Family hopes to share a good Christmas meal together
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Both Hermogenes and Dale Oamil have had chronic health problems for nearly five years, which impact their daily routine and make it harder to make ends meet. Daughter Amber Nieves, in back, holds her son Emmanuel. Dale Oamil, left, with granddaughter Essceness, and her husband Hermogenes gather with their dog, Hauoli‘olio.
A good meal to share in each other’s company is at the top of the Oamil family Christmas wish list.
Waianae residents Hermogenes and Dale Oamil have been dealing with chronic health problems for nearly five years and the medical bills have made it hard to make ends meet.
Hermogenes, 67, has been in the hospital four times this year. He is blind, 60 percent deaf and in a wheelchair. He has diabetes and regularly undergoes dialysis.
His wife, Dale, 59, also a diabetic, has high blood pressure and back problems.
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“It’s been hard. Both of us used to work, but we had to stop due to illnesses. We were close to being homeless and having nothing, but we were able to get some VA benefits,” Dale said. They also receive support from Catholic Charities Hawaii.
The medical bills are overwhelming, she explained.
Still, “We consider ourselves blessed, even though we are going through this stuff,” Dale said. “We have each other. Our daughter, Amber, lives with us and helps a lot with shopping, picking up medications, making our appointments and with transportation.”
Dale helps care for her grandchildren when her other daughter is at work, which helps lift her spirits. “They are such a joy and a high point in my life,” she said.
The children help ease the stress of living paycheck to paycheck. “It’s stressful living on a budgeted income,” Dale said. “The money goes to bills and to keep a roof over our heads.”
Family
Daughter Amber, 30; grandchildren Emmanuel, 2-1/2, and Essceness, 1
Wish List
Hermogenes: A good dinner for the family
Dale: Desserts to accompany the meal
Amber: Flowers, a Walmart gift card
Emmanuel: Learning toys, riding toys or small toys, clothes (toddler size 2), shoes (toddler size 8)
Essceness: Learning toys, riding toys or small toys, clothes (18 months), shoes (toddler size 3)
Looking forward
Dale says her faith carries her through the hard times. When things are too stressful, she says, she takes a step back and puts things into perspective.
“I say my prayers. There were days when we didn’t know how we would get our next meal or where we would sleep, but by the grace of God, everything worked out. I appreciate my life so much, especially my family and friends.”
