Sr. Rossell

Sr. Rossell, pictured age about 75, has been a great friend and help to us over the years. He restored our Citroen 2CV motor car, also pictured, about 15 years ago, and ever since has been looking after it in the parking place under his flat which we rent from him, turning the engine over every week and giving it a little spin around the parking area. He also used to come and water our plants as well as move the other ancient car we have in our narrow street from side to side every two months when the parking alternates.

Now aged 91, today he called us over to his home as he is suddenly and for the first time housebound with a very painful and swollen knee that has been giving him trouble for years. They may be replacing it next week but there is no guarantee the op will be a success. His older wife is permanently housebound and increasingly senile in need of 24 hour care at home from a live in assistant whom he has to pay without any state support. His savings are nearly done, burning away at the rate of Euros 3,000 per month. He beseeched me to buy his parking space for Euros 30,000. He desperately wants me to have it, but we are not, unfortunately, in the market. I tried to set his expectations but he insisted I think it over for a few days. On the way out, Dd spotted this photo on his shelf, one of only two he has up. For the first time in our meeting, he laughed as he recalled me taking it by surprise, and then later the greater surprise when Dd framed it and gave it to him on his retirement.

We left his cramped office, but not before I noticed the array of spanners he used as paperweights on his desk; Rossell is forever resourceful, and very effective they are too! Still, that sight wasn't enough to lift our spirits as he shouted 'Tell me something soon, Alan', as we stepped into the lift. He's going to be disappointed but we hope to find other ways to give him some support during these difficult times.

Here he is four years ago on our patio....