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...

“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.”

I saw the perfect spot for it. I set the painting down then went and hugged the children. “Thank you all so very much. I know Luiz would have been proud to be included in this family portrait.”

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 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.

Chapter 18

It was great to have the family back together again. The next morning it was chaos at the kitchen table. Angel and Ronnie were shooting digs at each other as they were making breakfast. Steven and Jay weren’t helping matter as they were egging them on.

Once the meal was finally finished, Angel and I sat and talked about the orphanage. I think she was taken aback when I told her what it was going to cost to furnish the place. “Gee Dad; I didn’t think the place would be totally empty inside. I guess I should allow for that next time I look at an existing building.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself my dear,” I said sipping my coffee. “I didn’t think it would be that empty either.”

The next month went by very quickly as I was back with my practice. It’s times like this I’m glad the kids are grown because there were several times I was away from the house for more than 24 hours.

It was after one of my marathon days at the hospital when the phone rang waking me out of a very sound sleep. My manager at the Foundation was on the phone trying to tell me something about the refrigeration company. “Miguel, the men are putting the finishing touches on the walk in freezer.”

“I don’t need a walk in freezer here Pablo,” I said half awake.

Just then Ronnie picked the phone up and said, “I got it Dad, go back to sleep.”

I hung the phone up and put my head on my pillow and just then it hit me. I quickly grabbed the phone but Ronnie and Pablo had finished their conversation. I tossed on a pair of sweatpants then went out into the kitchen. “Sorry son, I was half asleep when Pablo called. Did I hear correctly the freezer is just about finished?”

Ronnie was fixing me some coffee when he said, “That’s right Dad. The sprinkler and HVAC system is completed and have been approved too. Pablo said he’s placing the orders for the beds and things today. He expects that to be in within 10 to 14 days. He’s already started hiring staff. He has the kitchen staff and leads on a few men for security.”

Things were moving right along. It was looking like the place could be getting residents by the first of the month. I would need to be there but I didn’t want to leave Ronnie here alone by himself.

I had made a call to a real estate agent and he found a nice apartment near the campus that was perfect for Steven. Steven had gotten a letter while we were all away telling him there wasn’t enough on campus housing. When I told him I’d found him a place he was happy he wouldn’t be spending his nights in a noisy dorm trying to study. The apartment was furnished but I’d talked the agent into allowing Steven to buy a larger bed for the times Angel would be spending there. At first the agent was reluctant until I told him Steven was married.

Angel wanted to go with him but Jay said, “Sis, he’s going to be super busy these next few weeks. Then he’s going to have to get used to life as a college student. I don’t want to take away from the fact you want to be with him but I think you’ll be better off here helping Dad with the orphanage.”

Angel and I accompanied Steven to Blacksburg and helped him get settled into his new apartment. We shopped for a new bed and they settled on a queen size so they would have enough room to move around as the room was rather small.

We stayed there a few days while Steven started attending orientation. While we were there I set him up with a bank account so he could pay for books and things he needed for college plus have money for food and others things. Each afternoon he came home looking worn out. “Man Dad, I didn’t think Jay was telling the truth about all this but this is a little overwhelming.”

He handed me his schedule and looking it over I said, “Most of this stuff you’ve had son. You should do very well.”

“I hope so Dad,” Steven said as he put his books in the bookcase. “I’m just not used to so many people or the way they teach. They stand in front of you and lecture.”

“They do that for some classes, but not all. When you get to your sciences parts of it will be lectures but other parts will be done in the lab. Once the classes start you should be fine. You’re not carrying that heavy a load. Also living here will give you the quiet you need to study.”

Steven came up to me and gave me a hug like he was a little boy again. I knew he’d be fine after he got acclimated. The next day, Angel and I drove back home. On the way I said, “I’m going to have to spend some time in Receife. Would you like to come so you won’t be missing your husband too much?”

“I’d love it Dad,” she replied. “I wouldn’t miss the opening of the orphanage for anything.”

We got home late that afternoon and Ronnie had pasta and a home made sauce ready. We ate while I filled him in on his brother. The rest of the week sailed by and that Sunday Angel and I were getting ready to leave for Receife. Ronnie came in and I still wasn’t happy at having to leave him home alone. “Are you going to be alight son? I wish you could come with us.”

“Don’t worry Dad,” Ronnie said as he handed me some clothes to put into my bag. “I’ll be fine. I’ll lay odds Steven will be calling looking for a friendly voice to hear.”

Angel and I were out the door early the next morning as Ronnie was leaving for class. Angel and I were touching down in Receife by around noon. We decided to head right to the orphanage and see how the place looked. When Angel and I walked into the place, Pablo had the place painted and it looked great. The AC was working and it felt much better than it did when I was last here.

