A Street Artist Hero

I don't have many heroes in life. The big problem with heroes is that you often put them on a pedestal and they fail to live up to the expectations. I'm not sure this gentleman is a hero but I do have a lot of respect for him.

He's a street singer in Merida, Mexico and he can usually be found around el centro Merida on weekends and he sometimes goes up to Progreso to entertain the cruise ship passengers. What sets him up as a potential hero is his ability to accept what he has and try to make the best of it. I've seen him sing numerous times over the last several years and for me it's always captivating. He has never asked for a certain amount of money to sing for you, he'll sing and you tip him what you think it was worth.

You really don't have to go looking for him, just sit in one place and listen. Sooner or later you'll here him talking to others in the crowd with the phrases "My brother from another mother" or "My sister from another mister". Always with a smile on his face and a song in his heart. You can even feel the attitude of the crowds liven up as he makes his way toward you. After he sings for you he will continue through the crowd leaving you with a "God bless you, brother" or "God bless you, sister", whether you tip him for the music or not.

You may be wondering what elevates this street artist to almost the heroic levels. It's his ability to be happy with himself and make the best of what he has. He doesn't need a pedestal to be placed on, he already has one, it's a wheelchair. With no legs most of the rest of us would be reduced to pulling the hat off our head and asking for money, I've never seen that hat removed from his head. For me, he's a true inspiration.

Here's a link to one of his songs on YouTube, "Entrega total" Street Singer. If you're ever in Merida, make your way down to the historic district on a weekend afternoon and listen for him making his way through the crowd. I think you'll be impressed in the same way I am.

And for him, if he's reading: God bless you, brother!