Let me take a bit of your time to introduce myself and tell of my journey to Concepcion del Norte, Honduras and to finding Deysi's (Daisy’s) children. I am known to most as Sharon Beckwith; friend, wife, mother, kindergarten teacher. I am known to others as Senora Beckwith, missionary from the First Parish Federated Church of South Berwick. I am currently the chairperson for the Social Action and Missions Committee of this congregation and a new member of the York Association Missions Committee of the United Church of Christ. 

      I first heard of Daisy’s children while still in the states. At the time her story was told ,through multiple translations , that she was an 18 year old who had died of starvation leaving behind three children. In fact she was 24 and left behind four children. Her youngest child, Maria Ernestina, 2, is being cared for by a Menonite family in Elena (central Honduras).  The other three remain in Concepcion del Norte with their young father and aunts. They are often overseen by their 12 year old cousin. I met these children through the introduction of the local pastor’s wife, Maria Elena Paz. Maria Elena would provide food to the family each week. Daisy would feed her children and go without. Along with Maria Ernestina she left behind her only son, Roberto Carlos Paredes Madrid, 3, along with older sisters Carla Jaqueline Paredes Madrid,6, and Joyeis Leticia Paredes Madrid, 7. 

     The level of loss that these young ones feel can easily be seen in their faces. It is imperative to me that their mother be remembered for the ultimate sacrifice she so readily made and that her children suffer no further loss.