Our road buddies

We don't know what their names are, and what relation they have to Quichinche. We do know that they are some of our favorite people. They sit up against this brick wall, directly in front of the t-intersection where our dirt road hits the main Quichinche road. They are there nearly every day, usually rain or shine. At first, when we would arrive at the intersection, they would look both ways and calmly indicate that there were no cars coming. It seemed like they had adopted the community traffic responsibility. After a while, as they realized that we appreciated their help, their indications of a clear road became increasingly animated and friendly. Enough so that the fellow on the right would literally bounce up and down in his seat, grinning and laughing as he signaled that the coast was clear. 

 

These guys are cool because they continue to be part of the community, even though they are both crippled, almost to the point that they can no longer walk, using the hand made walker and shuffling about. But despite this, they pick up a shovel and try to clean the gutter in front of where they guard the road. In addition, neither can say a word. They both can only grunt, moan and make make gestures. But their grunting and moaning is of a happy sort, as a smile almost never leaves their face. I can't help but think about these two fellows, serving their community and fellow neighbors in their own little way, continuing to feel useful. They can be an example to many in the US who, once their youthful vigor is slightly decreased, file for disability and spend their time in front of the television. I hope I am more like our road buddies when I am older.