STORIES OF FAMILY REUNIFICATION-HUGS NOT WALLS

‘Her name is Gabriela, she had not seen her daddy since she was 1 year old, she is five now, even though they talk by phone, thanks to Hugs Not Walls, she was able to see him again and hug him. The situation was very difficult for her since her older sisters were able to see their dad but not her and she was always asking why can’t I see my dad?’ Laura Murillo-Gabriela’s mother.

‘This is the picture with one of my daughters, I had not seen her in 7 years, I was very happy and excited, but my heart was still missing two pieces, because I have another daughter in Washington and one more in Colorado and I haven’t been able to see them in years because I can’t travel, but yesterday it was very special and I am very grateful with all of you and with God for making this possible, I will be eternally grateful with all of you’ Policarpio Duran

‘My name is Ofelia Arcos, I had not seen my parents in 22 years and thanks to Hugs Not Walls, I was able to see them again, I have no words to express my gratitude, yesterday was very exciting, thanks so much’ Ofelia Arcos

‘I can’t express with words what I felt, since I was walking towards the river, tears started running down my face, I was looking to the other side in Juarez where I saw hundreds of people and I was thinking to myself that I was going to be able to see my loved one shortly. I had not seen my brother in 20 years, this afternoon I was looking at the pictures again and I felt the same feeling I had when I was in the river with my brother, I remember telling my mother that I was going to participate in this event and that very soon I was going to be able to see my brother and she said that is great son, you will finally be able to see your brother, but my mother died two weeks prior to the event and she wasn’t able to see their sons together one more time, but nevertheless I have been left with a great satisfaction for this experience has marked my life, it was only three minutes, but they were the most beautiful minutes of my life, it was a piece of heaven that God gave me, I can’t express with words the gratitude I feel towards the Executive Director and his team, God bless you all’ Ricardo Jacquez