Our good friend Rafael.

 This is a post that I would never have imagined I'd write.  Back in 2014 Rafael came to work at the Las Jaibas RV park.  He was hired to be the maintenance man but he turned out to be so much more than that.  He is bi-lingual so he was also a perfect back up on the front for new arrivals to the park.  From the very first meeting we knew we all had a gem!  Friendly, helpful and happy to help any one of us with anything we needed.  Always a smile on his face and a cheery word for each of us.  Plus, he could  fix just about anything that needed to be fixed.  A tireless worker he always kept the park in tip top shape.  Over the years many of us have moved on to condos and a house for us.  Many people don't come to Mexico anymore but everyone remembers what a good man he is.  I can truly say I have never met a better man.  

Here in Mexico the class system is still in place and Rafael is part of the very important working class while park owner Felipe is the next class up.  It has always been apparent to all of us that Rafael was always undervalued as well as over worked and under paid.  When the park was full we could get him to do things for us and pay him as well as take up a collection at Christmas.  If  Rafael washed an RV on work time we had to pay Felipe a large sum which Rafael didn't get any of.  Many people would have him wash their rig very early in the morning before work so they could pay him directly or give him extra above what they paid Felipe.  Some just flatly refused to have Rafael do the work and have Felipe get the money.    

Over the years Rafael has had health problems and now he is very ill.  Over worked and tired he was able to retire in April of this year.  At almost 63 he had contributed to the government pension long enough to qualify for a monthly income.  It had been his plan that he would then do work for the park when he needed and also hire out to us north Americans for any work we needed to have done. He started looking after out house in the summer of 2020.  He did needed repairs and came by once a week to check that everything was okay inside and out.  He has not been an employee but a friend and we have always enjoyed his company.  We have always given extra as we knew how tight money is for a low income family. Last spring when we left Rafael was unwell and waiting for gall bladder surgery which did not happen until October.  It was always hard for him to see a doctor as he had to take time off work and then wait for a government doctor.  Most of the time he just didn't go even when he wasn't well as it was just too expensive.  In the end he still had to wait a long time for surgery.

We and he, had thought that all was well after his gall bladder surgery in October but it is not.  Rafael has prostate cancer that has metastasized and it is too far advanced for treatment.  He spent 11 days in the hospital as they tried to get the pain under control and now he is at home, bedridden with his family.  He is on pain medication but it can't completely control the pain.

When we found out about the situation I alerted all his friends and asked that we all help Rafael as he has helped so many of us and.... they stepped up.  I collected a large amount of pesos (I don't want to say on the internet) and today Eric, Dennis and I took it to their house.  We included cards with messages and I listed everyone who contributed.  The money was given as a group donation.

I held Rafael's hand and told him what a wonderful man he is and how much he is loved and appreciated by all his friends.  I told him how much we all loved him and that he is the best man I have ever met.  We only visited for about 20 minutes as it was difficult for him to talk very long.  Eric and Dennis shook his hand and offered comfort.  Even though he is very sick he is still our Rafael and his spirit is still strong.  He has faith that his God will look after him and I truly hope that he is right.  

This is one of those very sad situations involving a good man who deserved to spend another 20 years or more with his family that will not be able to do so.  

He cried when we told him about the money and I told him he deserved every peso.  It will give him comfort that his family will be okay for now and they will be able to pay for any medication that the IMSS does not pay for.  

We all have so many good memories of Rafael and we will continue to hold him in our hearts through this very difficult time for him and his family.  I include a few photos from happier times. 

Rafael and his girls.  This is the first year that Rafael work for the park and the youngest daughter Regina was not even born yet.  Funny enough the lady with her hand out is one of our "German" friends Regina and Rafael really liked her name.  Karina his wife, Brittany"aka Scarlett",  Paulette and Daniella.  

We missed 2015 Christmas dinner as we were at home and in the interim Regina was born and she was at 18 months at our 2016 Christmas park dinner.  Rafael loves all his girls and they in turn love him.

