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...

“Now that they know about this, I think they will want to help,” Danny said. “I personally think it’s a good idea but it might still be a hard sell.”

Chapter 17

Javier looked over to me and asked, “Have you got a place in mind Miguel?”

“As a matter of fact I do,” I replied pulling the photos out of the port folio. “I’m looking at the old Rivera Hotel. It has everything already there.”

The Town Treasurer looked over and said, “The town owns that now.”

The Mayor’s eyes raised then he asked, “Why do we own it?”

“Nonpayment of taxes,” The Treasurer answered.

The Mayor then looked at me and said, “Mr. Sanchez, your plan for an orphanage couldn’t have come at a better time. The Brazilian Government has given us a 5 million Real endowment contingent on us coming up with a solid plan to help get the homeless children off the street. They, like you, don’t like the physical and sexual assaults and other things that have been happening to them. If we get an orphanage up and running, they will continue the money for another 9 years.”

I looked at the Mayor thinking carefully what to say. “That is a generous amount of money Mr. Mayor. But that will just handle feeding 200 hungry growing children. You have salaries, clothing and medical care just to name a few other things. The Foundation was planning on running this and covering all the expenses associated with it in return for a few concessions.”

I was hoping that last sentence wasn’t my undoing. “What concessions were you looking at?” The Mayor asked.

I thought carefully so I wouldn’t cut my throat then said, “Well, property taxes for one, or a greatly reduced rate. Water and electricity are two more big things.”

I saw the Mayor and Treasurer lean over and start talking quietly. I was wondering what they could be discussing when the Mayor said, “Here is what we’re prepared to do. You buy the building for the outstanding taxes. The town will turn over the 5 million Reals to help defray your operating expenses. You will be taxed on 50%of the value of the property and we will provide you with free water. The town doesn’t make electricity so we can’t do anything for you there.”

“How much are the back taxes?”

The treasurer looked at his figures then said, “150,000 Reals.”

I was prepared to have to buy the building for that price but I didn’t expect the 5 million Real windfall the town just gave me. The tax break and free water was a plus too so I said, “You have a deal. I’ll get hold of our accountant and have him issue a check. Do you have keys to the building?”

“I have a set we had a locksmith make,” the treasurer said.

“Good. When can I pick them up? I want to get new locks put on the entire place.”

“Don’t worry about that Miguel,” the Mayor said. “I’ll contact the locksmith tomorrow morning and he’ll have the locks changed and two sets of keys back here by lunch.”

I nodded my head then shook the Mayor’s hand. The meeting broke up and Javier said, “You know this isn’t going to be easy.”

“Since when have I ever done something the easy way? I got Jay, Ronnie and Steven off the streets. By the way, Steven just got married.”

“I stand corrected Miguel,” Javier said laughing. “How long do you think it will take go get the place open?”

“I’m not sure. The washers and dryers will need to be replaced. I think I’ll get someone out to survey the building and see what else needs to be done. I’m thinking a minimum 60 days maybe 90 depending on what all they find.”

“That sounds reasonable,” Javier said. “So who did Steven marry?”

“You mean you can’t figure that out?” I said laughing.

Javier thought for a minute. “You mean your foster daughter? What was her name?”

“Angel,” Jay responded. “She’s the one who came up with the idea for the orphanage. She’s also got a plan for a nice hotel here.”

“I think what you’re doing for the children is admirable Miguel,” Javier said as he put his jacket on heading for the door. “I’m tired of reading reports where the Sheriff and his men are finding children injured or worse.”

“I know Javier,” I said as we left his chambers. “I carried my son to the hospital and killed a vigilante who tried to kill another of them. I’ve seen more than enough kids hurt.”

We all walked outside and said our goodbyes then returned home. Ronnie started fixing dinner as I called the Foundation. I asked to speak with the manager and he told me the accountant would personally deliver the check to the treasurer’s office tomorrow morning. I had him give me the name of someone who could inspect the building and tell me what other than the washers and driers would need to be fixed before we could open.

