“In heaven an angel is no one in particular”
-
George Bernard Shaw
Whether or not Glenda was born an angel, I don’t know. But I
do know that by uttering six words to a stranger in the park when she was just
17 years old, she has created a most heart-warming and inspirational story. A
story that overcame the social and cultural barriers that are so clearly
visible in Guatemala .
At 8 years of age Antonio was resigned to a life of shining
shoes. His family had little money to clothe or feed him and school was but a
distant dream. It was a chance encounter with his guardian angel when polishing
her shoes in the Central Park of Antigua, Guatemala that changed the path his
life would take forever.
Hungry and cold Antonio hears the words:
“Do you want something to eat?”
A hesitant but yearning reply of “yes” resonates - unbeknown
to either Glenda or Antonio this was the start of a beautiful story.
Over the coming weeks and months a friendship is cultivated.
“If you need anything Antonio, please, please ask”
So he did. Antonio was supported in various ways but most
importantly he was given the opportunity to begin and then continue his school
education.
Today, Antonio is 19 years old. He finished and excelled at
school and is now part way through a Bachelor of Public Relations at
University. He has a part-time job at a restaurant to help fund his studies. He
has a long-time girlfriend. His life is galaxies away from what might have been
if not for meeting Glenda.
These are the stories that need to be told. And the
importance of such an act must not be underestimated. It is largely uncommon to
find the upper-class people of Guatemala
assisting the lower or even middle classes. For a young upper-class woman to
reject these norms and undertake such an act must be recognised as
revolutionary.
In heaven an angel may be no one in particular. On earth,
true angels are fewer and farther between. The knowledge that one person can
change the path that someone’s life will take in such a beautiful way is
heartening.
This is the story of a girl; of an angel.
