Cordero Appreciation Day

May 9, 2010

 Left to right: Ana Cecilia, Gerald, Marjorie. Mama Cordero, Don Cordero and  Ana Lilian

Since being here in Hacienda Atenas, we have been very fortunate to learn to know an amazing Costa Rican family here. My friend Robin first introduced me to Gerald who became our contact for getting many things done around the house. Gerald, his father Eduardo, and his brother William are responsible for planting every shrub, and blade of grass on our property. In addition, they have done many other things to help us. We also pay Gerald $40 per month to guard our house at night during the hours of 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM.

In July of last year, there was a horrible car crash when the brakes on their vehicle went out coming down the hill after working on my friend Don's house to lay the sod for my guest house. I do not know how any one of them could have survived the crash, but Gerald and Don Cordero did - Unfortunately, William eventually died from his injuries. - He was an outstanding person who also worked at a school as a guard and the kids absolutely loved him - William, you have been sincerely missed since that time.

His sister Ana Cecilia is here every day to clean the patio areas around the house and and take care of our pool. During the time of the tragedy, this girl took completely over and handled everything that needed to be taken care of.

Another sister, Marjorie, has taken me to the Hospital for tests under the CR National Heath Program - she knows what I need and communicates it to the doctors. Recently, we have hired her to take care of the cleaning of the guest house.

Mama Cordero and Ana Lilian are usually at home to make sure that food is sent out the everybody on the job during the day. In addition, Mama Cordero recently went through a bad situation with diabetes - she has the highest level possible, but continues to take care of the family.

Last year, there were fires around our neighbors house that belonged to Ed & Johanna - The Cordero's jumped in and helped with everything they had - If you would have seen Ana Cecilia leading the fire fighters down a hill through a burning fire with a the lead hose in her hand, you would have been absolutely amazed.

This year when we had the fire around our house, they were back to help again. This time, they brought their cousins, friends and uncles with them to help. Ana Cecilia did it again. - Gerald and his Dad took the pump from the fire truck to pump water from our pool, and Ana Cecilia ran up the hill to the fire with the hose in her hand to put the fire out. - Today - She is better known as "Wonder Woman."

Well, enough is enough and we decided to show our appreciation for this wonderful family. We got together with some neighbors and decided to have them over for a cook-out in their honor. This happened today. We had them over for burgers and chicken and a bunch of sides, I did a banner in their honor and we put together a letter of appreciation. They were flabbergasted because I don't think that anyone ever acknowledged what they have done for the community. I have to tell you that these are some wonderful people!!!

Here, is our neighbor and friend Don grilling all the food for the event.

Everyone chowing down on the great food that was grilled and brought here by the neighbors.

The family with us - you really cannot imagine just how wonderful these people are  - they are friends who we have learned to respect, admire and trust. I once told Robin that I could trust Gerald with my life.

This is a picture of them leaving. They only live about a mile away, so it is ok. By the way - this is the truck that my friend Robin gave them after their vehicle was destroyed in the accident - Not a bad ride.






This is part of what living in Costa Rica is all about!!!