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...

We got home about 8 and I was exhausted. I went directly to my room and took a long hot shower. I went into the living room and fixed myself a Bailey’s on the rocks then sat down and started to unwind. I hadn’t sipped much of my drink when I started nodding off so I called it a night.

Chapter 20

The next day was hectic to say the least. We were back at the home helping Guillermo interview some housekeeping and laundry staff. Ronnie helped Hanna hire another cook and additional help. By noon, things were shaping up quite nicely.

Lunch was simple today. Earlier a truck arrived with fresh produce bringing with in lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and other assorted vegetables. Ronnie took some poorer cuts of beef and ground it up and made fresh hamburgers for everyone. The boys thought they were in heaven after eating.

When lunch was finished, I took the boys into the bedroom. “Alright guys, I wanted to wait a day until you were comfortable here. Guillermo said he made files on you early this morning. As part of getting you settled here, you’re going to need to see a doctor.”

I could tell as soon as I said the word doctor they began to get worried. “Do we have to?” Joey asked.

Alex was sitting beside me really looking scared. “Is there something you’re afraid of?”

Chico hung his head and I saw his hands slip behind him like he was trying to protect him bottom. Joey walked over to the little boy saying, “Someone tried to do it to Chico and he got hurt a little.”

Ronnie was standing at the door listening quietly. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of Chico. My little brother had that happen to him once too. Dad is a doctor.”

Chico looked up at me and I just nodded my head. “What ever happened to you guys out there will not prevent you from staying here. If you ever need or want to talk with someone, Guillermo will be happy to listen.”

Once the boys felt safe, I examined each of them. Joey was correct about Chico. There was a small tear but it had healed and he told me he wasn’t having any problems using the bathroom. Alex, like the others, was a little underweight but I felt with the proper food they would be getting, that would be short lived. Joey, on the other hand showed he’d been taking the brunt of things trying to protect Alex and Chico. I talked with him in private and he told me that he regularly had intercourse to earn money for food. His rectum wasn’t torn but one could tell he was sexually active.

While was I was busy examining the boys, Guillermo and Angel talked with several candidates for social work positions. They managed for find 3 that had the caring and compassion necessary to work with the street children. Angel had them meet the boys when I finished my exams. I made notations on their records then told Guillermo to take them to the clinic so blood tests could be done to make sure they were healthy. I also told him to have all three tested for STD’s and AIDS.

During lunch I told the boys that we would be leaving in the morning to return home. The boys started getting sad at the prospect we wouldn’t be staying. “I know you’re going to miss us but I have two other children who may need me too.”

“Aren’t they away Miguel?” Chico asked with a sad expression on his face.

“Yes they are little one but my youngest boy is away from home for the first time and I’m sure he’s missing his wife too.”

“Wife,” Joey asked.

Angel spoke up saying, “Yes Joey, I’m married to Steven.”

“But Señior Miguel, didn’t you say she was your daughter too? How can that be?” Alex asked while scratching his head.

I smiled at him as I finish my bite of sandwich. “That is easy but might be a little confusing Alex. Angel was my foster daughter. She lived with me and my boys and I was like her Papa but I did not adopt her. Two months ago she and Steven were married.”

Chico finished eating then sat beside Angel. “Are you going to have children?”

“We hope to Chico but it might not be for a few years.”

We were about to leave to return home when the phone rang. It was Pablo telling me the contractor was trying to get up with me on starting the renovations on Dad’s house. I told Pablo to have the man meet us at the house in about 30 minutes as we should be home by then.

We said our goodbyes to the boys and Guillermo. I told Guillermo to keep in touch and if there were any problems to call Pablo and if need be, I would come back.

We headed home; I was about to relax when there was a knock on the front door. I opened the door and there was the contractor Pablo hired. “Good afternoon Mr. Sanchez.”

