Okay! So, out of popular demand…I will write about this dead guy. I am changing his name to Juan just in case someone from the prison ever reads my blogs.
Juan became a Christian leader in jail. He was nicknamed “El Tigre” and had a growling, hungry-looking tiger tattooed on him from head to foot. He looked like a body builder-type and protected our kids like a body-guard. He became a wonderful friend of ours.
He was “free” in the Lord and the people; the guards, and the other “Christian” inmates loved him and trusted him 100%. He was actually so “changed” that they let him out to do errands, etc. even when his pavilion was not out for recess. On one of those days, he was out bringing his brother-in-law from the dungeon to the Christian pavilion and an “enemy” from another pavilion who was out on recess saw that Juan was “off guard” and stabbed him three times.
We met his six month pregnant wife at the hospital. Oscar went in to pray with him, but came out and mentioned…just to me (not the wife)...They are not caring for him like they should, but he could make it, anyway. Why should they care for him? He was a convict…a worthless piece of society…always causing problems. But, to us he was a brother and a friend. Minutes later they came to tell us he died…hummm…suspicious, quick death. Oscar was just in there with him!
The wife was taking it very hard and to worsen the situation, they had NO MONEY. They came from the extremely poor area of town. So, now the question…where do we bury this guy? The jail, the town, just disposes of these kinds of problems. If no one claims their bodies, they just pitch them. Juan’s wife had no money or any way to help. Juan’s family in the country also lived in a primitive lifestyle. So, we decided to help her out, especially because of her physical condition. Someone in our group said that their aunt would “loan” Juan her tomb until a burial site could be purchased and the casket moved legally. So, that’s what happened…a year and a half ago!
Well, now this lady wants her tomb spot again. So, Oscar and Christian started doing the paper work and found out that the hospital did not issue them a death certificate. So, this dead guy did not even die…yet…according to paperwork. We had to get our lawyer friend involved to start searching for any documents (from the jail, the hospital, the funeral home, etc.) and create a new death certificate…1 ½ years later!
Well, we finally bought a new piece of land for Juan’s proper burial, so Oscar has been going back and forth to the lawyer’s, the town hall, the first cemetery, and the new cemetery to get the legal permission to move this dead body and casket to its final resting place.
See, I knew you wouldn’t be able to believe all this! It’s totally crazy. Juan’s been singing praises and rejoicing with our Creator long ago and we’re still trying to find a place for him “to rest” here on earth.
6 comments:
Wow, that is crazy. I know Juan's family is grateful that you care and help out. (And a dead body does need to be taken care of...)
See, with all your quotes around stuff, which when I use them mean "this is what it says, but not really what it means", I thought your twist was going to be that he didn't really die and was actually using you and Oscar for money. :) You even built up an ending like that with your "Hmm...suspicious death..." statement. :)
This is like a story subject in a mystery book!
How's his wife and little baby by now? Do they still come around? How tragic this all is.
Our prayers continue for you guys...and the prison ministery. Sounds like it can be really busy and challenging.
All we have around here are "dead beat dads!" Some of them for more than 1 1/2 years. You know, those who fall back on child support payments. I'm thankful you care enough to provide a final earthly resting place for one of God's children!
Ok. That is NOT what I was expecting from this story!! I'm glad you told us, though, because I had all kinds of ideas of what you were talking about, too, and none of them came close.
Karen- have I ever told you how much I enjoy talking with you and listening to you ?As I read this entry, I could hear your voice and see your facial expressions. You are such an expressive story teller- in fact most of the comments read like a critique of a piece of fiction! I'm so glad you ad Oscar are there to advocate for this man's widow-- and the borrowed tomb--Biblical in proportions.
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