In the winter of 2024 we invited Rafael and Karina to a concert at the Angela Peralta theatre.  It was a "Rondella" which is all traditional Mexican music and Rafael was just thrilled.  They had never been to the Angela Peralta theatre.  

Here we are in front of the Catholic church downtown. 

We took them out for lunch afterwards and Rafael really enjoyed the seafood soup.  We had hoped to take them again this winter.

Last winter we invited Rafael to stop by after work and join us for happy hour on his way home.  He has always enjoyed all the people in the parks company and attended many, many gathering when he was finished work. 

Many of the people who know him will read this blog and it will bring a smile to their faces.  They will have their own stories, pictures and memories.  

What a privilege it is to know this man. 

Our hearts are broken. 

Cards on Monday and Los Arcos for ladies lunch on Tuesday.

 

Yesterday was our weekly card game.  We've had a ladies card group playing once a werk since we started coming to Mazatlan back in 2009.  In the early days in the Las Jaibas RV park we easily 20 ladies playing and now we're lucky if we can scrape up 6.  Times change.  Right now we're playing in our complex at Marina Gardens Casas and it's a lovely place to play as long as the wind isn't cold and yesterday it was lovely. 

Ready to play.  Poolside in amongst the lovely gardens with a gentle warm breeze...are we lucky or what.

We play hand and foot which is a form of canasta and today Marilyn and I teamed up against Marion and Ruth.  Marion hasn't been a regular but she graciously fills in when we need her.  She is new to the game but she learns fast and she and Ruth whipped Marilyn and I. 😁

Today we were off to Los Arcos for lunch.  Located in the Golden Zone just north of the fresh market mall. 

Today we were a teeny group of five which is actually really nice as we could all chat.  

Marilyn, Ruth, Susie, Cathy and me.  

This restaurant is new to the group and it was a winner.  Very large and it was empty when we arrived at noon.  

The waiters are very professional, attentive and helpful. 

We had a look at the extensive menu and the maitre'd even came out to translate a bit and explain the menu.  

I started with a tuna tostada which is raw and it was delicious.  

Marilyn ordered one taco to start and again very good. 

When Cathy's avocado shrimp salad arrived I couldn't help but notice it looked like two boobs on a plate!

It even has nipples.😁 It was large and Cathy passed a bit to all of us...delicious. 

Ruth and Susie shared a fish entree that had a cheese sauce and other seafood underneath. Ruth said it was actually melted cheese that hardened up too quick on the very delicate fish.   Served with rice and fresh sauteed vegetable and the dish was split up and served to them.  Very generous proportions and again delicious.   Even then they couldn't finish it and took some home.  

Susie's meal and below it my small clam chowder in a bread bowl.  Marilyn had the clam chowder as well.  Very good!

Lots of the ladies are happy to share a meal and Ruth and Susie are two of them. 

Here we are enjoying our relaxing lunch.  Only complaint ...the music was a bit loud.  

Clam chowder in a bread bowl was just right after the tuna tostada.  

Marilyn was very nicely dressed but...then she spilled.  Susie was ready to help with a tide pen in her purse.  Marilyn said " you can dress me up but you can't take me out!"

One of the waiters was really interested in the Tide pen...thought it was a great thing to have as he pointed to his white shirt.  

It was a lovely lunch and we'll bring group back here again later in the season.  The cost for lunch was more than reasonable.  With only water today my bill was 240 pesos with a 20% tip...about $20 Canadian.  The rest of the bills were similar in cost. 

Lovely restaurant.  

By 2pm we were done.  Susie and Ruth headed home and Cathy, Marilyn and I walked over to the Fresh Market in the Tres Islas Mall which was close by.  A small grocery store with lots of special items.  I wanted to get some lemons which I like to have on hand and Ricotta cheese for lasagna.  They even had radishes for Eric.  Marilyn was looking for whole wheat flour which she found.  

