Saturday, January 16, 2021

Smile, Octavio!

 He’s a cab driver and English-speaking guide in Mazatlan, raising a big family. When tourism vanished due to the pandemic, he was devastated, humbled. Then his diabetes and disease left him with ugly broken teeth, threatening his trade and shaming him personally, taking away his cheerful confidence. Penniless, his pandemic experience eclipsed hard luck stories everywhere. Our daughter, Melissa, took notice, and expecting a future boost to her own modest income, she paid for a dental appointment for him in his hometown. Here’s the result: a life-changing smile for him and his family, and an unforgettable pleasure for the donor. Can’t help posting: we are very proud upon learning of it. 


Monday, January 04, 2021

Here


 A socially-distant Andrew, our surrogate son, came out for a postponed gift exchange yesterday. He presented these roses to Kathleen (salmon was Jennifer's favorite) and gave Stan a cutting board and 18 year old balsamic viniagrette. We practiced proper protocols, and did one of those rare things these days, a lengthy conversation with people who don't live with you.