Laida San Sebastian: My Memories of Manuel Lobato
Thursday, 02 July 2009 It´s not easy to choose where to start talking about Manuel, there is so much to say…Manuel was always late and he always did things his own way… he would drive you crazy! There was no point in getting annoyed, he would just take your hand and say “hey, man, don't you get upset with me”.
And that was it; he made everything better with a few words.
A two-hour trip would become a five-hour one, stopping for a coffee everywhere.
If he could see us now he would say, as a friend reminded me, “hey guys, don't worry, this dying thing is normal”.
A passionate anthropologist, relativist by conviction, good anti-stress remedy and source of wisdom for all, wisdom he acquired trough all he went through in his life. A reference in his area and always ready to help others.
An Andalusian in love with the Basque Country.
What to say about his fight for the rights of people with disabilities? No matter what he achieved, it pales in comparison to what he represents for his family, friends, and colleagues.
I can see him, wherever he is, doing what he does, saying that he is waiting for us to have a few beers… but not to be in a hurry!