to Bangu. We also let her use our kitchen to fry bologna for the sandwiches. We didn't ask for anything in return, but she did help us by looking after the kids every now and then.

Today, she went to sleep on the couch and didn't wake up. Went peacefully. She had a heart problem, it seems it just gave up and stopped in the middle of the night. She was 53, and looked older than she was. Maria da Conceição, was her name.

:cry:

a place to stay, and not many people like her are that fortunate.

I'm sure her life was better because of you and your wife's kindness. I wish there were more people in the world like yourselves. Thank you for being decent in a world with so many hateful people. God Bless Maria, and God Bless you.

Your kindness to her is a model we should all follow.

I'm glad that she died peacefully in a place that she felt safe, but sorry you had to lose your friend.

:hug:

How are your kids dealing with it?

She probably couldn't afford good health care. Glad she went peacefully. It's criminal what people are forced to live with in a wealthy country like ours.

She was worth a hundred GW Bush's.

Sorry for your loss.

A day's labor should be at the very least, equal to the cost of a day's survival. --DuctapeFatwa

Sad in any case.. 53 is too young to die :(

Too few doctors, too few beds, horribly long lines. Not an excuse to not get treated, but many poor people resist going to the doctor because of the major PITA it is.

R.I.P. Maria.

What kind people you both were to give her shelter. RIP Maria.

What you did speaks volumes about how we should all treat our fellow creatures. I admire you for your kindness. At least she had a warm, friendly place to spend her last few hours.

You are a credit to us all with what you did. At least she passed on in the comfort of your generous household. Again, I'm sorry.
Scott

It's sad, but at least she knew she had someone who cared selflessly for her, and that there are people like you and your wife in the world.

Condolences.

and bringing her into your lives.

Obviously, you all meant so much to each other. It is a blessed thing to touch the life of another human being. And, each of you did just that!

:-(

:cry:

I'm sure you and your family will miss Maria terribly. But what a gift you gave to her - someplace she felt loved and secure.

It was very kind-hearted of you and your wife to take that poor woman in. For whatever it's worth, you certainly made her final days on this earth better than they would have been otherwise! :hug:

seems she was very blessed to have friends such as you. May she Rest In Peace, and God blessings and comfort be with all in your time of sorrow.

it. So many could learn from you.

So sorry for the loss of your friend.

:( :( :( :( :(
:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

but I am glad you made a difference in her last days!

for knowing you and your wife. :thumbsup:

and now I see you deserve even more.

A very touching story - sad, yes, but beautiful in its way. She found a place to be loved and accepted and died peacefully. Who could ask for more from life?

Kudos and condolences to you.

But Robb is still a dingbat. :evilgrin:

how good of you to open your home and heart to her.

When I read your story I could tell you and your wife were generous, kind souls. I am so sorry to read that your friend died in your home. She knew she was living among angels. May she rest in peace.

She probably had a hard life and you made it a little easier. It is sad, though, isn't it? :hug:

What a beautiful thing you did for this woman to help her survive in this world. Sounds like she found the perfect place to pass on and I'm sure she went knowing there are good people still left in this world. She passed in the loving home of those with big hearts and souls who treated her as one of their own.

Peace to you and to Maria!

:hug:

and it had to be traumatic to find her like that ..

Did she have any children?? At her age, she could have grown children ..At least she was warm and taken care of by your family :( Still it's hard to accept when someone leaves abruptly like that :hug:

My wife told me something was wrong with her, I went down, touched her arm and felt it cold. I never had any contact with death before. :scared:

Edit: no, she was divorced and never had children. Closest relative was a brother, whose number we retrieved from her cellphone's memory. I couldn't bring myself to breaking the news to the guy. Chickened out and handed the phone to my wife, who told him.

who loved her. You did what is called a corporal act of charity or as Jesus said whatever you do for the least of my brethern you do for me.
I'm sorry for your loss, I'm sure you will miss her.

You have done a good thing. Helping someone in their last days is one of the hardest things to do.. but so very important.

She was active, and apart from the odd complaint about high blood pressure, we never saw that coming.

What a kindhearted pair you and your wife are to befriend and open up your home. My thoughts will be with you today.

Hugs,Laura

Take comfort that she died knowing she had loving friends like you, and that she didn't suffer.

:hug: