Senor Geleski....You have a special place in my heart!

Just when I think I can't be amazed or surprised at anything new in Horizontina after living here for nearly 14 months, something happens that makes me go "wow".

Friday morning, I was backing out of the garage to go to work. As I backed out of the driveway, I heard a noise in the car, like a creaking. I kept backing out, but still heard it. I decided that it couldn't be good, so I pulled back into the garage. I got out of the car and I had my FIRST ever flat tire!!! (I don't remember even having one in the US in my 15 years as a licensed driver).

"Hmm...", I thought. "It appears I have a flat tire. Great. Well, better call someone to help me fixi it!" Then I decided that I better call someone first for a ride to work and deal with the tire later. (NOTE: This was the 2nd car issue this week...car battery died earlier in the week.) I found a colleague who could pick me up. Then I called my trusty mechanic, Geleski (last name). He is half polish/italian and an extremely kind, sympatico (sympathetic), and helpful man who has helped me many times with my car. He talks super fast, has 5 grown children (3 of whom live in the US), a few grandchildren, a very kind wife, and is my reliable mechanic.

I called him and explained the situation. However, he told me he doesn't work on flat tires! Drats!! However, he told me, he can take care of it for me....sem problema! (no problem). Well, after a few phone calls in Portuguese, some of which I can't understand because he speaks SOOOO fast, I understood he came to my house, put the spare tire on the car, took the tire to a borracharia (place that fixes tires), and had my tire in the back of someone's car. Then he put the spare tire (the one which was flat and he had repaired) back into my car. And, this is something the guy normally doesn't even take care of!!!!!

I just cannot believe the kindness and how hard people try to help you with whatever problem you have. He went out of his way to help me and take care of my car and in return, he asks for almost nothing. He does it all with a smile and acts like it's so simple. I am sure for him that it is, but for me was absolutely amazing!!!! I continue to be shocked, amazed and most of all humbled at the total kindness, generosity and help that people here offer to me...and expecting nothing in return. I am sincerely lucky to know and humbled by the people of Horizontina!!

Senor Geleski, tu vai ter sempre uma lugar no meu coracao!!!

Um abraco,

Mollie