Julio – The Growing Years

 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2006-2008 by the author

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

It was just after the first of the year when I was contacted by Casey telling me Joey’s case was heard and it was basically a formality with the judge talking with Joey then signing off on the adoption. Marco spent the holidays in Brazil with his Dad and the four of us had a quiet holiday here at home.

Chapter 12

The next thing I knew, it was time to prepare for Jay and Ronnie’s graduation. Marco had just finished his classes for the year and decided to spend part of his summer with me and the other part in Brazil with his Dad.

Ronnie and Jay’s grades were super this year with both boys making straight A’s. In fact, throughout their high school years they were honor students. I found out that when the school went to pick a valedictorian, it came down to five students and then it ended in a tie the way they computed the GPA. When it was over, they took the GPA out to 4 decimal places and Ronnie missed out by .0002 and Jay by .0003. Ronnie had been accepted on a full scholarship to Johnson and Wales and Jay was going to my alma matter Duke. I worried about the boys being separated but they both assured me that their studies would keep them busy.

The day of their graduation, the boys came downstairs wearing their robes. My eyes opened wide when I saw this, then I saw Marco carrying down a bag with him. “Ok you two,” I said. “Open your robes.”

They looked at each other then smiled. “It’s hot out Dad,” Jay said.

“I know,” I said. “But if you have on what I think you do.”

They opened their robes as Jay said, “Come on Dad, we’re not naked.”

“Just barely,” I said laughing. “Put a pair of shorts on and you’re good to go.”

Marco handed them their other clothes for after the graduation ceremony. Steven, Angel, Marco and I went to the Pavilion and found some seats close to the front so we could get photos. After the valedictorian spoke, the students started their march towards the stage to receive their diplomas. With Jay and Ronnie’s last name starting with S, I knew it would take several minutes for them to reach the stage. “That’s the down side Dad to our names,” Steven said as he watched the students receive their diplomas. “They should consider letting the honor grads get theirs first then the others.”

“That would be an idea,” I said. “Guess they haven’t thought about that.”

Steven leaned over and said, “You know what this year is, don’t you Dad?”

How could I forget? This was another time where I really take it in the wallet. “Yes son,” I said quickly kissing his cheek. “You’ve been dropping hints for the past several weeks with pictures of the car you want.”

“Me?” He said. “Would I do that Dad?”

“Well it wasn’t your sister,” I said smiling.

Finally we saw Jay and Ronnie head up the steps to the stage and receive their high school diplomas. I had a zoom lens on my camera so I was able to get some great pictures. It took almost an hour for everyone to walk to the stage then get their reward for twelve years of hard work.

After it was over, Steven, Angel, Marco and I went and hunted for the boys through all that mass of humanity. It’s a good thing I make them put shorts on because when we finally found Jay and Ronnie were standing there talking with a few of their friends with their robes hanging open.

We managed to wiggle through the people and make it over to them. I hugged each of my sons when Jay said, “Frank, Gene, this is my Dad, Dr. Miguel Sanchez.”

The boys shook my hand and said, “Nice to meet you sir.”

Gene looked at Jay and said, “So where are you off to in the fall?”

Jay looked up at me then said, “Duke and Ronnie is going to Johnson and Wales?”

“Cooking school?” Frank said laughing.

Jay saw red then said, “Yeah, you have a problem with that?”

“Ah well no Jay,” Frank said.

Ronnie looked at him and said, “All great chefs have to learn somewhere.”

Gene stepped in then said, “You’re right Ronnie. And Frank here just had uncooked sole for lunch. Apologies now dude!”

“I’m sorry Ronnie,” Frank said. “I’ve heard plenty from your brother on how good your food is. What do you want to do when you graduate?”

“Haven’t really thought about it,” Ronnie said. “I’ll either go to work for a good restaurant or maybe try to open one myself. I have a good business manager here with my sister.”

He pulled Angel into his arm as the boys gawked at her. Frank rubbed her arm and said, “I’d like to get to know you beautiful.”

Just then Steven’s jealousy reared up and he grabbed Frank’s arm saying, “She’s already spoken for.”

Gene looked at Frank and said, “Can’t you learn to keep your foot out of your mouth?”

Steven was holding Angel’s hand and Frank saw the ring on her finger then said, “Oh shit dude, I’m sorry. I didn’t see the ring.”

Steven said, “Yeah, this is my foster sister and we’re engaged.”

“Ah engaged?” Frank stammered. “Congrats man, she is a fine looking woman.”

Gene tried to save Frank by saying, “So Jay, what are you going to take at Duke?”

“I’m going to major in Biology,” he started. “Then go on to med school.”

“Wow,” Gene said. “Like father, like son.”

Jay smiled then said, “More like, like father like sons. Marco just finished his first year at UVA then he’s going on to med school too.”

