Hector is my hero

Those of you that have been tracking with the Watsons know that we spent several years in the heart of California's Central Valley, Fresno.  Recently, Lisa and the 3 Watson boys took a couple of trips back to a city that holds lots of fantastic memories and twice as many fantastic friends.  

Our two visits, one in May and another in June, both centered on weddings.  We spent our time visiting friends, eating some of the best Mexican food (Fajita Fiesta & Lola's) and tossing in some In 'n Out Burgers for good measure and otherwise celebrating our faces off.  

There are several stories from our visits that could be told, but I have to tell this one.

Hector Guzman is my barber.  I have had a lot of hair cuts in my life.  No one makes me look as good as Hector does.  And no one reminds me more often of God's love despite the difficulties of life like Hector.  I first met Hector and his wife nearly 8 years ago when they were on welfare but working really hard to get off and on their feet.  I was directing a mentoring program that matched people on gov't assistance with Christian mentors.  The goal was gainful employment and a deepened faith.  It wasn't long after I met Hector that he started cutting hair at a barber shop in central Fresno.  Slowly Hector built up his clientele.  Actually, it wasn't that slowly.  Reputation got around and Hector had a healthy base of customers.

On this last visit to Fresno, I intentionally let my hair grow so that Hector could 'do me right'.  When I got to World Hair Stylist Barber Shop I noticed that Hector was in the first chair, not his normal second chair.  I commented about Hector 'moving up'.  Turns out the owner of the shop, Lou, passed away last year.  A gentleman who will be missed.  Rather than find a new shop in which to rent a chair, Hector decided to buy the shop, keep the guys who were cutting with him and keep being a pillar in the community and an encouragement to anyone who asks his story.  

Before leaving Hector's, I told him how proud I was of him.  I told him several times.  And as I drove down Blackstone, I cried tears of pride and thanked God for him.  Hector is my hero.