Stacey DiTata is Feature Writer and Editor of Sown Seeds.
Nicholas Plays with Visitor
I make piles of food under the noses of hungry street dogs on Mondays at La Mision market. This morning I had some food left over.
I approached a street vendor and gave it to him. I knew he fed dogs. The conversation that ensued was an experience that I will not forget. It shows what unexpected lessons can be revealed by a simple act of kindness.
As I handed him the food, he lit up and said, “The holidays are very busy and I am alone.” In my mind, I was preparing ways to console him. But before I could, he assured me, “I like to be alone. It lets me get to know me” pointing to his chest.
He revealed to me his story of deep transformation and recovery and how his feelings toward animals changed. In 1991 animals made his “skin crawl”. He scratched his skin. He would shoo them away and couldn’t stand to be around them.
As a result of his recovery, he became compassionate to the needs of animals. He feeds them. Points to the small limped-leg chihuahua scuttling about the market and tells tales of dogs that cross the river to visit him that do not want to leave.
“Thank you for that”. I say.
He says “Be Happy”.
He consoled me.
Nicholas (like Santa Claus “St. Nicholas”) is a vendor at the La Mision Market on Mondays and at the Primo Tapia Market on Saturdays. Stop by to pick up an item you may have been looking for. Or drop off a bag of dog food. He will make sure the dogs are fed.
The La Mision Market is every Monday in the Ejido of La Mision. Enter by the road next to Magana’s Restaurant.
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