Yesterday, Tad & I traveled to meet a gentleman we met on the VHF named Capt. Ron. Capt. Ron volunteers 8-12 hours per day as Santa at a grocery store in a little suburb of Puerto Vallarta named El Pitillal (PTL). We first heard of Capt. Ron when he was seeking small stuffed animals to deliver to local hospitals in the area on the 26th, for sick children who couldn’t go home for Christmas. He also has a clothing drive aimed at cruisers to benefit single mothers in the area.
I thought it would be a fun adventure to go and meet “Santa,” Tad agreed since we had a little shopping to do, so off we went! We had to switch buses once and walk over to the Cineplex were the store was located. We were early so we had a bite to eat at… BURGER King!! Little Americana for our Mexican bellies.
I thought it would be a fun adventure to go and meet “Santa,” Tad agreed since we had a little shopping to do, so off we went! We had to switch buses once and walk over to the Cineplex were the store was located. We were early so we had a bite to eat at… BURGER King!! Little Americana for our Mexican bellies.
We met Santa and sat and chatted when he wasn’t scanning for and greeting children. No candy, just hugs. He told us stories of abandoned mothers living in the hills, building shelters for themselves and their children. Women who bathed in rivers, drying themselves and their children with the only dress they owned. Children as young as 12 having babies by themselves.
Capt. Ron has a home on the border of these mountains. He helps over 300 single mothers with clothing and food when they are available. He arranges transport for young women to return to their home towns after being “swooned” into coming to the big city, only to be discarded once pregnant.
What an interesting, humbling experience the day turned out to be.. Did I mention that “Santa” is a WWll vet, 88 years old and legally blind?
"What do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary Oliver
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