SKLD Zeeland resident reunites with son after 25 years

Thanks to the incredible determination and kindness of one SKLD Zeeland dietary aide, resident Faustino Mendez reunited with family for the first time in 25 years this June.

SKLD Zeeland resident Faustino Mendez and his son hug after reuniting for the first time in 25 years.

When SKLD Zeeland resident Faustino Mendez came to the facility a few months ago, he arrived with few belongings and no family contacts. Our residents always become like family, but for Faustino, the SKLD family was all he had.

Staff got to know Faustino and learned he had moved to America from Mexico and hadn’t seen or been in touch with any family for about 25 years. He became close with some of the Spanish speaking staff and asked Maria, who works as a dietary aide, to help him send a hand-written letter to his family in Mexico.

Maria was planning a trip to Mexico to visit her family a few days later and realized she had accidentally forgotten to post the letter before leaving. Turns out that she had kept it in the purse she brought with her on her trip.

While in Mexico, Maria’s family encouraged her to make the three hour drive to the address on Faustino’s letter to attempt to hand deliver the letter to his family. Unfortunately, when she arrived, the address didn’t exist and no one knew the name of the street or the name of family member on the envelope.

Despite the disheartening news, Maria didn’t give up. She actually began stopping people on the street to see if they know Faustino’s son. Word got around, and eventually someone knew his family and was able to assist her in finding Faustino’s son’s home.

Maria met many of Faustino’s family members and even got contact information of a son who was living in Texas.

Upon her return, the SKLD Zeeland team connected with Faustino’s son in Texas. On June 21, Faustino was reunited with his son at our facility after 25 years apart. Together, they headed to Texas where Faustino will finally be together with family.

It was a truly beautiful reunion, and we were privileged to play a part in it.

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