by Sue Arrowsmith
Dressed in a bright pink track suit, Anita Mendez celebrated her first real baby shower on Feb 28, surrounded by her surrogate family at Lotus House, including two other pregnant ladies, and more than 125 guests.
The mother of two little girls, with a third daughter on the way, didn't always have friends to back her up like she has today. "It's nice to have people coming to show their support," she said.
Everyone was also gathered to commemorate Lotus House's fourth aniversary. Since it opened its doors in 2006, the Lotus House has served more than 400 women and children.
Seventeen-year-old Shelby Hinds, the shelter's youngest volunteer since age 14, made a two-tier chocolate and vanilla cake covered in pink fondant. Also in attendance were Costco employees Lupe Doria and Don Berson, who used their lunch time to make 18 party favors: ivory-colored Chinese take-out boxes affixed with stork decorations and filled with chocolate.
Local musicians Raffa, Belinda and Erin, played acoustic songs for the guests gathered in the garden enjoying the delicious lunch prepared by Hearts of Palm Catering.
Among those listening was Shayle Hesse, a member of the Department of Community Service (DOCS) at the University of Miami. The student-run DOCS organization is working towards establishing a health clinic within the Lotus House.
Three young girls suddenly joined in, singing the words to Colbie Caillat's popular tune, "Bubbly". The song's lullaby-like melody summed up the tranquil and nurturing atmosphere at Lotus House, a safe haven for many women and children.
Monday, March 15, 2010
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