Home on the bus after a lovely afternoon.  

The first ladies lunch at Pancho's on the beach.

 

So here we are again, another season of ladies lunch has begun!  It has become a bit of a tradition to start at Panchos on the Beach and it's a good one.  Yesterday we were to be 11 but ended up with 10 which is more than plenty.  Come January Linda, Diane and Sandi will arrive and we'll be 12ish.  Yesterday we were joined by Mar's two daughters and everyone had a good time.  We are a friendly group and we all enjoy each others comapany.  

Off the bus in the Golden Zone which is the touristy area and yesterday it was really busy at noon.  That's Cathy and Marilyn up ahead.  I'd dressed up a bit and a Mexican man on the bus asked me if I was looking for a Mexican boyfriend...no Gracias🤣

Down on Gaviotis St. and Panchos is ....on the beach!

The menu is posted outside the door.  

We were seated upstairs next to the window and Ruth and Helene were waiting for us. We are a bit scattered now as Helene and husband Hal are renting down in Centro.  Ruth and Jimmy are in a tower close to Panchos.  Times change but lots of us are still coming so that's a good thing. 

Marilyn is perusing the menu.

Helene on the left and Cathy on the right.  They, like many of us were formerly RVers in Las Jaibas. 

Susie and Marion and they are both in the Las Gavias Grand just up the street from us.  Again, fellow RVers. 

That's Mar...the Queen of the margaritas and her two daughters just came in to visit on Monday. Mar is Marilyn's sister in law and she winters in Mazatlan as well.

           Mar and Michelle.

Michelle with beer and Melsa with the margarita.

Marion kindly sent me some of her pictures of the restaurant and it is very nicely decorated. 

This is a little show by one of the waiters as he whips up tequila cheese in a piping hot molcajete pot.

A nice day and people are in the water. 

While we had drinks and visited the restaurant served chips and salsa follower by small smoked marlin appetizer empanadas.  Following that a shot of tequila showed up.....all gratis.  I should also mention that the service is excellent, the food is good and the prices are very reasonable.   

Does Marilyn look happy....you bet!

Susie and Cathy...pictures towards the window are unfortunately always dark. 

I look a bit pensive looking at the menu. 

Helene and Ruth chatting.  Ruth wasn't an RVer but has been coming to Mazatlan for 12 years now.  She is really good friends with Diane and they used to live in the same town in Wisconsin.  Diane and husband Ron were RVers as well but sadly Ron passed away a few years ago.  Diane still comes to Mazatlan and she has lots of good winter friends here. 

Helene and Cathy.

Susie really likes the dark beer. 

He made the tequila cheese at the next table and then Mar and her daughters had him come to ours. 

Helene had a couple of tacos with guacamole.  She didn't want to much food as she was coming back to Lucky B's later in the day for a hamburger and some dancing!

Ruth and I split the Mexican plate.  I love chili rellenos which is in the center....not the best one I've eaten. 

Coconut shrimp for Susie.  She has a small appetite and some went home with me for Eric's dinner....thanks!

Garlic shrimp for 

Marilyn had a Caesar salad. 

Marion had coconut shrimp as well and she said..." Look at the size of the shrimp!"

Everyone happily eating and chatting. 

Cathy had the avocado stuffed with shrimp salad.  I've ordered it many times and it's very good.  Half went home with her. 

Mar wanted to know if anyone wanted one.  

That's a  big plate of coconut shrimp!

While we were eating a "banda" showed up to play for people on the beach.

An eleven piece band complete with the obligatory tuba and boy were they loud and....not very good at all!  What a racket.

My empty tequila glass and next to it the Kahlua and milk....again gratis!

We had arrived around noon and by 2pm we were all full and ready to head home. 

It's December now and all the Christmas decorations are out and about. 

Beautiful pottery on display. 

An old style Christmas tree in the entrance. 

So...a good time was had by all and next week we'll go to......stay tuned!