What seemed like an ordinary Friday for any Antioquian was not so for Mrs. Luz Elena Morales, 69, a resident of the municipality of Andes, in the southwest of Antioquia. The Fourth Brigade had a special mission that started very early, accompanied by of Sebastián Ayala, a popular music singer, and Zion, a renowned Korean content creator who has been residing in Colombia for more than 10 years.
The two guests arrived at the military base of the Fourth Brigade, in Medellín, and together with the commander of the unit, Brigadier General Carlos Eduardo Caycedo Bocanegra, they began what would become a dream come true for Mrs. Luz Elena.
It all started with the loading of appliances and utensils that had a very special destination: Luz Elena's home. She lives there with her husband, Orlando Betancur, 73, who has a special medical condition; her son, Fredy Agudelo González, 32, who has a disability; and her aunt, Ana Cecilia Morales, 93, another older adult who is in the same way under her care.
About 7 o'clock in the morning the movement began towards the commercial capital city of the southwest of Antioquia, 117 kilometers from Medellin. Around noon they arrived at the 11th Cacique Nutibara Light Infantry Battalion, where Luz Elena was waiting for them with her son. Emotion invaded her and, with a broken voice, she said that this had always been her dream: to see her little house with a floor.
For the first time, the protagonist of such a special occasion was her. She enjoyed a lunch prepared especially for her, shared Zion's jokes and songs and, without waiting any longer, set off on her way home. Her neighbors, a musical group and the rest of her family were waiting for her there. The wait was finally over and, with deep gratitude, she cut the inaugural cord. However, the surprises were not over yet: a truck loaded with a refrigerator, a stove, pots and other brand-new utensils arrived at their home.
Today, finally, their little house has a roof that no longer lets water through when it rains and a firm and safe floor that enables them to walk more calmly. Although the work is not over yet and there are some details to be completed, Luz Elena feels infinitely grateful and happy with Colombian National Army, Zion, Sebastián Ayala and the businessmen who joined this noble cause to improve the living conditions of her family: three elderly adults and a young man with disabilities.
More than a renovated ceiling, a new floor or brand new appliances, that Friday Mrs. Luz Elena saw with her own eyes that dreams do come true. Among hugs, smiles and tears of happiness, she proved that solidarity can transform lives and restore hope. That day, in a humble house in Andes, not only was a more dignified home inaugurated; a memory was in the same way born that will remain forever in the heart of Luz Elena and those who made this dream possible.
Source: National Army - Seventh Division