Angel was looking around while I went to look at the walk in freezer. Ronnie was right that this would hold about a month’s worth of meat and other necessities to feed the children I was envisioning.

“Dad, this is going to be a wonderful place for children to stay,” Angel said as she saw me looking in the freezer.

“This was your idea darling. And now you’ll get the chance to see it come to life.”

I closed the door and we walked outside to stop over at The Foundation’s office. When we arrived, I introduced Angel to Pablo. “My Miguel, she is very beautiful.”

“The orphanage was her idea Pablo,” I said as Angel blushed. “She also has another plan for the downtown area that I’m looking forward to starting.”

“I can’t wait to see what that is Miguel. The furniture, bedding and other things are set to arrive some time tomorrow morning. The delivery company said any time after 10.”

“We’ll be there bright and early Pablo,” I said as we shook hands.

We left the office and went home and I started fixing lunch. Angel looked at me, “Is there someone here who can take those sketches and design a hotel?”

“I think so Angel. I have a friend who added the children’s wing on the hospital and he just started out with a drawing. How about we see him after lunch?”

“Sounds good Dad,” Angel replied as she carried the sandwiches to the table.

After lunch we went over to see Chico Ramirez. He was the chief designer for the children’s wing. We walked into his office and the receptionist asked, “May I help you please?”

“Yes please,” I replied. “I’m Miguel Sanchez and this is my daughter Angel. We’d like to see Chico Ramirez.”

The receptionist picked up the phone and in a couple minutes Chico was coming out a side door. “Miguel Sanchez, as I live and breathe,” Chico said. “How are you my friend?”

I turned around and saw my old friend heading towards us. “Hi Chico, I have someone here I’d like you to meet.”

Chico was always a ladies man and tried to sweep every woman off her feet. “Ah and who is this lovely beauty? Chico Ramirez at your service.”

He picked her hand up and kissed it gently then quickly noticed the rings on her finger. “Chico, this is my daughter Angel. She is married to Steven.”

“Steven is a lucky man Miguel,” Chico said trying to remove his foot from his mouth. “What brings you two here today?”

Angel lifted her port folio as I said, “Angel here has some drawings a friend did for her of a hotel. I’m wondering if you can do up a set of building plans?”

Chico turned and led us to his office. Angel took the drawings out and handed them to Chico. He looked them over and said, “These are wonderful Angel. Who did these? Was this person from here?”

Angel smiled as she said, “No, a friend of mine did from school. He’s going to major in art.”

“These look great,” Chico said. “I can do the plans for it and then have an architect come up with the blue prints. It’ll take about month for my work. As soon as I get started, I’ll give the architect a call. I think we can have something ready in about 90 days.”

I looked at Angel as she asked, “How long until it can start to be built?”

“I’d say before the end of the year,” Chico said putting the papers away. “I think you might be looking at maybe two years for the actual construction.”

“That’s not too bad,” Angel said. “I suspect it will probably take longer but that’s no problem.”

The three of us talked for a while longer, and then Chico had to get back to work. We took our leave and I was beginning to see dollar signs roll as another of Angel’s projects started taking shape.

That night I took Angel to a traditional Brazilian restaurant. When we arrived, we were quickly seated. We started looking over the menu when our waiter arrived. He was dressed in an authentic looking outfit of a gaucho. “Good evening, my name is Hector and I’ll be your server. May I get you something to drink?”

Angel had a glass of wine and I had a Bailey’s on the rocks. When our drinks were served, we ordered the buffet. Everything was there with the exception of the meats. When we returned to our table, the waiters started coming around carrying huge skewers with different cuts of meat. What made this so unique was they carved it right there and you got your preferred doneness. The servers stopped at our table and I had some lamb and beef. Angel had some pork and lamb. “Wow Dad, these guys look cool. Maybe Ronnie could have his waiters dress like this.”

“I don’t know about that sweetheart,” I said. “I don’t think this would do well in the 5 star restaurant you want to have.”

“Maybe not Dad,” Angel said as she finished up her meal. “But that gives me another idea for something at home.”

When Angel gets ideas, dollar signs suddenly appear before my eyes but a Brazilian restaurant might go well in our area. We finished our drinks then I paid for our meal leaving a very generous tip for our waiter.

When we returned home, we were both very tired from the day’s activities. I kissed Angel good night then I watched the news before retiring for the night. I set the alarm for 7 the next morning then proceeded to fall asleep.

The alarm woke me at 7 and getting out of bed was a real effort. I could have easily slept another several hours but knew today was going to be a very long and busy one. I drug myself out of bed then did my morning ritual before going out to the kitchen. “Morning Daddy,” Angel said in her usual chipper voice.

