Stories from the field
Rose-Marie Claudette Major – A hopeful outlook
By Alison Frehlich, Canadian Red Cross
November 29, 2010
Rose-Marie Claudette Major knows what it feels like to lose everything. When the earthquake struck on January 12th, not only did she lose her house and all of her possessions, she also lost her 25-year-old daughter as debris from the falling house struck her head. With nothing left, Rose-Marie moved into a make-shift shack that she set up next to her collapsed home with her two sons, aged 12 and eight.
Living in a make-shift, uncomfortable shack was very difficult for Rose-Marie. She relied upon family members in France to send her money, and still needs this support today. However Rose-Marie and her family now live in a sturdy Red Cross shelter that protects them from the wind and the rain.
“I really like this shelter,” says Rose-Marie. “In fact, the minute I learned it was ready for me I immediately packed up all of my possessions and moved in as quickly as possible.”
Rose-Marie is very grateful for the generosity of Canadians that have allowed her to receive her Red Cross shelter.
When asked how she feels about the future of her family, Rose-Marie was hopeful and optimistic. “My children are young yet, but one day they will be in high school and then, hopefully, on to university. Then we can realize our dreams together.”
