by Judi McLeod
March 15, 2004
Manuel, who hails from Sri Lanka, may be only one of the must-be hordes of the Toronto Stars delivery agents, but to me hes literally a true star.
I count on finding the newspaper at my apartment door every morning, no matter the season. Not a big fan of what I believe is "The Newspaper of Victims", I pore daily through the Metro edition, particularly close to deadline time, to make sure the cover stories of the Toronto printed edition of Canada Free Press, are guaranteed exclusive.
Manuel and I have never met, other than briefly conversing over the telephone these past few years. Manuel, 42, came into my life making a promise that he vigilantly kept. His two predecessors had complicated my sometimes-hectic life. Come collection time, my payment and tip went missing when by pre-arrangement I left their money at the door. Since it had never happened before, I doubted that it was my neighbours along the hallway.
My decision to run across the street to the newspaper box had already been made when Manuel came a calling.
When I blasted his sales pitch over the telephone, it was more out of frustration than spite.
"If you give me a chance, that will never happen with me," said Manuel.
My delivery has been consistent and the money never went missing.
When my monthly payment was due, Manuel always took the time to call and find out when he could expect my envelope. I got to know a little bit about him over the years, that he was a hard-working immigrant and the proud father of two school age children.
When the Star went off on its tangent last year, accusing the Toronto police and the Blue Jays of wholesale racism, some people I know decided to boycott the daily. after briefly considering the same option, I decided that the Star, wouldnt get my message, but Manuel would.
Then last Sunday, came an early morning knock on my door. When I answered, Manuels replacement was standing there. Manuel, I was told, was recovering in St. Michaels Hospital from brain surgery.
I thought of Manuel lying in a hospital bed all day. His distinctive voice on the telephone, and the endearing accent when he pronounces my name, repeated over and over in my memory.
By the days end, his wife took the trouble to call me, to make sure I had understood the replacements message.
His wife kindly told me a little about his recuperation when I inquired. How although the operation was successful, her husbands having trouble moving his limbs and how he was experiencing difficulty with his speech.
When I mentioned how it must be a terrible worry with the familys main breadwinner not able to do his job, she courageously told me how they would be all right because she, too, has a job.
Helping her husband with his bookwork on his return home, taught her the names and eccentricities of all his customers.
To be so unwaveringly brave in the cruel face of adversity told me much about Manuels wife.
Manuels story is the story of so many honest and hardworking immigrants, who come to this country and do the most menial of work to support their families.
Putting all of his customers first, he does his employer proud.
God speed your recovery, Manuel, youre an everyday star.
Canada Free Press founding editor Most recent by Judi McLeod is an award-winning journalist with 30 years experience in the print media. Her work has appeared on Newsmax.com, Drudge Report, Foxnews.com, Glenn Beck. Judi can be reached at: judi@canadafreepress.com
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