I showed the man in and after retrieving my list, showed him around the house. I took him upstairs and showed him the rooms as well as what I thought was totally wasted space. He said he could add a full bath to Luiz’s old room and still have plenty of room. The next thing was the other rooms and there was more than enough room to make those rooms bigger as well as expand the bathroom.

We went outside and I showed him the current pool. With my children now grown, I felt a larger pool was in order. The contractor said that that would be the biggest undertaking but could be done. It would mean the old pool would have to come out and a new one put in but I knew it was necessary. I told him we were leaving in the morning and he could start work anytime after that. “You can get a set of keys from Pablo at the Foundation’s office. The cost of the renovations should be billed to me and not the Foundation.”

I gave him my address in the US and he said he would send out an estimate in a day or so. I was glad I wouldn’t be here as the work was being done because I felt some of my fond childhood memories might be destroyed.

The next day, we flew back to Virginia. When I checked the answering machine, there were 4 messages from Steven and 1 from Marco. He was getting acclimated to college life but greatly missing his family. Marco’s message took me off guard. “Hi Pop, it’s Marco. I have great news for you. I graduate in December. I’ll be starting finals on my last three classes just before Thanksgiving. I plan on taking some time off before I head to medical school. Remember Pop, I still need to talk with you about something important. Love you and see you all soon.”

“Did Marco just say he’s graduating from college in December Dad?” Ronnie asked walking into the living room.

“That’s what he said son,” I replied looking over the mail. “I knew he’d been carrying a heavy load so he could. I just wonder what it is he wants to talk with me about.”

“Knowing Marco, it could be almost anything,” Angel said standing behind Ronnie.

“I know love,” I said opening a letter from the bank. “But when Marco says it’s important and doesn’t give any clue as to what it is, it must be.”

Inside was a statement of the Foundation’s assets and total net worth. The dividend investment and other holdings gave the Foundation a total net worth of just over 150 million dollars. The available cash was just over 5 million dollars. I figured the hotel Angel was building would cost several million dollars but I didn’t want to dip into our ready cash reserves because I never knew when the Children’s hospital would need medicine. I decided to talk with our investment broker and see if getting a loan with the Foundation’s assets as collateral would be a better way to go.

Life at home settled down and Ronnie returned to school to play catch up with his studies. Paul and I were being kept busy at the office with new surgical cases. Our two new associates were working out well but I wanted to bring in one more to ease our load. It would still be a number of years before Jay could come into the practice.

It was about a week before Thanksgiving when I had to be at the hospital for another day of marathon surgery. I got home about 10 and just fixed myself a cup of coffee when I heard the doorbell ring. I thought to myself ‘This better not be a sales man.’

I opened the door and there stood a smiling Marco. “I know I gave you a key son, what didn’t you just use it?”

“I forgot the code to the security system Pop,” he said coming in with his bags.

I gave him a playful pop on the butt saying, “You breeze through college in 3 years and you can’t remember a 4 digit code? I hope you remember how to tie sutures after med school.”

He hugged me and followed me into the kitchen then poured a cup of coffee. “I love you too Pop.”

I finished my coffee and tried to be a good host. “Son, I need to get some sleep. I’ve been up for about the last 36 hours. Make yourself at home. Ronnie will be home from school soon and Angel should be home anytime.

I went and napped until about three then heard the familiar sounds of my kids. Ronnie was working on dinner as I came into the kitchen. “What do you think Dad,” Ronnie said looking at Marco. “Are you sure you want him operating on people?”

Marco shot out of his chair then wrapped his arms around Ronnie then started tickling him. “Why is it I never live things down around you?”

“Hey no fair,” Ronnie said through fits of laughter. “You’re taller than me. Stop or I’m going to wet myself. Dad help.”

I poured a cup of coffee and sat beside Angel. “Maybe you shouldn’t be picking on Marco so much.”

“Alright bro,” Ronnie laughed. “I give up. I’m sorry.”

Marco set Ronnie back onto his feet. Angel and I were quietly giggling when I asked, “What have you got planned during your time off now Marco?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk with you about Pop,” Marco replied as he sat back down at the table.

