Our friend, Paulino

About 10 years ago, Eco Divers, along with many dive operations, was much larger. It employed several divemasters, store employees, 2 boat captains as well as Jorge and his then wife Elizabeth. Paulino, a young man of 19, was employed as a truck driver who hauled tanks, equipment and people. He also ran errands and paid bills and was an all around gopher similar to Radar on M*A*S*H. He probably worked there about five or six years. A few years after we first met Paulino and became friends, he married. During Eco’s downsizing, due to many reasons (economy, hurricanes, and Jorge’s divorce) employees were let go and Paulino went to work for another dive shop. We maintained contact with Paulino, although sporadic. About 7 years ago, Paulino asked us for dinner. At that time Paulino was living in a small house with no running water along with his wife, son, mother, father and brother. When we walked in, his brother was sleeping in a hammock in the front room. We noticed in the small kitchen-dining room that the table had been set for only two people. At that time, Paulino spoke very little English although he was taking lessons. The other family members spoke no English. We remembered carrying on a conversation as best we could while playing with Paulino’s son. We had bought him a ball as a present. Paulino proudly showed us photographs of his wedding which was a pretty elaborate affair. While we were looking at photos, his mother was busy in the kitchen. Then Paulino announced that it was time for dinner and little did we realize that we were the only ones eating. Evidently, Paulino and family had already eaten and we were “guests”. Paulino’s mother served us a vegetable soup with shredded chicken with Coca Cola to drink. We were very uncomfortable with Paulino, his wife and mother hovering over us as we ate. It was pretty clear that the preparation of dinner took a considerable amount of time and that Paulino and family were trying to make us feel that we were honored guests. And we were very touched and impressed. After the meal, Paulino hailed a taxi for us making sure that we would be charged the local rate, not the tourist rate.
Over the next few years we lost touch with Paulino until a week ago. Paulino had called at Eco Divers, after being told by a mutual Mexican friend (Mateo) that we were on the island. Ed was taken aback by his clearly improved English. Obviously the lessons had continued! We caught up with Paulino at Port Abrigo, where we had been told that he would be. We had a great reunion. Paulino now has two children and his toddler son is now 9 years old. Paulino looked and acted the same as we remembered. What a treat to see a hardworking young man successfully manage his life in spite of hurricanes and economic downturns and layoffs. He promised to come by and we’ll be happy to see his wife and his children.