Gato

By Thomas Lin
San Salvador, El Salvador

Living in San Salvador, El Salvador, one gets used to the people who flock to your car at stoplights to ask for money. Gato was one of these people I slowly got to know as I drove by on my way to work. A friendly, clean-cut young man of about 21, he lost both his legs to a landmine during the savage twelve-year El Salvador civil war.

In a developing nation where the majority of the people struggle to make ends meet, Gato was just another victim. However, instead of being angry or bitter about his unfortunate condition, he faced life with a smile. He happily exchanged greetings with passing drivers, hoping for spare change that could buy him a meal.

One day, in the midst of a traffic jam, I noticed two small kids fighting each other. One held the remains of a small sandwich while the other was fighting to take it. When Gato saw this, he ambled over on his crutches and reprimanded the two. “We are all brothers in this world, and we must learn to share and survive together. Look at the two of you, fighting over leftovers instead of helping each other become better.”

The boy was taken by Gato’s words. He split his treasured sandwich in half and gave a piece to his friend. Gato smiled at them and said, “That is good. We must all help one another in any way we can.” He reached into his pocket and took out all of his accumulated change — about two dollars, or a day’s worth of food — and gave it to the two kids, telling them to buy food for their families.

El Salvador is slowly progressing on its way to meeting the demands of its citizens. But Gato is a local hero who is trying to beat overwhelming circumstances with a sunny attitude, positive influence, and a heart of gold. He has made a difference in our world.

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