She set a cup of coffee in front of me then started fixing breakfast. After we ate and got the kitchen cleaned, we were out the door and on our way to the orphanage. I unlocked the gates then opened them so the trucks would have room to back in so they could unload. Angel brought the coffee pot from home and set it up in the kitchen. I followed her and turned on the refrigerators and freezers so they could start getting cold.

The first truck to arrive was the one with the bedding and furniture. The delivery company had plenty of help but un-boxing and carrying 400 pieces was still going to be a daunting task. By noon, the rooms had their mattresses and box springs on the frames and next to get set up were the student’s desks and chairs. There were 10 extra sets that went into the now air conditioned storage building.

After lunch Angel and I helped place chairs in the rooms as the men were placing the desks. By three, all that had been accomplished. Another truck arrived just as I was signing for the first delivery. “Afternoon Sir,” the driver said as he handed me the paperwork. I have a load of bedding here for you. Where do you want it?”

I knew some of it would be for each of the rooms but there were also a lot of extras to go into the huge linen closet. I thought for moment then asked, “Are the boxes marked as to what is in them?”

“Yes Sir,” the driver replied as he climbed into the trailer. I see sheets, pillows, pillow cases, blankets, towels and wash cloths.”

That made things a little easier. The men started lining boxes in the hall by the rooms so we could put items in each room then the extras were stacked by the linen closet to be out away later. By five, that truck was unloaded and Angel and I were sweaty and exhausted.

I called Pablo and told him I could not take another delivery today. There were still several more trucks of supplies still left but they would have to wait until tomorrow. I hung up with him and Angel asked, “What’s left Dad?”

“There are the kitchen items your brother said we needed and then there is the food. I don’t know all what food items have been ordered. I hope it’s either canned or frozen because we don’t have residents here yet.”

Angel sat down then said, “Ronnie said that some places can deliver within 24 hours but that would cost a little extra when kids start arriving. The only thing he said would be arriving most all the time is fresh fruits and vegetables.”

That made sense because of their relatively short life span but with hungry children around, fruit would make healthy snacks. We went around and made sure everything was secured then called it a day and went home.

The next morning found us back at the orphanage bright and early. Angel and I had just finished putting stuff in one wing when Pablo arrived with 5 ladies. “Hi Miguel, I’d like you to meet the kitchen staff. By the way, here is a fax I received from Ronnie.”

“Nice to meet you ladies,” I said shaking each of their hands.

I looked at the fax Pablo handed me and it was a suggested menu for the place. There was a cover letter from Ronnie and it said, “Hi Dad, I talked with some of my teachers here and they gave me some ideas on the types of meals that are not that difficult to prepare but would be nutritious and healthy for the kids. I also remembered that after living on the streets for any length of time, many won’t be able to handle solid foods until their system becomes used to it again. I miss you guys. Love, Ronnie.”

I then looked at the menus Ronnie had sent and I liked what he had. I was going to go and make copies of them then something hit me. I’d forgotten about the offices and necessary equipment. “Pablo, I can’t believe there was one thing we both forgot about. We both forgot about the administrative offices. How soon do you think we can get them ready?”

“I can have things here this afternoon Miguel,” Pablo said digging out his cell phone. “There is a company here in town I use for all The Foundation’s office needs. By the way, the person who I hired to be the director will be here this afternoon.”

“That’s good Pablo,” I said as I saw a truck backing up. “I’m going to want staff ready to go at a moments notice when we start getting children. Now, if you’ll follow me ladies, I’ll show you where you’ll be working.”

As I was escorting the ladies to the kitchen, Angel was showing the driver where to move his truck so he could get it unloaded. The men started bringing in the equipment and the ladies showed them where to put it.

When Angel and I returned from lunch, the office furniture arrived. I showed them where things went then left to help Angel in the other wing with the linens.

It didn’t take us that long to do the other wing so the only thing left was to set up the linen closet. Angel and I decided to take a break so we went up to the front to get something cold to drink. As we got to the front, I saw a few of the finished offices and Pablo had really out done himself. He was just entering the building when he said, “Ah Miguel, I hope you like the offices. I wasn’t sure how to decorate it.”

“It’s fine,” I said as I looked in the little refrigerator.

Pablo had stocked it with my favorite sodas. I reached in to get one and realized they were already cold. I sat down in my chair as Pablo said, “This is Amanda Garcia. She is the Administrator I hired to run the home.”

“Nice to meet you Mr. Sanchez,” she said.

I shook her hand then said, “It’s a pleasure. You have your work cut out for you Ms. Garcia. This place can house 200 children. Starting next year, your food budget will be covered by the town for 9 years. I do not foresee this place being completely full. I hope to be able to find good homes for them in the community. I’m aware that there are street children that will jump at the chance to get off the streets and into a safe environment.”

