THIS IS THE STORY OF A GIRL

“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.