“I’m all ears if you want to talk now or we can go into my study if it’s private.”

Angel sat down and looked at us then Marco just started talking. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while now Pop and I want to become an American citizen. You know I want to go into neurosurgery and I just don’t know if there will be enough openings.”

I was a little taken aback but then I could see Marco wanting to get away from Brazil. “Have you talked this over with Paulo?”

“Yeah Pop,” he replied. “We talked about it when I was down there the last time. He’s a little sad I won’t be practicing in Receife but I assured him I would visit often.”

Marco was just like the other children in that they thought things through before acting. I thought for a few minutes as to what would be the best way to help him. “I’ll call my attorney and find out the best immigration attorney in the area. How does that sound son?”

Marco liked that idea and the four of us chatted as we had coffee. The next several days were uneventful as Marco relaxed from the riggers of life at UVA. I had been called out during the night and didn’t get home until well after 2 in the morning so I slept in. I saw Marco on a raft in the middle of the pool working on an all over tan. “I think you might want to roll over son, that side is starting to cook.”

Marco felt his butt then decided he needed some sunscreen. “Thanks Pop. I remember when two guys got well done out here once.”

I poured myself some coffee then sat out side on the patio. I watched as he climbed out onto the deck and walked over to his things. Marco had grown into a handsome hunk of a man that anyone would be proud to catch. “Where are you going to medical school son?”

He rubbed the sunscreen in then put his robe on and joined me at the table. “I’ve decided on UCLA. I had offers from there, UVA, Duke and the University of Miami.”

“You have three good east coast schools and yet you decide to go to California. Are you not happy here son?”

“Oh no Pop,” Marco started saying. “I’m very happy here. I love you all very much. But I want to see more of the states and maybe try to find someone for me. Jay and Ronnie are together and I’ve always known they were meant to be together. Steven and Angel are married and I’m really happy for them. I know you’ll be happy with grandchildren too.”

I took a sip of my coffee and thought about what he’d just said. “You mean to sit there and tell me you wouldn’t like having a niece or nephew? As for finding someone for yourself son, I can understand that but you didn’t really socialize that much when you were at UVA, did you?”

“I went out on occasion Pop,” Marco said returning with a cup of coffee. But let’s be honest here, VA isn’t the most gay friendly of places. I’ve talked with a couple of guys and they’re also going out there for med school so who knows what will happen. I decided against Duke for the same reason as I did UVA even though Jay would be there. I hope you’re not too upset with me.”

“I could never be upset with you son and you have a valid point about this place not being that gay friendly. I know they’re more tolerant and open minded in California but just be careful. As for visiting, I’ll send the plane for you if I have to.”

“You know you don’t have to do that Pop. I’ll be visiting regularly.”

Marco no sooner finished that statement when we heard the front door slam close. Marco got up to see who it was when I heard a voice say, “Wow bro, nice view.”

Jay was the first to arrive home from college for Thanksgiving break. I got up and saw Marco and Jay hugging. Marco kissed him then said, “Put your eyes back in your head, you’re spoken for.”

“I may be taken Marco, but I can still look and I love what I see. I think you’d better get something on before Angel comes home though.”

Marco headed down the hall just in time. Just then Angel came in with her arms full of groceries. I quickly took a couple of bags from her then said, “Why didn’t you tell me you were going shopping?”

“Yeah sis,” Jay chimed in. “Is there anything left at the store?”

“Yes there is wise guy,” she replied swinging what looked like a turkey at him. “Take this.”

“Oomph, thanks sis. I love you too.” Jay replied holding his stomach.

We’d gotten the food put away when Marco said, “Hey guys, look who I found. Should we keep him?  I swear he’s been living with livestock.”

I recognized Marco’s voice but didn’t know who he was talking about.

“What’s this, more elitist Wahoo humor?”  Fired back the voice I now recognized as Steven.

