Zulema... La Abuela de los 100 Años Que Vive Sola y Trabaja (Parte I)

Her name is Zulema de Rafaldi, she lives in the neighboring town of Pujato, and her story is like traveling back in time, though with her feet firmly planted in the present. She welcomed us into her home, alone and without her cane, on a Wednesday at 8:30 p.m., and amidst old photos and conversation, she shared a great treasure with us; she showed us that with willpower, anything is possible... "I've seen mountains move," she recounted with a laugh. She's a haute couture dressmaker, and every day she moves her treadle sewing machine by herself to position it under the skylight. Just watching her walk around her house at 100 years old makes us rethink many things. The world is going in the wrong direction these days... "War is coming, it's coming, it's inevitable..." Zulema remarks, making a gesture of obviousness. Like this post and let "Her Story" spread and inspire good vibes. With an intact memory, Zulema recalls every stage of her life: her childhood, her adolescence, every moment, her youth, her marriage, the sacrifices she made to survive in a country like Argentina... Her husband was only by her side for 38 years, as he passed away in 1975 from a heart condition. "I was left alone, and that was terrible for me. Because I had 38 years of marriage, and no amount of money can replace that happiness. My husband didn't just love me... he adored me... just as I adored him. We always worked together, always, always. When he had to deliver the furniture, which needed to be sanded down thoroughly—back then, it was all done by hand—he would call me, 'The truck's coming to pick it up, can you help me?' and I would put on my gloves and help him. And at night, he would put on his thimble and help me 'peck' the flaps because there wasn't any iron-on fabric... He had learned to do it so well it looked machine-made... That's why I've been alone and at peace for over 42 years, thanking God and Our Lady of Lourdes for putting me on the path of faith and work. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, 'The greatest distraction is work...' and how true that is..." Zulema recounts while calculating that she has already spent more She spent more years alone than she shared with her husband during his life, and thus reached 100 years old... and continues with a great spirit and inner strength. Her inner strength is incredible, which is why we chose to share her story on this March 8th, as we commemorate International Women's Day. Thank you, Zulema, for sharing part of your story with us! [Watch the video of this incredible woman]