December 15, 2004
A Caja China Christmas
You may know that La Caja China is the box we Cubans use to roast whole pigs on special ocassions. I've written about it more than a few times and perhaps since La Caja China has been getting such exposure - it has been featured in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Food Network, and a few other major media outlets - I also seem to get quite a few people coming to my site on Google searches for it. I have also received a number of emails asking for information or plans on how to build a Caja China.
Yesterday, I received the following email:
Val,Hey my name is (withheld) and I came across your site on la caja china. I'm looking to roast a pig for New Years and would like to know if you can send me instructions or any piece of information that can help me build this. I just want to explain my story to you so you can understand why this is so important for me.
Last month Nov. 2004 my cousin from Miami passed away due to a carbon monoxide leak in his car it was all over the news, a true tragedy...10 days later my grandmother passed away (my aunts mother) In less than 2 weeks my family has lost two very important people in our lives and as a latin you know how close we are..now the holiday season is around the corner and my family doesn't want to be in Miami with all the reminders of my cousin and grandmother. I have invited them up to Tampa to celebrate the holidays with us and move away from our tradition in Miami for now since the pain is too much at the moment. To make the holiday as special as possible I want to cook them a huge dinner starting with the pig and the caja china and other great foods like arroz con gandules, y yuca and everything else that can make the season warmer and special.
I'm sure that you are very very busy, but due to this situation I ask if you can take a few moments away from your schedule to send me some information. I was looking around for prices, but their just a bit too expensive for me right now. If your not able to send me anything that is quite alright I have the basic idea since I grew up with them around and I'm sure I can produce a ghetto version of it that will work just as well. I was just hoping for something a little more solid. I thank you for your time. Have a wonderful holiday.
I remember the news of her cousin from last month. He had been sitting in his car with his girlfriend and apparently carbon monoxide had been seeping in through the undercarraige and into the interior of the car. Both teenagers died. I believe the young man was 17 years old. I remember the local newscasts showing the distraught and completely devastated family members. It was heartbreaking.
I immediately emailed the lady and gave her my sincerest condolences. I offered her and her family my sympathies but, what can one really do to console someone who's lost two family members days apart?
I sent her a few links to a couple of posts I have that talk about the Caja China and also the one where a gentleman from Texas had built one from plans I had quickly drawn up. I told her that I'd be happy to help in any way I could and asked her exactly what she needed to know. I also explained to her that they can be pretty difficult to build if you dont have experience in working with the materials and specific tools.
She was a bit disappointed, but her response email was kind and courteous and thankful. It was a bit too complex for her to build. She told me she would try to find another way, put together another something to cook the lechon for her family.
A few months ago, I had contacted the owner of La Caja China and - since the term "caja china" accounts for almost one third of my site hits - I had offered to place an ad for La Caja China on my blog in exchange for one of his Cajas China. The boxes he manufactures are much much more precise and easier to use than the one I built. And if you are a frequent reader of this blog you know that Steve of Hog On Ice and I have a penchant for cooking outdoors and we had discussed a possible hybrid Caja China/Smoker and thus, a new Caja China was needed.
But then I got busy and had too many things going on and completely forgot about my conversation with Roberto, La Caja China's owner.
Until yesterday when I read that email.
So I emailed Roberto and basically reminded him who I was and told him I would place an ad for La Caja China on my site in exchange for a Caja China to be sent to this lady in Tampa. I enclosed the original email I had received from her.
Today, I get an email from Roberto asking, only, the lady's address and saying that he wanted to send it out today, UPS, free of charge. No mention of the BlogAd or anything else. He just wanted to send that family a Caja China. He, like me, just wanted to help them in a time of crisis by whatever means possible. He and I just wanted to be of some consolation to these folks who lost two very close and dear and important family members ten days apart, and who would be attempting to celebrate their first Christmas without them. (I use the word celebrate for lack of a better one.) During this time of mourning, this family wants to be together. I am sure there will be many tears shed, many what could have beens and much pain for this family during these holidays.
