Mrs. Margarita Hummel shares... “Theresa moved into Salem July 1975. It was a beautiful place. We had been advised to find a home for our daughter who was born with a cavity on the left side of her brain. It was inoperable. This is what causes her severe epilepsy. So, it was a Sunday morning in July, and we opened the newspaper. There was an advertisement for Salem and their openings in their dorm. Room for one little boy and one little girl. Theresa was accepted…She’s now lived at Salem 51 years this July. I just turned 100 this last month. Half my life, Theresa has been at Salem.”

Cindy Behnke:100 years young! Wow, and still as bright as ever. Tell our readers what it was like bringing your 12-year-old daughter to the Salem campus. What was Salem like then?
Margarita Hummel: It was so hard bringing her, Cindy.  But we knew it was what was best for our girl. The main campus was so different from now. And they were strict! (she laughs) I remember the nurse Mrs. Renkema and secretary Mrs. Betty. Everything had to be in order, by the book. There was a long dorm hall. You had to walk across the whole main campus to the dining room. And Theresa shared a room with Leanne M. (still a resident at Salem at Jacaranda home!) Judy was there. And Debbie U.! (both still current Salem residents) Marlene Everett was one of the main staff and she had a special cupboard for Theresa’s food, because she had such a unique diet from her meds and research drugs. She was in a wheelchair and so skinny from the meds. But Marlene would monitor everything.
CB: Why was she on a research drug?
MH: She was going to UCLA to see a specialty doctor, Dr. Snyder. He was trying to find the right med to help Theresa’s seizures but she was still having them galore. In fact, he told me, I have a doctor friend at Loma Linda, can you take her there?  I said to him, “Are you giving up on my Theresa?” He said no of course not, he just didn’t know how else to help her. By the grace of God, Theresa is still here.  We’ve seen many doctors and tried many different medicines. She is currently seeing another doctor I had been trying to get her in to see for almost a year.  Her name is Dr. Sazgar at UCI, a neurologist.  She was recently hospitalized by her for 5 days to withdraw all Theresa’s meds and watch her with an EKG. My son stayed with her every night. By withdrawing everything, we could see how her brain was functioning. She’s been put on a new med and seems to be working well.

CB: It’s amazing how you remember all these details, Mrs. Hummel. What’s your secret at 100 years?
MH: The secret is probably my 39 years of working at the phone company in Los Angeles. Remembering names, numbers, handling customers, kept me sharp. That and probably working in factories as a Rosie the Riveter, during the war! Our country was so full of patriotism then. I was happy to do my part.  While my childhood had a lot of difficulties I will not get into, I was able to move forward and love my country, love my family.
CB: That’s pretty incredible, Mrs. Hummel. I am sure this has all played into making you such a strong advocate for your care of Theresa and your family, navigating all her medical challenges.
MH: I don’t know how anyone could do life with a handicapped person, without Salem. All the love they give our kids. My husband was so dedicated to Salem, just like me. Served however he could. I remember at one of our Salem family brunches, he got up when they talked about adding cameras in the homes. He said, how would you like that? Oh Bill! Very dedicated to Salem and his daughter. Now my son Bill Jr. is very good with his sister. Even when I can’t go, he visits. He goes on Sundays, takes out the trash cans, cuts down the roses/branches. Did you know when Boulder Home opened in ‘03, my husband planted all those roses? When I was there last, I thought, my husband’s love lives on. His roses, over 20 years later still bring such beauty. I wish they were at my house! The tree in the back, he planted that too. But those roses are truly still beautiful.  
CB: How does your involvement look with Salem now at 100 years old?
MH: I have always had to navigate her medical challenges and dental, but now Theresa won’t open her mouth for the dentist (laughing). I also think she misses coming home. Used to pick her up on Friday and bring her back Sunday. She’s getting older and I can’t care for her like I used to.  But she’s taken care of and loved. She misses Juana, her Home Administrator for so many years. She was like her second mother. Even after she retired she would still stop by. And I can’t take of my little girl like I used to, so Bill helps as much as he can. He even brought her home not too long ago so she could sleep in her old bedroom. She was happy. When we pick her up on Sundays and take her for dessert or iced tea at Coco’s, she doesn’t want to get up and go, because she’s getting older too. Once she’s in the car, she’s happy. And I still go to every event I can. We used to love the auction on the main campus every year and watching the dairy farmers give. Now we look forward to the beautiful Gala every year. Two of my three sons were able to go with me this last year. That band was incredible. It’s always so amazing to see other people give and love Salem like I do.

CB: You have been around Salem a long time. How has Salem changed over the years?
MH: The care is even more relaxed now, more inviting. The staff members were so strict, more programmed by running a tight ship. I was still happy, but now, it’s more like a home. It takes a special person to do what do they do. Everyone at Boulder Home, except my Theresa and Donna, are in wheelchairs. Not everyone can do that work. It takes a special person from God to care for these adults. Care for their needs. The ones who can’t--they leave or are asked to leave. It’s been a wonderful ride with Salem. When Salem first started, it was a small place but happy, all the gatherings were so fun. Mr. Wester was great with everyone. Then Mr. Copeland and now Mr. Bollins. CB: It truly is a special place. Why have you chosen to give back to Salem?
MH: We are generous because Salem takes care of my daughter. We want it to feel like home for Theresa and all the residents.  When Mr. Copeland first took us on a tour through Boulder Home before Theresa and housemates moved in, we asked about the windows. They were older and not double-paned. We were happy to help with that and a new slider.  
CB: Salem is so thankful for the generosity from you and others, stepping in where the state can’t meet all of our costs. Thank you! Well, you know Salem was named Salem because it means “peace”. What does that mean to you?
MH: Salem gives me peace to know there is a place for my daughter. She is safe, loved and happy and in fact, we are so thankful Theresa gets to go to the Lutheran church just down the street. My little girl loves go to church. It’s a beautiful service!  
CB: Any closing words for our readers? MH: I don’t feel 100. I like a younger crowd.  Keeps me young! I still have the mind. I have been able to have peace with Theresa at Salem for these last 51 years. I can have peace even after I am gone.  

‍It is remarkable to see how, just as Salem has grown and adapted to meet the needs of its residents, modern medicine has continued to advance. Through the years, Mrs. Hummel has watched her daughter walk a difficult road of trying treatment after treatment, each one carrying the same quiet prayer that her daughter might live more freely, with better results and a life with fewer seizures for her Theresa. What a gift it has been for Mrs. Hummel to see such progress in medicine, physicians, and care throughout the past five decades of her daughter’s life. We remain grateful to God for His continued care and faithfulness to His people.