Dear Sir,
My companion of 21 years died suddenly last week. My family, my friends, and my government have been kind and supportive throughout the ordeal of the last week. Hearing an officer from the American Consulate express condolences on behalf of “my government” has particularly and deeply touched my heart. Nearly everyone I have encountered this week has given me great comfort.
Unfortunately, I had to go to the the Lake Chapala Society in Ajijic to retrieve copies of the official consular report of Billy Crouser’s death. It was supposed to be a simple thing. A final act in the legal process. I was only going out to pick up an envelope of documents. It was meant to be convenient.
Upon arrival, the information and welcoming center failed to both welcome me and give me the information I needed. I was berated not just once, but twice, by two brusque and impatient volunteers for not having made an appointment. The second person that I approached for assistance was visibly upset when I explained that I didn’t know where to go and that her directions were unclear. As she proceeded to give me more difficulty, I could only throw up my hands to express my frustration at being given so so much grief. I only wanted to pick up my companion’s “death certificate” and leave. I didn’t require an appointment. And, I certainly didn’t need to meet these two self-important “gatekeepers.”
I held back my tears, managed to find the consulate officers, took possession of my documents, and left. I do not care to ever return to the Lake Chapala Society. If “serving the Lake Chapala community” is their goal, they failed miserably.
Lee Harris, Ajijic
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