Gratitude

dated 2012-01-14 | posted in columns | topic Economy | permanent link

With all the complaints about rising prices, the falling euro and the “crise” I thought I’d put my attention on an overlooked attitude here: gratitude. After all, for all the whining, Jumbo was still packed last Wednesday evening, the lines to pay at FNAC in CascaiShopping were as long as ever last weekend, and the Indian restaurant next to my home has a nearly full house every night.

So, how about thinking of people, places and events to be grateful for? My list includes some of the following:

1. The Restelo Veterinary Hospital. Two weeks ago my 16-year old poodle, Ben, had a kidney crisis. He became dehydrated, disoriented and nauseated all at the same time. He refused food, drank water non-stop and walked into walls as if he were blind, which he is not. I rushed him to our vet where my able specialist, Thelma, had the honesty and integrity to tell me “ Patricia, we can put him on a drip here, but he will get better care in the Restelo Vet Hospital.” Even more she called there and told them Ben and I would arrive within the hour. Three days later they returned Ben to me, a new dog. In addition, while he stayed there a staff member called me daily for a progress update. They also have visiting hours at 7 pm. Open 24 hours: Hospital Veterinário do Restelo: Telefone: 213 032 119, www.hospitalveterinario.pt

2. Chaves do Areeiro: I have used theirs services numerous times through the years from installing new locks on my apartment door (mainly after my purse was stolen) to making faultless copies of keys. In addition, last year I purchased a safe from them. It has worked well until last Sunday night when I put in the code, but the safe would not open. . First I thought I had temporary dementia and had forgotten the correct numbers. But then I tried the same combination on my laptop (probably foolishly I use the same numbers for all of my numerical passwords), and the computer opened. But the safe would not. I was only thrilled that I didn’t have a midnight flight, as my passport and all documents are inside. Early on Monday I called the Cascais store only to be told that Lisbon handles these situations. “ Do you want me to call there for you?” the compassionate employee said. But my Portuguese is good enough to do it myself. Lisbon was equally helpful. They said a technician would arrive at my home at 3 pm, which he did, exactly on time. Twenty minutes later he had the safe open, showed me where it had become jammed inside (my error, not the safe’s) and said “ no charge” as the safe was less than two years old. Joao then gave me his card for any further problems. I expect none, but can for sure recommend this company. www.chavesareeiro.pt Tel: 218 453 010 (LISBON); 214 600 514 (CascaiShopping)

3. The Aldeia SOS in Bicesse has a new Director. Dr Manuel Espirito Santo is the most caring, capable administrator I have seen there in my fifteen years of connection with the Village. I still have two “children “ at the Village, and this man treats them, and the other 54 with great care, dignity and compassion. He restores my faith in institutional employees and gives hope that these children will grow up with the care and compassion they deserve. www.aldeias-sos.org

While we all sort out the financial struggles of our families and the country, I should think that some gratitude along the way could soften the situation.
Patwestheimer@gmail.com