Marco and Paulo came home in time for dinner. Marco helped Jay set the table as I helped Ronnie bring the food in. The boys filled their plates like they were 13 again while Paulo and I watched. Once they were finished we got our food and began eating. Jay filled Marco in on the day’s events then Paulo said, “Have you settled on a board for the orphanage?”

“The Foundation is charged with most of the decisions and the hiring of the staff. The clinic at the hospital will handle their medical care and there will be social workers on duty 24 hours a day.”

Marco swallowed his mouthful then said, “This sounds like a great project Pop and Angel must be psyched too. Think I can take a look at the building?”

“Sure Marco, we’re going there tomorrow afternoon to take a better look at the place. We’re going to need to look at all the rooms and see how they are.”

We only had one more day in Receife before we had to get back to meet Angel and Steven from their honeymoon, but I had a feeling we were going to be spending most of the summer here.

The next morning I got a call from the treasurer telling me he had the new keys to the property and my accountant had delivered the check. I was assured the title would be delivered to our office within the week. The next call I got was from an inspector who said he could meet me that the place as soon as I could get there.

The boys and I got dressed then started our day. First stop was the Treasurer’s office. While there, I got a letter from the Treasurer showing the taxes paid and us as new owners of the property. Now it was off to meet the inspector.

When we arrived, Mr. Rivera was standing outside trying to get his keys to work. I got out of the Blazer and asked, “What are you trying to do? This is not your property.”

He looked at me sheepishly then replied, “Ah that matter has been cleared up. I can make you a good offer on the property.”

“I see,” I said knowing he just stuck his foot in his mouth. “Can I see a receipt showing you’ve paid the back taxes?”

“It’s back at my house,” he said.

I took the letter from the Treasurer out of my pocket and showed it to him. “This letter stated that the taxes have been paid and I am the rightful owner of this property. I’m now telling you if you come back here again, I will have you arrested.”

With that, I took the letter back and got out the new keys to the property. As soon as I unlocked the gate, Mr. Rivera knew he’d lost. Just as he was leaving, another man drove up. “May I help you?” I asked as he stepped from his car.

“I’m here to meet a Miguel Sanchez,” the man said. “I’m William Fuller, the building inspector.”

I extended my hand, “I’m Miguel Sanchez.”

Jay and Marco had opened the gates so we drove our vehicles inside. As we walked inside, I explained that the building was going to be used for an orphanage. Mr. Fuller told me that the local laws were very lax but I said this would not be the case here. I informed him that I wanted everything closely inspected and if there were any doubts about something, then it was to be noted so it could be repaired or replaced.

He told me he would check everything out very carefully then the boys and I started looking at the rooms. The first room I entered was almost bare. All that was there were two bed frames bolted to the walls. The mattresses, box springs and other furniture had been removed. The room needed painting but I noticed that everything else looked in pretty good shape. The windows had not been broken nor were there any other signs of vandalism.

We quickly looked at the rooms then the boys and I met back in the lobby. Jay looked at me and said, “Looks like that guy stripped everything out of here he could quickly sell.”

I had to agree then Ronnie said, “Let’s take a good look at the kitchen.”

I nodded my head and I was wondering what other things I would need there. I flipped the light switch and was surprised to find the electricity was still on. The kitchen looked modern. There were several commercial grade gas ovens. Against one wall were two refrigerators and a freezer. “These ice boxes are good Dad. They’re like the ones we have at school. This freezer is good for in here but for bulk storage, you might need a walk in freezer so you’re not ordering food every three or four days.”

The inspector found me and said, “Mr. Sanchez, I have a question for you. Do you know what they planned on doing here?”

I didn’t know what he was referring to so he led me to what he was talking about. There was a room that had been gutted and some type of alteration was going to take place. “I haven’t a clue.”

Ronnie looked inside and said, “This would be perfect for what I was talking about Dad. It looks plenty big enough for a walk in freezer.”

The inspector looked at his list then said, “The electrical system is all up to code. I was surprised that there is all copper wiring here instead of aluminum. The HVAC system needs upgrading. It is old and not worth repairing and you would eventually have to replace it. I would recommend you have your offices on one unit and the living areas on a couple of others that way things can be controlled better. From what I can tell, the plumbing system is alright. The one thing I would do is install a sprinkler system in case of fire since children will be here.”

