An Encounter with an Angel

Jaltemba Bay is located some 65 km. north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. For several years I have been staying there in Rincon de Guayabitos and LaPenita.It is a special corner of the globe, with gorgeous sandy beaches, fun loving tourist and friendly locals who are very welcoming. It is a spot where once you've visited, you'll want to come back to. The joie de vivre is contagious! A few years ago, the manager of our small hotel threw a party for us. He had also invited along his mother, Bertha. She was a spirited woman in her mid sixties who seemed to enjoy life to its fullest. It was to be an encounter which would impact on me and make me appreciate things much more. As I speak Spanish, I was quickly able to become friendly with her. Over the next short while, she would visit the hotel and we would chat. Then one day she invited me over to her house to meet her mother. The woman was in her nineties, deaf and confined to bed. As it was very hot that day, Bertha had a fan directed on her mother and was giving her water when I arrived. I immediately felt moved to see the love and kind attention Bertha gave to her mom. In Mexico, a family must provide for its seniors as there are few social services available. I asked if I could be of assistance to her as it was market day. She gladly accepted my offer and headed off to "Tianguis"(the marketplace). While sitting there, I thought of how fortunate seniors are in developed countries. There are pensions, benefits, Seniors' Centres, etc. About an hour later, Bertha returned with goodies for us. She then told me she had been caring for her mom almost single handedly for over thirty years! That day changed my outlook on life and helped me to feel grateful for all the benefits which we often take for granted. It also got me to thinking of how we can help seniors live fuller lives in countries less fortunate. So now, I bring them clothing and bedding. This experience has helped me to appreciate the small things. Gracias
Bertha!