By Sabrina Squire - bio | email
Posted by Phil Riggan – email
POWHATAN, VA (WWBT) - Today's Act of Kindness is an inspiring success story. A Powhatan County man came to America from Mexico two decades ago.
The single dad built his own business and became a U.S. citizen. But this summer, he suffered a setback that nearly cost him his life.
Now, his good friend is delivering him a Christmas Act of Kindness.
"My wife had seen the segment first, and she said ‘Oh, you have got to submit Victor for this,'" said Joey Robinson who said he and Victor Lomelin bonded instantly through kids and sports.
"We met through soccer, I was coaching his son, we've known each other six years now, great friends ever since," he said.
He calls his friend an amazing role model who couldn't even speak the language when he came to the United States 23 years ago. Victor said he learned from the university of life. The businessman was living the American dream and when he became a U.S. citizen in July, Robinson wrote a reference letter.
"We were supporting him the whole way pretty psyched, very exciting, very exciting," Robinson said.
The celebration was short, weeks later Victor suffered a massive heart attack.
"He runs a concrete company which is very demanding and he does a lot of the work in the field with his guys and then to have a heart attack," Robinson said.
Victor lost 40 percent of his heart muscle, spent five months in the hospital and had several surgeries.
"It's been tough and sometimes he'll call me and say ‘I just don't know what to do, how am I gone to get through the medical bills, the surgeries and everything else,'" Robinson said.
"It's Christmas and we're trying to help him out, he's got two boys, any little bit help with presents for them when everything he's got is having to go into medical bills," he said.
"I have $100, $200, $300 for you and your good friend Victor," Sabrina said.
We follow Robinson a few blocks to Victor's house, he's not expecting us.
Victor invites us inside. "What a surprise Joey. I don't know what to do man," Victor said.
And shows us his gratitude.
Then he tells me about what he calls "crazy six months of my life."
"Thanks for her I am alright because she been take care of me," Victor said. He credits girlfriend Christina, medication, therapy and positive attitude for progress with recovery.
But he admits his life is drastically different. He'll be doing more office work now.
"I cannot work in the field anymore, it's over for me...I'm alive," Victor said.
Victor's used to change, since he came to America he's been a painter, welder, waiter, surveyor, crew chief and construction superintendent before he realizing his dream of entrepreneurship.
"I was already talking for five years I gonna do it, my dreams come true, now different dreams I am alive," he said. And he's got his friends who show they care.
"It's just a token to help you with Christmas, and maybe something for the boys. For you to spend on them for Christmas," Robinson said.
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