“Good idea,” I said. “I just had the one in the children’s wing at the hospital upgraded. I’ll get hold of them to do the work. As for the freezer, a refrigeration company will have to install that. Other than the HVAC and sprinkler systems needing installed, was there anything else?”

“When I was out back, I looked at the roof and the tiles up there appear to be solid,” the inspector said. “I looked up into the ceiling at several places and that looks solid too. Structurally, the building appears to be sound.”

I thanked the man and he went on his way. On the way back home I stopped at the Foundation’s office and told my manager what needed to be done to the building before anything else could be done. I got back into the Blazer when Jay asked, “Where are you going to get the things for the rooms from?”

I hadn’t really had the chance to give that much thought. “I think when we get home I’ll contact a couple on manufacturers and see what they can do on a large order.”

“How many do you want to put in a room Dad?” Jay asked as I navigated through the traffic.

I managed to get out of the heavy traffic and on the road leading home. “I’m not going over 200 residents at any time. I don’t want the children to feel like they are being warehoused. Two to a room is plenty.”

“What else besides the beds and dressers do you want to put in there?” Marco asked as I neared the house.

“Each person will have their own desk that they can do their school work on. There will be plenty of staff on hand until they go to bed if they need help.” I said as I pulled into the drive.

“Sounds good,” Jay commented.

We went inside and I was excited about this project. Ronnie came in and sat down and said, “I can find out about food vendors that ship overseas. I think it would be better quality than here.”

“That’s true in some cases son,” I said as I fixed myself a drink. “The beef here is first rate. We could probably work out something directly with butchers to buy wholesale. I’ll let you look into that when we get back home.”

Jay called out that dinner was ready. We were having some leftovers so we wouldn’t have anything to throw out before we left to return home. After dinner we paid a visit on Paulo so Marco could spend some time with him before returning to college.

The next day I was a little sad that I was leaving and not over seeing the work being done on the building. But I realized that there was still work to be done at home while the repairs and modifications were being done.

We touched down in Norfolk mid afternoon and the traffic heading out to the Beach was a nightmare. It took over an hour to make then normal 20 minute drive home. The first thing I did when I got inside was look at the answering machine. There was a call from the honeymooners telling us they were having a wonderful time.

We got ourselves unpacked and no one felt like cooking so we decided to go out. After returning home, I saw Jay and Ronnie snuggling while we watched a movie. Marco looked left out so I moved and sat next to him. I held my arm out and soon it was like he was a little boy again. We both got comfortable and the next thing I knew, Marco was gently shaking me saying, “Hey Pop, come on lets get to bed.”

I slowly opened my eyes and I was surrounded by the boys. Jay helped me to my feet then I managed to get to my bedroom. I did my nightly business then quickly got into bed. The next thing I remember was the smell of coffee.

I quickly emptied my bladder and tossed on some shorts and made my way to the kitchen. I fixed myself some liquid wake up and noticed Marco dressed already. “What’s going on?”

“Pop I have to get back to school,” Marco said.

I’d been thinking so much about the orphanage I clean forgot Marco was leaving today to return to UVA. “I’m sorry Marco, I’ve been thinking so much about the building.”

“Don’t worry Pop,” Marco said fixing me another cup of coffee. “I am taking this Christmas off so I’ll be back then. I’ll be here for a week then in Receife for a week.”

Marco finished his coffee then wanted to get on the road so he could be back at school at a decent hour. After breakfast I started looking for mattress and furniture manufacturers who would be willing to make a huge order and still ship to a foreign country.

I was about an hour into a major headache when I got a call from my manager at the Foundation. He told me he made a few phone calls to several of the major hotels in Rio and got several lists of vendors for things like mattresses, linens, furniture, kitchen supplies, televisions and even food suppliers. He also informed me that the sprinkler and HAVC system would be started on next week. The refrigeration company would need to see the room before making any commitment as to when work could begin.

We were basically starting with nothing and furnishing the place from the ground up. I thanked him and said I would make a list of everything I thought we would need and get it faxed to him. I gave him the authority to review the list and to add anything I might forget.