I then mustered up the strength to email the young lady back and give her the news. I told her Roberto would be sending her a Caja China free of charge.
She replied:
Val,I can't even begin to tell you what you have done. Before I could even respond to your email I had to call my best friend in Miami because I was in tears from the news. You and Roberto have made this holiday extra special. It's because of people like you that make this a better place to be. I'm deeply grateful for everything you have done. I don't think you'll ever be able to fully understand how much I appreciate this. You have truly given us a great begining to a very special holiday. Thank you so so much. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Thank you,
((Name withheld)
There is probably a Caja China on it's way up to what must be a very solemn family in Tampa right now, courtesy of Roberto, the manufacturer and distributor of La Caja China.
Gracias, Roberto, for reminding us what Christmas is all about.
And as soon as I can get the graphics and html code put together, there will be a blogad for La Caja China prominently displayed on this site.
Posted by Val Prieto at December 15, 2004 03:45 PM
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Comments
There goes my personal sauna.
Posted by: Steve H. at December 15, 2004 05:55 PM
What a touching story, tears are flowing. Thanks for sharing this. It reminds me once again what a difference one person can make in this world. You are tops!
Posted by: Kathleen at December 15, 2004 06:17 PM
You're a good man, Val. Even with your legs shaved...
Posted by: Scott P at December 15, 2004 06:56 PM
When they say, "God works through you", this is what they are talking about.
Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Hank at December 15, 2004 07:01 PM
you rock Val. You absolutely rock!
Posted by: caltechgirl at December 15, 2004 07:03 PM
Val,
Thank you for being the caring person you are. This is just one more example of the ability to connect that the blogosphere can offer. For example, I had never heard of the "Spirit of America" until it came through the blogosphere and I am now contributing to it. If I ever need a caja china, I now know where to look.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Posted by: Hangtown Bob at December 15, 2004 07:27 PM
I'm sitting here trying to read through my tears. What a wonderful gift of love. Now when they think of this season they will not only think of the loss, but of this gift of love. Hank put it correctly God does work through you, miracles do happen. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Posted by: Ruth H at December 15, 2004 08:26 PM
See? You are a good man Val. This family has the chance to heal this holiday by being together and you helped make that possible. This is the kind of thing the blogosphere is for. I wish Sgt. Hook would have reconsidered since he too did so much good with his blog. But I guess some new blogger with a big heart will take his place. Thanks Val. Makes me proud to almost kinda in a weird blog-way - know you.
Posted by: Kathleen A at December 15, 2004 08:57 PM
Val,
Merry Christmas. I too have tears in my eyes. If I ever get enough money together to buy such a great item, wouldn't go anywhere else. Thank God for the great people out there. My prayers and condolences are with this woman's family.
Posted by: Kathianne at December 15, 2004 09:17 PM
I am so grateful to have you as an uncle.
Before I even got halfway down the post, I was going to tell you, "let's drive up to Tampa and take them one".
I remember the news too, and I'm glad this here little blog, that I am so very lucky to be a part of, can help in the healing process of that family, and help them observe this holiday in the best way they can, being together.
Posted by: Amanda at December 16, 2004 08:25 AM
Some good news and a good deed. I know they will enjoy such a gift. You're a kind man, no matter what Steve says about you and your Budweiser.--s
Posted by: j.scott barnard at December 16, 2004 10:49 AM
Val, I don't know how you manage to do it, but you make us all burst into tears on a regular basis.
I'm almost scared to read your blog now. Almost.
Posted by: Keith at December 16, 2004 12:53 PM
That put a smile on my face.
Prayers en route to that family for healing.
Posted by: Patty at December 16, 2004 05:48 PM
Thanks for reminding me what Christmas is all about. We just purchased a Caja China today 12-18. They are the type of business we will support any day. Our prayers are with the family and with all of yours.
Merry Christmas
Posted by: Gary at December 18, 2004 05:23 PM
