Amid All the Dire News

I got the following email yesterday from my friend Billy Waldon, Jr. It reminded me that even with all the reports of gunshots, etc., we seem to be inundated with continually from Belize City and elsewhere, grand sparks of humanity at it's best continue to shine and remind us that there are mostly decent, caring people who live here. It's nice to be reminded of that now and then.

October 30, 2010

Hi Dave,

I read your blog and I have my own story to tell. Last Saturday, our car broke down 15 minutes from Belize City Airport. Since we were catching our plane back to Oregon we had to leave the car by the side of the road.

There was a young man there who said he would make sure our car was safe until someone came and got it. We paid him $8.00 US with the promise of $20.00 more if the car was intact when someone came to retrieve it.

We had just put new tires on it the week before and our tools were inside. Needless to say, I had no idea if I could get anyone to tow it back to Corozal, so I pretty well said goodbye to the old Subaru and the new tires.

When we got to Oregon I called Rick Magaña ( it was the day after Hurricane Richard hit.) He said he would see what he could do. He called some relatives to confirm the car was still there and at 5:00 pm Monday, drove the distance to tow it back to Corozal.

Yes, the car was intact, the young man did as he promised and kept an eye on it. When I spoke with Rick on Tuesday morning I couldn't thank him enough. All he said was, "Billy, you are my customer, what else could I do?"

THANKS for referring me to Rick when I asked about a mechanic.

See you soon---Billy

Have a great Halloween.

Cheers,
Dave