¡Te Amo, Boricua! (I Love You, Boricua!)

by Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD

As the days and weeks go on, my heart and prayers remain in Puerto Rico, where I grew up, where I learned to walk, talk, and pray. On the island, I experienced firsthand the fellowship of family, the hope and joy of faith, the hospitality and generosity of my people. As I picture what's happened there — on my Isla del Encanto — I am heartbroken, like so many of us who love our island and its people. We are all still grieving, and we need to grieve, for that is how one adapts to change and loss. The losses are unimaginable, and thousands of people are still suffering.

Yet, in the midst of the emotional and literal darkness (90% of the island remains without power two weeks after the storm), kindness, goodness, and love continue to rise unabated. Generosity, perseverance, and hope are displayed daily in countless ways, and this is where I choose to focus my eyes, my mind, and my heart.

Yes, there is hope, though not without you and me!

As I see images of the destruction left behind, countless memories of a happy childhood on the island emerge as if to wash away the reality of the present moment. These memories fill me with joy and hope for my people there, and inspire me to continue to do what I can to help them rebuild and heal. Though we are all heartbroken, the way through the heartbreak is unceasing prayer coupled with action. I have found that as I pray and do something to help someone each day, my heart heals a bit more, and hope endures.

Many people have asked me how to help and where to donate (I thank you from the bottom of my heart!). I had previously shared about Unidos por Puerto Rico, a non-profit started by First Lady Beatriz Rosselló.

Follow this link to donate to Unidos por Puerto Rico

Lin-Manuel Miranda, beloved boricua and creator of the Broadway hit Hamilton, assembled artists like Juan Luis Guerra, Rita Moreno, Marc Anthony, and many others to produce a song for Puerto Rico titled Almost Like Praying. In an inspired tribute, they mention every municipio in Puerto Rico by name, from Fajardo to San Sebastián to Mayaguez, and including the smaller islands of Vieques and Culebra ... not a single town or their people forgotten. At the end of this new music video is another opportunity to donate to help feed the people and rebuild the island of Puerto Rico. Listen for a little treat of a song at the very end (music to my ears!). Keep listening after the song for an interview where Lin-Manuel explains how the song was produced in such a short amount of time.

May our songs of praise never cease (pictured is our native coquí!)

Relying on God's mercy displayed throughout the world in the generosity and love of His people,

Dr Mari

Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, 
for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

Isaiah 26:2-4 

Abran las puertas, para que entre la nación justa que se mantiene fiel. Al de carácter firme lo guardarás en perfecta paz, porque en Ti confía. Confíen en el Señor para siempre, porque el Señor es una Roca eterna.

Isaías 26:2-4

For a hopeful message during anxious times, read Be Still and Know ... Know What?

* Photo of coquí from Spanish Simply *