That afternoon I started making a list of things the place would need. Each room had two closets built into the walls with a metal bar for hung up items. Each of the 100 rooms would need 2 dressers, 2 desks and chairs, 2 pillows and 2 mattresses and box springs. I decided that there would be plenty of linens and towels so I figured on 500 sets of sheets, pillow cases and towels. The more I got into making this list the more I was glad I mentally set aside between 500,000 and a million dollars. The kitchen would require a little help so I went to Ronnie for that. Ronnie wasn’t sure about what all would be needed so he said he’d talk with one if his teachers for some advice.

The next day I was beside myself because Steven and Angel were due home that afternoon. Ronnie went and got basic inventory for things for the kitchen along with additional items they may need. Since there was really nothing there for them to work with, I went with the full list. Ronnie got me an estimate on the cost of everything and I was glad I was sitting down. With the appliances I hadn’t counted on, plus the pots, pans, dishes and what nots, the estimated cost for the kitchen alone was almost $250,000.

I was about to get comfortable when I heard a car pull up and blow its horn. When I opened the door I was greeted by “Daddy” and my girl in my arms. Steven paid the driver and got the bags out of the trunk.

I sat Angel down and asked, “How was your trip?”

“Great Dad,” she answered as she grabbed one of the suitcases.

I picked up one of the bags and it had to have weighed 20 pounds more then it did when they left. Jay and Ronnie came running in as soon as they heard Angel’s voice. I looked at them but it was really hard to say anything. “Hey you two,” Ronnie yelled as he hugged Steven while Jay hugged Angel.

Ronnie went to take the bag I had then said as he tried to lift it, “Damn bro, what have you got in here?”

“Now cut it out,” Angel admonished. “I just got a few things for the house here and for Steven’s room when he’s at college.”

‘Oh oooo’ I thought. ‘Angel’s married and really acting like a woman now. She’s already decorating.’

Steven opened the carry on bag and pulled something out in each hand. “Here Dad, I know you like your Bailey’s so we brought you back two bottles when we were in St. Thomas.

We helped the happy honeymooners bring their luggage to their room then Ronnie said, “Dinner will be in an hour.”

The kids got unpacked and then started showing us the stuff they got. Steven brought in a small suitcase as Angel said, “I have some things in here for everyone.”

“Some things,” Jay said laughing. “Was there anything left?”

“Keep it up wise guy,” Angel said as she opened the bag.

The first thing she took out was a box that she handed to Ronnie. “I know it’s a little early yet bro but it’s something you’ll need real soon.”

Ronnie opened the box and in it was a white chef’s top that had Ronnie Sanchez Chef embroidered on it. “Thanks guys, I hope I don’t let you all down.”

Angel went over and kissed him on the cheek and said, “You’ll never let us down.”

Steven reached in and brought out something in a heavy cardboard box. He brought it over to me and said, “This is something from all of us to you Dad.”

I opened the box and carefully pulled out the contents. It was a 15 x 18 painted portrait of the five of us but they had somehow managed to include Luiz. “Oh my god son, how did you manage this?”

Steven took a photograph out of his wallet and showed it to me. “Do you remember this Dad?”

“That was taken at your graduation,” I said. “How did they do it? And how did you manage to have Luiz in it?”

“Part of it was done with a computer,” Steven said. “I had a picture of Uncle Luiz for them. They used the computer to print out a picture of how it would look. Then the man started painting the portrait onto the canvas. It took him 4 days to do it. We hope you like it.”

At this point I couldn’t contain the tears any longer. I had to set the painting down so it wouldn’t get ruined. That painting brought back all the happy times he graced this house and kept this family on an even keel. The children came over and managed to wrap their arms around me. I let the memories float through my head as I finally managed to compose myself. I saw the perfect spot for it. I set the painting down then went and hugged the children. “Thank you all so very much.”

Angel and Steven went into the case and brought out 3 boxes. They gave one to me, Jay and Ronnie. I opened mine and it was a gold bracelet with Miguel on it. Jay and Ronnie took theirs out of the box and it was like mine except it had their name on it. After we ate, we relaxed in front of the television until we all were sleepy.

To be continued...

Posted: 06/20/08