Families Friends
A Newsletter for St. John's Skilled Services August 2019
stjohnsliving.org
“The people at St. John’s are good, gentle, and sweet.”
Millie Chooses Happiness at St. John’s According to Milagros (Millie) Maldonado-Diaz, one of the most fascinating sights in Puerto Rico is Bahía Bioluminiscente or as it is commonly known— Bio Bay. Tiny organisms in the water glow at night when agitated as a defense mechanism. Millie appropriately deems it as, “one of the most amazing sights in the world.” Despite overcoming tragedy in her home country, Millie talks only of beautiful scenes in Puerto Rico. Millie is living proof that one can overcome many hardships and still have an optimistic outlook. Millie is originally from Puerto Rico and is an unfortunate victim of Hurricane Maria that hit the island hard in 2017. This became the most deadly hurricane to impact Puerto Rico since 2004. Devastatingly, Millie recalls the flood waters rose in the house all the way up to her chin. The disaster resulted in Millie losing everything in her house and garage, including her car. However, despite this traumatic event, Millie pushes through life with a positive disposition. Millie is an inspiration to all who come to know
To read the entire feature: stjohnsliving.org/ story/milagros-maldonado-diazs-story/ her. She is constantly complimenting the staff members of St. John’s who take care of her and transport her to activities. If you are up on Reservoir 2 you will hear many, “I love you and you’re beautiful” comments from Millie to various team members. Millie gives us all hope and reassurance that it is possible to move beyond life’s hardships. Millie says that leaving her culture and moving to Rochester certainly had its difficulties; however, she chooses to be happy. Her daughter works at RIT and helped Millie move closer to her in Rochester. Millie enjoys life at St. John’s. “The people at St. John’s are good, gentle, and sweet.” She loves attending bingo and usually comes out a winner. “I’m a lucky lady when it comes to bingo,” Millie says with a smile. “They call me the 21 lady because any time the number is called I tell them that’s my true age.” Jazz and live entertainment performances at St. John’s are also a favorite.