A simple and meaningful life

Guest written by the wonderful Alejandra, this is today's personal story of a journey to rescue. 
 
My name is Alejandra. I’m from Guatemala, currently living in Redmond, WA. I support my husband with his non-profit (People Saving Animals) and by doing so, I’ve learned and grown as a person.

I recently learned about Oscar’s story and he made me reevaluate my life. Now that we are enjoying the holidays and getting ready for a new year, I wanted to share this with you.

“People Saving Animals” (Walter’s non-profit) in partnership with a rescue group, funded a spay/neuter event a couple of weeks ago in a very poor and dangerous community in Guatemala.

This is how I heard about Oscar. He brought his dog and three neighbors’ cats to this event. Oscar is a young boy who takes care of his sister, while their mom works as a security guard making minimum wage.  Only Oscar knows what he has been through, what his young eyes have seen, and what he has lived.

Knowing my country and the area where Oscar lives, I’m sure his house doesn’t have running water or electricity and instead of nice flooring or a carpet, they have dirt. I bet that all of the family sleeps in one same bedroom and even in the same bed (and it’s not by choice).

Sadly, I am not exaggerating. This is a sad reality in many areas in Guatemala.

But what got to me, was seeing Oscar’s picture. You can see innocence in his eyes, you can see that he is happy and you can see that he is proud of taking his dog to this event and getting him neutered.

I am sure Oscar lacks many things in his life, things most of us take for granted; water, food, warmth, safety, education, maybe even love and attention. But his eyes tell a different story.

This is what I learned from the three minutes that I spent getting to know more about Oscar’s story and what I plan on doing with my life:

1.       Have a simple life. Many times we spend so much time and money acquiring things and we never feel satisfied. Today, take a look at your life and your stuff, and make it simpler, make your life “lighter”.

2.       Be thankful for what you have. Sometimes we feel like we need more; more time, more money, more friends. Today, be thankful of the present, you already have more than most people. You already have enough…

3.       Do something good for another person or animal in need. It can be a friend, a homeless person, a stray animal. He/she might need food, warmth, love. Today, don’t be afraid to reach out, don’t look the other way, just do something (even what may seem little to you, might be the world for someone else).

Thank you Oscar for that simile, for making a difference in these animals’ lives and for having a positive impact in my life. The world needs more people like you.