| | |  Vallarta Living | July 2009 
How Can You Help When Times are Tough?
 Nicole Martin - PVNN
July 03, 2009
| | Times are very tough in our town. Some can turn a blind eye, some cannot. | |
I would like to share the events of my most recent days here in Puerto Vallarta. Times are very tough in our town. Some can turn a blind eye, some cannot.
I do an early morning run at the municipal stadium, it is a mini sanity check for me. I see the same people every day, actually their backsides, but the familiarity is comforting. The peaceful anonymity is wonderful and I enjoy these pre-work moments every day to recharge for what the day holds.
I came across a family sleeping next to the running track, two boys and their father. They had two little dogs. My heart went out to them and, since I always have animal food in my car (I feed every needy animal that I come across in this town,) I went to talk to them.
When I found out that the mother is in prison and the father is terribly upset and has nowhere to live, I gave them money for lodging and a large bag of animal food. They were so grateful that the man kissed me and tears welled up in his eyes. I rushed off to work with a heavy heart thinking of them all day.
Today, when I arrived at the stadium for my usual run routine, I came across the same family. My mind started to work a mile a minute and my problem solving mode kicked in as I did my circles around the track. Should I tell him to take the children to Casa Hogar where they could be cared for while he finds a job? Where is the DIF office to get assistance? Who do I know who is looking for a caretaker/live-in mozo? Maybe I could run to the grocery store and buy him buckets and sponges to offer car wash service?
I could not finish my exercise because one of the boys saw me as I ran past and gave me a smile that never in my life had been so beautiful, filled with gratitude and hope. I was thinking, oh no, they are going to maybe see me as a cash machine or "hey lady we need more money," but no... just the smile. Shame on my thoughts.
I could not bear it, so off I went to my car (yesterday was pay day) to get money and more food. When walking up to them I noticed that the man was bathing one of the dogs in a puddle. He did this with such care. They saw me and I asked him why he was sleeping here and why he couldn't go to ask for help at one of the only local organizations (won’t mention names) that provide assistance, he said that they give priority to mothers and their kids, not men. I gave him the cash and he almost bowed down in gratitude and told me, "This is enough to rent a room! Thank you... thank you... thank you!"
At this point, I was getting a bit emotional about not being able to just put the whole family in my car and take them home. Then I saw the precious face of a little kitten peeking out from their few belongings. I have 15 cats and do my own efforts to control the population of cats in Puerto Vallarta, so I asked the boy how he was taking care of the cat. When he suddenly and proudly uncovered a small box with 5 kittens, I really couldn’t contain my tears. I told the man that I could care for his cats and give them a good home.
I don’t believe in purchasing animals, but I knew that these kitties were worth it. I am in real estate sales, so I am now sitting at my desk working on my pitch to use this afternoon... when I visit each of my friends to see who can best house these beautiful felines.
I have a car load of items to give to this family tomorrow morning - if they are still around. I will sleep on my thoughts and hopefully have a solution for them tomorrow.
Now is the time for everyone to do what you can do. We can all make a difference. While you could probably afford to buy groceries this week, a lot of Puerto Vallarta families couldn’t...
What would you have done in this situation?
Born in Victoria, British Columbia, Nicole Martin moved to Puerto Vallarta with her family at age 16. After completing her education, she managed her family's businesses for over 10 years, developing complete bilingual skills and learning key Mexican business procedures. working for Prudential California Realty's Vallarta Division has given Nicole the opportunity to put her lifetime of PR skills to good use. If you would like to learn more about Prudential Vallarta's real estate or vacation rental properties click HERE, or visit PruRealtyPV.com. |
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