Gene looked over to me then said, “Looks like you have a couple of future partners Doctor. You two going to the party tonight?”

 

Jay shook his head and said, “Sorry dude, too much booze for me.”

I had to give all my kids credit for one thing; they never cared to be around a lot of drinking even though I would allow them to have a little on special occasions. Gene said, “That’s cool dude, I’m not going to drink either but I want to see a couple of friends before I take off. What are you guys gonna do this summer?”

Jay smiled and said, “Dad is gonna send Ronnie and me on a cruise.”

“Oh wow,” Gene said. “I’d love for my parents to let me go on one. They’re taking me and my little sister to Disney World. It’s gonna be fun and all that but it would be so neat to do something by myself.”

“I can understand that,” Jay said. “Well guys, we need to get going. Have a good summer.”

We fought our way back through the crowd to the exit. I looked at Jay and asked, “So why did you bring a change of clothes if you’re not going out?”

Ronnie hugged me and said, “Just too much booze Dad. I just hope they don’t get drunk then get into a wreck.”

“I hope you’re right son,” I said. “I’m really proud of you for not wanting to go.”

Jay looked up at me and asked, “Would you have let us go knowing there was booze there?”

“Yes I would son,” I said. “I’ve raised you all to have good morals and common sense. I trust you to make the proper decisions.”

“Thanks Dad,” he said. “There were times when I didn’t like the rules but I see now why you had them.”

I hugged him, “And if you two have a child you will have to have some of the same rules.”

We headed out to the car then headed home so the boys could change out of their robes. I went to the bar and got myself a soda when Angel came in and said, “What are you going to do for Marco Dad?”

I looked at her and said, “What do you mean sweetheart?”

She looked at me and said, “I mean, you’re sending Jay and Ronnie on a cruise for their graduation but Marco already has, even thought we didn’t know about it.”

I hadn’t thought about it, “Let me see what I can do.”

I went over and called my travel agent to see if I could add Marco as an extra guest in the boy’s suite. She put me on hold and contacted the cruise line and they said that that was fine. I gave her my credit card information to pay for Marco’s fare and I was informed that his documents would arrive with Jay and Ronnie’s.

I hadn’t thought about Marco because he did graduate ahead of schedule. I went over to Angel and said, “All taken care of love. Thanks for reminding me.”

About ten days later I received a large envelope from the cruise lines and in it were everyone’s documents. I looked them over, “Jay, Ronnie, Marco come here please.”

I had taken the documents and put them in separate envelopes then handed each to them. “What’s this Pop?” Marco asked.

“Open them,” I said as Marco just stared at what he was holding.

Jay and Ronnie just stood there waiting for Marco to open his because they knew what theirs were. His curiosity finally got the better of him and he opened it removing all the papers. As he looked at them his eyes got big then he said, “Oh Pop, you didn’t have to do this.”

“I know,” I said as he came over and hugged me. “I wasn’t there when you graduated. I would have been if someone had let me know about it.”

“Sorry Pop,” he said. “We should have let you know. This is great, thanks.”

The boys were surprised as well because I hadn’t told them I was adding Marco. “Thanks Dad,” Ronnie said as he looked at his papers. “Whoa, is this a suite?”

“Yeah,” I said. “Thought you would like the privacy and now I’m really glad I got it.”

Later on in the week I took Steven and Angel out to get their driver’s licenses. It was just before their birthdays but the boys didn’t have a problem they were getting theirs a little early. The night before they were to go, Steven and Angel took turns driving around the area with one of their brothers. When the day arrived, Angel was calm while Steven was a nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. When we arrived at the DMV, I told the clerk the kids were there for their driving test.

We had to wait about a half an hour and Steven had 3 sodas and went to the bathroom at least 6 times. Angel went first and she was gone for only about 10 minutes. Steven was turning pale wondering if she would pass. When she came back, she had a huge smile on her face which to me said everything.

When the examiner called Steven’s name, I thought he was going to faint. Angel walked over and said, “Calm down baby, you’ll do fine. It’s a piece of cake, now just drive like you normally do and you’ll pass.”

“But,” Steven started to say but Angel quickly covered his mouth with her lips.

Steven seemed to relax then went over to meet the examiner. “Is that your sister?” He asked as they went out the door.

“Uh, well,” Steven started. “She’s my foster sister and my fiancé.”

“She’s very beautiful son,” he said. “When are you two getting married?”

They got in the car and Steven did his usual things like putting on his seatbelt and checking the mirrors. After starting the engine, he took off. He made the turn out of the parking lot, “Well, probably not until I get out of college. We might get married before then.”

The two talked while Steven drove and soon, they were back where they started. The examiner signed the card then said, “Well good luck and congratulations, you passed.”

Steven came back in much calmer than when he left. The two went to the counter to get their pictures taken and then had their licenses to drive. We returned home to rounds of cheers from the others and a special dinner prepared by Ronnie.

