Today I met…Anita Martinez
I had the pleasure of meeting Anita while spending some time at the local Seniors Centre, Abuelos de Bucerias A.C. *Tercera Edad*
Anita Martinez, the youngest of five siblings, was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and moved to California when she was four. “Mom raised five girls and one boy. It was her work ethic and strength, her tenacity in not letting anything go that prevented us from going the wrong way. We were good kids.” Anita described her close relationship with her mother and fondly remembers watching The Lawrence Welk Show together every Saturday night. When arriving home from school, Anita would open the door and smell her mother’s cooking filling the air.
“The memory of aromas coming from my mom’s kitchen are like a warm blanket for me.”
Fast forward, Anita and her husband Francisco moved from California to Bucerias in 2016. “My husband always dreamed of retiring here. We wanted a different quality of life. We wanted to sit down and enjoy our morning coffee. We wanted to enjoy our life together. The years have gone by faster than me finishing that coffee,” she says, pointing to her empty cup.
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Realizing the Seniors Centre
During the pandemic, Francisco volunteered for Refuge of Hope, handing out food dispenses door to door. Coming up on Christmas, he mentioned to Anita the children of Refuge of Hope were going to prepare Christmas bags for the seniors. She thought, “Wow, what a wonderful thing. I was not aware of a seniors centre right in our neighbourhood.”
Also during the pandemic, in 2020, Anita’s mother came to live with them. She enjoyed her final days surrounded by her daughter’s love. When her mom passed, Anita was left to process a deep sadness.
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A Great Way to Continue My Healing
On my birthday, I didn’t want anything for me. I wanted to find a way to honour my mom’s memory. I gathered some friends and together we prepared a meal for the seniors. Afterwards I spoke with Don Cirino, the centre’s coordinator. He mentioned he was going to be taking food to some senior members who were bedridden.” Of course, Anita went, too.
Anita and Don Cirino
My mom really brought out in me a sense of service. I remembered I had told myself, once you let go of this grief, you need to find something to be of service to others. When I saw the housebound couple, Rosita and Tono, I knew this was it.
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The Sunshine Group
Anita and her Sunshine friend, Miriam.
Anita spoke with her friends about how to provide further support to the couple, and The Sunshine Group was born!
Sharing their time with the elderly lovebirds, the group bathes them and attends to any grooming needs. They all enjoy chatting and laughing and a loving friendship, a highlight to their week.
Anita describes their routine, “Every Thursday we pick up Rosita and Tono and head to the community centre. Sometimes I think it might be only me on (any particular) morning, but somehow someone always shows up to help. We can’t change the world, it is just too big, but by doing things in my community it might inspire others to do things in their community, and maybe just cause a little ripple. What we are doing for Rosita and Tono feels more like they are blessing us, not the other way around.”
Antonio and Rosita are 98 and 88 years young, and their love still shines.
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How Can You Help?
The Abuelos de Bucerias A.C. Oficial “La Alegria de Vivir” Centre is located in Bucerias at Calle Canal #18, Colonia las Brisas.
The Sunshine Group would love to have you volunteer alongside them. Contact Anita through their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563969899565 or by email – abuelos.bucerias.oficial@gmail.com
Their needs:
bathing supplies – soap, baby shampoo, sponges, towels
men’s clothing – pants size 30 or 32, socks, shoe size 8
woman’s clothing – medium size dresses, shirts, socks, shoe size 7
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Fundraising
Anita and Francisco organized the first annual fundraising dinner for the centre this past winter. Anita says, “My sweet husband has the vision, patience and energy to see these fundraisers through.” Indeed he does, with the fundraiser donations totalling 110 000 pesos, of which the amazing “Bucerias Pickleball Group” donated 75 000 pesos. That’s an applause-worthy contribution!
Please keep the centre in mind when considering volunteering your time and financial support, and follow them on Facebook to stay informed about upcoming events. Anita’s vision is to eventually see the centre used as a focal point in town for seniors and visitors to enjoy afternoons of fun, like Music Mondays, Potluck Fridays, karaoke, and various games.
Anita – Why I Love Bucerias
I love how the time passes. There’s no rush in Bucerias. I love walking down the street and seeing such greenery, the trees…you’re transported to another place when you’re in nature. I love how you can walk to your corner store and buy two carrots, and three tomatoes and bring them home to make a delicious, fresh meal. Mostly I just love spending time with my family. Everyday is an opportunity for a moment with your loved ones.
