Snapshot of Rafaél (left) and Daniel (right), two refrigeration technicians who added a 220 volt connection in our house for a new air condition unit. They have been close friends for more than 49 years---a lifetime if you ask me. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
When we needed an electric extension for our new air conditioner, my wife called her old-time friend, Abigaíl Ortiz for help. Her husband, Rafaél, has been a professional refrigeration technician all his life. In fact he liked the profession so much, he gave refrigeration classes at a technical school in Panama City. He can install an air conditioners with his eyes closed. I can unequivocally assert that he has a special knack for the trade.
Last week, I recall it was a Saturday, when Rafaél and Daniel, came to our house exactly on time, as a professional should do. Punctuality is not frequently found in this neck of the woods. After they finished their job, they sat in our living room and told us that they have been friends for over 49 years. They went to school together in 1963, graduated together, both got a job as refrigeration instructors at a local vocational school, free-lanced together in residential and commercial projects, retired together, and still earn a few bucks together now and then supporting their long-time customers in the city. They cherish and nurture the value of friendship.
There is only one road to successful relations with other people and that is the way of the heart. Love for one another is the glue that holds humanity together. I wish we had more of this social glue to spread it evenly across our planet which is currently experiencing a rising tide of incomprehension, intolerance and violence.
Congratulations Rafaél and Daniel for giving us an example of legitimate and authentic friendship. There is a severe drought of this social value in this day and age. Good Day.
