On a recent trip to Ambergris Caye, Belize I had one of those experiences that cause you to take a moment and be thankful for the things I have and how a simple, random act of kindness can affect the lives of others. It was early in the morning on the day following my arrival. Due to the two-hour time change I was up at 4:30am on this Friday morning. I decided to put on some clothes, make a cup of coffee and watch the sunrise on the beach. It was a typical beautiful morning on the Island with the temperature a mild 80 degrees as the sun broke the surface looking out over the Caribbean Sea ringing in the new day. There was a squall out on the horizon and I got to experience my first sunrise rainbow.
As the deck hands and boat captains on nearby docks started to make their vessels ready for a day of snorkeling, diving, and fishing; I decide to hop on my golf cart and head into San Pedro town in search of the best Fry-Jack breakfast I could find. I wanted to eat like a local. From my resort to town was about a 3.5-mile golf cart ride which can take between 20 to 30 minutes depending on weather and golf cart traffic.
After leaving my resort and driving on the only road south, I was flagged down by a local construction worker who asked if he could catch a ride. I told him to jump on. We made small talk for about 5 minutes before he asked me to slow down so he could jump off. As soon as he did, another local asked if he could jump on. I asked where he was headed and he said to town, so I told him to hop on.
He introduced himself as Allen and asked my name. I introduced myself back and Allen continued to tell me that today was his 42nd birthday and he was just happy to be alive. He was in great spirits and proceeded to tell me his life story. Allen came to Ambergris Caye when he was 15 and has never left the island. He has three minor children he cares for, and his wife had recently died of cancer. Allen was so proud because he had saved enough money over the last 20 years that he was able to recently buy his first home. The house had no electricity or running water however, it was his piece of paradise close to Secret Beach The house has one solar panel and a rain collection barrel for his family’s water. To Allen, this was his castle that he and his wife had dreamed of.
I learned that Allen is a Master Craftsman, a wood carver by trade. I saw some of his work that he did making signs for local businesses, and it was most impressive, a true artist. Work is difficult however, because he works one project at a time never really knowing where his next job or opportunity will come.
During our ride, Allen asked me where I was headed so early in the morning. I told him I was in search of breakfast, but I didn’t want to eat like a tourist, I wanted to eat where the locals eat. He told me that he had just the place, and he would take me there. As we entered the main part of town, he had me turn onto a side street and showed me a place that had a window and a couple of plastic tables out from. He said this is where you will find the best breakfast on the island. The place was called Neri’s and he told me I had to order the breakfast Fry Jack. I parked the golf cart and Allen thanked me for the ride and started to walk away. I decided to ask Allen if I could buy him a birthday breakfast as a show of gratitude for sharing the local secret. He gladly accepted.
We stood in line with a bunch of local workers awaiting our chance to order from the window. When we finally did place our order which included 2 breakfast meals and 2 bottles of fresh watermelon juice, I was stunned when I was told the price was $6US total-for both of us!
While we were waiting for our breakfast order to be complete, Allen struck up a conversation with a local construction manager who was also waiting for his order. Allen grew very excited, and I wasn’t sure why as I didn’t want to eves drop on his conversation. After the manager had left, Allen told me that the guy was recently awarded a big construction project and needed someone with his skills. He hired Allen on the spot for a long-term position working for him.
Upon telling me this, Allen started to cry and wipe away his tears. He told me that had I not been kind enough to offer him a ride, he would not have been in town for another hour. Had I not offered to buy him breakfast, he would not have been standing in the Neri’s line at that exact moment and would have never had that conversation with the manager. He embraced me and said to me that my act of kindness has changed he and his families lives and that I was his guardian angel.
While I don’t think I am an angel by any means, Allen’s gratitude had a profound impact on me. I didn’t think I was doing anything special by giving him a ride or for that matter buying him breakfast. I never gave it a second thought until he commented. Now I can only imagine what impact I may have if I put effort into being kind and helping others. I hope this may inspire you to show a random act of kindness whether it’s one you have to think about or if its second nature. You never know the impact you may have on someone else’s life.
-Steve Bettner aka José
mexicanfisherman.com 