 |
Search : | ||
|
|||
News
|
News stories
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 March 2003 by Marko Kokic in Guatemala City Everyone at the Guatemalan Red Cross knows Marina de Paz. The charismatic 82-year-old receptionist stands only 143 cm high. But what she lacks in stature she makes up for with her strong, dignified presence that fills the lobby. Her nurse’s uniform and white bonnet recall an earlier time – an anachronism that nonetheless reflects the history and traditions of the Red Cross. Reflecting on her life, Marina says, “When I was two years old, my mother had a photo taken of me in a nurse’s uniform. Little did I know then that I would wear a similar uniform for the rest of my days.” She married in 1941 to Augustin Paz Tejada who worked for Pan Am. It was a happy union of 55 years. Their only child, a son, had two sons of his own. Marina is quick to point out that her grandchildren are very tall. The financial stability of marriage gave her the freedom to pursue charitable endeavours. Marina recalls the day she became a Red Cross Volunteer some 38 years ago. What began as a kindergarten teacher’s interest in first aid ended up shaping her life. She is the sole remaining founder of the Guatemalan Red Cross Las Damas Volontarias. “There were about 50 of us housewives who got together. We wanted to do something to help others,” explains Marina. Today there are hundreds of members who continue to visit hospices, hospitals and homes for the elderly helping in any way they can. Only after her husband died in 1996, did Marina accept payment for her activities. She, in turn, often dips into her purse to help the needy pay for transport and medical consultations. She has never turned away anyone seeking help from the Red Cross and her generosity and many years of service have earned her the respect of all who know her. She says her most memorable day with the Red Cross was her 80th birthday. “I had gone for a walk as I always do at midday. When I returned there was a party with a marimba band in my honour. I was given this gold bracelet in appreciation for my years of work,” she recalls, pointing to her wrist. Marina can still be found sitting at her modest desk in the lobby of the Guatemalan Red Cross. A little vase of flowers sits on one side, a welcoming beacon to all who enter the premises. Marina likes to say that, although she is just a receptionist, she is in some small way involved in all that goes on in the National Society. Who better to introduce newcomers to the Red Cross Movement than Marina de Paz. Related links: Guatemala: appeals, updates and reports Principles and Values: Voluntary service Guatemalan Red Cross |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
