Enjoying the benefits of restored health

Guatemalan elder finds new perspective on life

Eusebio enjoys some time outdoors with his “soulmate,” wife Tiburcia.

Sometimes a person doesn’t realize how bad things have been until they begin to see how much better they can be.

That’s the way it was for sponsored elder Eusebio, 73, from Guatemala. Six years ago he injured his leg while collecting firewood. But because he couldn’t afford proper medical care, the wound never healed and eventually developed into a trophic ulcer.

When Eusebio became sponsored through Unbound in 2014, he was finally able to see a doctor. He learned just how close he had come to losing his leg and, possibly, his life. He began receiving treatment, which continues today.

While the leg has not fully healed, Eusebio can feel the improvement.

“Yes, I still take medication,” he said. “I go to the doctor. It’s still not over but I feel much better and I hope to recover.”
That hope stems from the love Eusebio has for life. He has enjoyed a long, happy marriage with his wife Tiburcia, who he describes as his “soulmate.” Together they raised three children, two of whom are still living.

Eusebio also loves farming, which has been his profession throughout his life. The prospect of not being able to continue that work because of his injury burdened him greatly.

“I am a man that loves the field,” he said. “When I got ill I had to stay in bed. That was very difficult. Field work is my life. It was very hard to think of life without my leg.”

Knowing what he came close to losing fills Eusebio with gratitude. He considers the help he has received through Unbound nothing less than a miracle.

“I’ve been getting at least three medical checkups a year since I’ve been at Unbound. I get medicine, and I can’t thank you enough for all of the assistance. Unbound has made me feel not like a sponsored member but more like a family member. Unbound has embraced me just like a dad would embrace his children.”

Eusebio is sponsored by the family of Leonor in Iowa, and they are often in his thoughts.

“I hope that our sponsors are well,” he said. “Please let them know that I will pray for them. I thank them for everything I get month after month.”

Coming close to losing his leg has given Eusebio valuable perspective. He is not hesitant to share his wisdom with those willing to listen.

“Brothers and sisters, life is only an instant; enjoy it. Take care of the things that have true meaning for you, not the things you can purchase but those that are close to your heart.”

Larry Livingston

Senior Writer/Editor

Larry has been with Unbound since 2005. He has a background in theology, pastoral ministry and education, and has written for several national publications. Larry, his wife, Kristi, and son, Ben, have three sponsored friends, Alvaro, Maria and Michele.