“I am aware of that Mr. Sanchez and it is my goal to take every one of those children and make them adoptable. I have plans for the staff to be vigilant at night. I know many of the children have been and many still are sexually active and that behavior will not be tolerated here.”

I hadn’t known this woman but for maybe 15 minutes and I was disliking her already. “Excuse me Ms. Garcia. I think there are some things you and I need to discuss.”

I was about to continue speaking when Pablo said, “Miguel, I told Amanda that this would be her domain and she was in charge.”

“Pablo, you have known me for a long time. There are things I have learned over the years that have allowed me to see things much differently now. Ms. Garcia, these children have been though things you can never imagine. They sleep where they can at night. Many of them have formed gangs so the hired vigilantes don’t try to assault them or even worse. That’s right some of the kids have even resorted to prostituting themselves in order to earn money for food. There is one thing I will not tolerate here. Some of the children may be either gay or lesbian. They will not be made to feel like second class citizens here. Every child will be treated with respect and should two children wish to be alone behind a closed door that will be their right as long as force was not used. Do we understand each other?”

“I do not believe in letting children act out sexually, Mr. Sanchez,” Amanda said sternly.

“And what happens behind a closed door is none of your business,” I replied. Just then, Angel came into my office. “I’d like you to meet my daughter Angel. This home was her idea.”

“You have made a dream come true Ms. Sanchez,” Amanda said.

“Thank you,” Angel said. “I owe it all to my Dad here. He took me off the street, became my foster father and then I fell in love with his adopted son Steven. See Ms. Garcia, I had to do a few things I wasn’t proud of. When I fell in love with Steven, Dad talked with us. We know about safe sex. My brothers all came from these very streets here. In fact, my brother Jay was hit in the head and almost killed. The person who did it might have succeeded had it not been for Dad.”

Amanda just stood there listening to Angel. “I had no idea. I didn’t know.”

Angel was angry. This was something I’d never seen before in her. I was also seeing a passion for the street kids. “Lady you’re right about that, you didn’t know. When the kids come here, all they’re going to have is each other. If you think they’re going to trust you, you’re sadly mistaken. Dad, I know you may have confidence in her, but I don’t. Personally I would like someone from here who knows what being on the street is all about.”

If this had been any other person, I might not have given those words a passing thought. But this was my daughter and what she had said made sense. “Is there someone you have in mind Angel?”

“As a matter of fact I do Dad,” Angel said. “Pablo got this application for a case worker. He has a degree in social work. He doesn’t have a home address listed before he went to college. My guess is he was on the streets but worked hard in school. He is the kind of person who should run this place Dad. If he has questions, there’s Pablo or one of us.”

I carefully thought about what Angel was saying. This was her baby and I wasn’t going to interfere. “Alright Angel,” I said. “Interview him and if you think he’s qualified, he has the job. Ms. Garcia, it looks like we won’t be needing your services. Thank you for your time.”

Poor Pablo stood there like he was about to get scolded. “I’m sorry Miguel,” he said softly.

“Relax my friend,” I said sipping on my soda. “You had no way of knowing. Most people don’t give their personal pedigree on their resumes. I didn’t like her after the first few words that came out of her mouth.”

I got up and started to head towards the kitchen when I remembered I needed to make copies of the menu’s Ronnie had sent. I made a set of menus for myself then headed down to the kitchen. It was now almost 4 and I was wondering how much work had been accomplished. Pablo and Angel followed me to the kitchen and I was amazed at how the kitchen was looking. “Well ladies, you sure have this place looking ready for business.”

A woman with a rather thick German accent said, “Vell thank you Herr Sanchez. Ve all look forward to feeding these young children.”

“Which one of you is the dietician?” I asked looking over Ronnie’s menus again.

The woman with the German accent stepped over and said, “That would be me Herr Sanchez. My name is Hanna.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said. “My son got these menu ideas from his culinary school in the United States. He thought they might be useful.”

She looked them over carefully. “These food ideas are good ya, but these meats are expensive.”

“Don’t you worry about money. You just order what you need. I’ll worry about the cost.”

“I like these meals. The children will grow and be healthy. Tell your son I said thank you,” she said as she headed for her office.

“There will be a food delivery tomorrow,” I said. “I’m not sure what all will arrive in the order but I will be here so I can see.”

“Alright Herr Sanchez, we will see you tomorrow,” she said then got her things and left for the day.

I looked around the kitchen for a few minutes. This place was really coming together. All we need now is the staff and the children.

To be continued...

Posted: 06/20/08