The next week flew by and before we knew it, it was time for the older three to leave on their cruise. I had booked them a 7 day cruise to Bermuda so they would all have plenty to do with a minimal amount of time at sea. Since the ship was sailing out of Newport News, we didn’t have to worry about air fare. I hired a limo to take them there and bring them home the following week. This was also cheaper than paying the high parking fees they were charging.

Work was light and since I had covered for Paul over the past two weeks while he was on vacation, I asked if he would do the same. When he agreed, I decided to book a few days in Williamsburg for Steven, Angel and me.

Angel had only been there once and that was a good number of years ago so this was going to be a fun time again for her. I called the reservation center and they had a suite available so I decided to book it for 5 days. The day after the boys left we did and it was fun just the three of us. I must admit that I hadn’t spent the amount of time with Angel I should have but she never complained. She was and always will be daddy’s little girl.

When we got home, I took Steven and Angel shopping for their wheels. Steven decided that since he was going to be a vet, a Blazer would be better for him while Angel went for something better suited for a company executive and got a Cadillac.

The next morning I was awakened by the three boys coming in from their cruise. I wasn’t sure what time they would get home so I thought I could get an extra hour’s worth of snoozing. I was coming out of the bathroom when they decided to wake me. “Oh damn Dad, sorry” Ronnie said. “We didn’t know you were already awake.”

“Nice body Pop,” Marco said.

I wasn’t shy to them and the compliment Marco gave made me feel good. I threw on my boxers and sweats and said, “Thanks son and it’s alight. I forgot what time you were due home. Are you boys hungry?”

“No Pop,” Marco said. “We had a huge breakfast before we left the ship. I hope you don’t mind but I called Dad while we were gone to tell him I wouldn’t make it home for the summer.”

“Was he very disappointed?” I asked.

“A little,” Marco said. “But he was happy I was seeing other places and having some fun for a change.”

I put on the coffee and Jay said, “We got some things for you all.”

“Aww son,” I said. “You didn’t have to.”

“Are you going to make me say what you always do?” He asked.

“Alight,” I said giving up.

Steven came staggering out and said “What’s all the noise about?”

“Hi sleepy head,” Jay said hugging his little brother.

“Hey guys,” he said. “When did you get home?”

“About twenty minutes ago,” Ronnie said.

Angel came out and saw every one standing there especially her brothers and said, “Welcome home.”

Jay disappeared and brought out a shopping bag and said, “We got you all a little something from us to you.”

Jay reached into the bag and said, “Angel, this is for you. When we saw this, we thought of you right away.”

Angel opened the box and her eyes almost popped out of her head. “Oh boys,” she said as tears began to fall. “They’re beautiful.”

She showed us what they bought her. Inside the box was a pair of 1/2 caret (each) diamond bangle earrings. She put them on and Ronnie said, “Oh sis, they’re perfect.”

Steven looked at her and said, “Baby, they go with your ring too.”

Ronnie reached into the bag and pulled out another box. He handed it to me and said, “Dad, this is for you.”

I opened the box and said, “Oh boys thank you.”

They got me a gold necklace that had my name on it and under my name was #1 Dad. Jay looked at me and said, “You’re our number one Dad.”

Marco reached into the back and pulled out the last box and handed it to Steven. He opened it and it too was a necklace similar to mine. It had his name on it and #1 Brother. He walked over and hugged his brothers and said, “You are my number one brothers too.”

The next couple of weeks flew by and we were celebrating birthdays again. By now the kids were getting to the age where it was hard to find them something they wanted that they didn’t have. I took them all out for a nice dinner and gave them some money as a gift.

Steven and Angela each had new cars while Ronnie and Jay went on a cruise. I gave Jay and Marco $1,000.00 each so they would have plenty of spending money and I made sure that they had enough while they were away.

Ronnie had a list of things he needed for school that weren’t covered by the scholarship so I made sure that he had his things. Steven and Angel’s needs for school weren’t like the ones in college but what ever they needed they had. I was wondering what people did trying to send their kids off when they didn’t have scholarships.

Marco headed back to Charlottesville and I decided to follow Jay to Durham and help him settle in. The night before we left, Jay and Ronnie had a very special evening to themselves. Jay and I bid Ronnie, Steven and Angel farewell and we were off. It took about 5 hours to make the drive and I remembered the campus fairly well, with the help of the map. The University had really expanded since I was last there.

Once he was settled in his dorm, I took him around and showed him some of the places I had classes and found a few that no longer existed due to expansion. I took him over to the School of Medicine and showed him where I received my education. I guess I was trying to sell him on going there but it was going to be his decision. It was getting late and I still had a five hour drive ahead of me so we said our farewells and I headed home to my smaller household.

To be continued...

Posted: 06/20/08