“I don’t know”, replied Jay.  “Somebody said they couldn’t afford footballs so they use cow pies.”

“Out of my way goofballs, lonely wife coming through,” yelled Angel as she launched herself at her husband.

“Does this mean we have to keep him?” pouted Ronnie.

“Yes son, we’ll keep him. After all he is your brother.”

Angel finally let Steven go long enough so the rest of us could welcome him home. “How goes college life son?”

“I’m finally used to it now Dad,” Steven said carrying his suitcase into his and Angel’s room. “I’m really glad I have my own place. I’ve heard a few people tell me it’s a little rough in the dorms.”

Angel went and decided to get her husband unpacked and his clothes put away. “Steven Sanchez!” A voice bellowed from the bedroom that shook the whole house

“Oh oooo bro, what’d you do now?” Marco asked as we were all giggling.

“Yes dear?” Steven said meekly as he went into the bedroom.

“Don’t yes dear me. When was the last time you did laundry? I hope you don’t expect me to do all this.”

I thought I would bail him out until I walked into the room. There on the bed was Steven’s suitcase open with dirty clothes stuffed inside. “Ah son, are there any clothes left at your apartment?”

Poor Steven just gently kissed Angel and started sorting the clothes. We left the married couple alone and I went to the kitchen. Ronnie and Jay were engaged is a passionate kiss and I quietly let them be. I was about to leave with a cold drink when Jay said, “Where you going Dad?”

“I was going to leave you two alone. It looked like you were busy.”

Jay came over and hugged me then kissed me on the cheek. “I was just greeting my love. Tell me about the orphanage.”

I was about to answer his question when the phone rang. I was going to pick up the one in the kitchen when it stopped. I thought it was for one of the kids when Angel came in. “Dad, it’s Guillermo. I think you better talk to him.”

I sat down and picked up the extension. “Hi Guillermo, it’s Miguel. What can I do for you?”

Guillermo took a deep breath before starting to speak. “I’m here at the hospital. The boys found another boy right outside the front gate and he’d been hurt pretty bad. I checked him over as best I could then brought him here. I told them who I was and that I am the director at the home but he said he won’t look at the boy.”

I was really upset. This was the children’s wing I’d built. There was even a children’s emergency room that could handle most emergencies. “Why not and where is he?”

“He’s worried about the hospital getting paid. He said he’s the administrator here or something. I’m a few feet away from him.”

I was furious now. “Let me speak to him.”

I waited patiently while Guillermo got his attention. I took a sip of my soda then heard a strange voice on the phone. “This is Hector Perez. To whom am I speaking?”

“This is Miguel Sanchez. Can you tell me why the young man Mr. Fernandez brought in isn’t being looked at?”

“Well Mr. Sanchez, I was brought in to help turn the hospital around. We need to be sure who. . .”

I was seething. I didn’t know who this jerk was but there is a policy in the children’s wing we don’t ask who they are and if they can pay. “Shut your mouth now and listen very carefully to what I say.  Your future employment depends on it. Any child brought into the children’s wing gets treatment. No questions asked. Now have a doctor see him NOW!”

“But Mr. Sanchez,” Perez started saying. “We require some form of payment.”

“You don’t get it. Now, listen and listen well. You will get a doctor to see that child NOW. If that child dies, it will be the last mistake you ever make. I’m on the Board of Directors who hired you and I will call a meeting and see to it you’re fired. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!!!!!”

“Ah yes Mr. Sanchez,” the jerk said.

“It’s Dr. Sanchez to you and don’t ever forget it. The next time I’m in Receife, you can count on a visit from me. Now get that boy seen now and let me speak to my friend.”

“Yes Miguel, I’m here my friend.”

I finally started calming down. “Alright Guillermo, that jerk is going to get the boy taken care of. If for any reason he doesn’t make it, you call me and I’ll be down there.”

“Alright Miguel,” Guillermo said softly. “But as soon as I know how he’s doing, I’ll let you know.”

To be continued...

Posted: 06/20/08