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...

I got Angel and went to the 3^rd floor nurse’s station. I talked with the head nurse and she promised me she’d see to it a cab was called for Juanita and Jack at 2:30. “Dad, on the way back to the home, can we stop and see how the hotel is going?”

We stepped into the elevator for the ride down to the first floor. “Sure, I’m curious to see how things are coming along.”

Chapter 53

I went to the Blazer and Angel got the van and we were off to the hotel site. When we got close, I could see the steel frame and floors in the distance. I was amazed at the progress they’d made in just under 8 months. We parked our vehicles then went into the site. We went into the trailer and met with the superintendent. “Hi Mr. Sanchez, what do you think of the progress?”

I smiled and shook my head. “I’d never have thought you’d be this far along.”

“We’ve had some very good weather so we haven’t lost hardly any time. Right now, we’re looking at July or August next year for completion.”

I really hoped he was right because I know all the kids would want to be there for the hotel’s grand opening and Ronnie’s next debut. Angel was looking out the window then turned around. “Does your time frame include the interior and all the furnishings?”

The super looked over at me then back to Angel. “Yes it does. We should have it enclosed and under roof in another 2 to 3 months.”

I couldn’t believe our good luck but I wasn’t going to hold my breath. “Thank you very much for your time. I hope everything continues to go well.”

When Angel and I got back to the home, I went into Guillermo’s office. He and Danny were talking. “I’ve finished the charts on the new kids. I’ve examined the twins, Paul and Phil and they’re fine. The only thing I can still see is some old deep bruising that I hope will clear up with a little more time.”

That hurt when I heard that. “How old are those bruises now David?”

I saw David carefully thinking. “I’m not exactly sure Miguel. Given everything they’ve said, they should be several months old.”

Guillermo dropped his head into his hands. “If they’re still healing, I’d have hated to have seen what they first looked like.”

He was right; I wouldn’t have wanted to see them either as that would have just made my blood boil. “David, how are the 3 girls?”

David nodded. “Casey said they’re fine but I haven’t personally seen them.”

I thought for a moment. “OK, I think it’s fair to assume they’re fine. I examined Juanita and Jack when they were at the hospital and they’ve not been harmed. Nicky took the news of her hysterectomy really hard. I’m so glad Angel and Juanita got there when they did.”

David was about to speak when I was invaded by two little boys. “Hi Papa Miguel. Are Jeff and Nicky doing better now? When can they come home?’

The twins were talking in perfect unison as if they’d done it before. I kissed each one on the head then smiled. “They’re doing much better now. They’re still sore from their operations but that will get better each day. If all goes well, they might be home by the end of the week.”

They both hugged me tight while saying “yippie” in my ears. They jumped down then scampered off. I looked at the charts that David had done then signed off on them. Just then, Guillermo remembered a message from Judge Romero. “Miguel, I’m sorry I forgot this when you first came in but Judge Romero called. I took the liberty of filling him in on our newest arrivals.”

I was afraid to ask but I knew I had to. “How did Javier take the news?”

“Let’s just say it’s a good thing that dude is dead because by the time he faced the music, he’d never see the light of day again.”

I know Javier well enough that he would have persuaded the court in Brasilia to transfer the case here so the kids wouldn’t have to return there. I looked at my watch and I knew he was more than likely still hearing cases. I went over to my office and called his clerk. I told him I was returning Javier’s call then he put me on hold. “Hi Miguel, Guillermo told me about your newest arrivals.”

As I listened to him, I could tell he wasn’t happy. “I’ve contacted the court there and all 9 of the children have officially been transferred to Receife. I’ve signed orders placing them in The Foundation’s custody. The papers should be there tomorrow. How are the two children in the hospital?”

I filled him in and I could tell he took Nicky’s condition the hardest. In all the years I’ve know him, he’s never once cried but this time was different. I told him that barring complications, they should be back here the end of the week. I finished talking with him then went to find the children.

I went outside and walked over to the pool and there were adults and kids alike laughing and splashing in the water. I went outside and sat by a table under an umbrella. I saw Steven with the twin girls. I watched as he tossed each of them playfully into the water as they squealed with glee. I knew he was destined to be a father as soon as it was feasibly possible.

Sammy and Victor were swimming with the twin boys on their backs. I could hear them laughing saying, “Faster, faster.”

Andrea was teaching Patty how to swim. She had the patience of a saint as Patty wanted to play more than practice so she gave in to her wishes. I envisioned her in a few years with her own child and in my heart I knew she would be a great mother.

I was lost in my little world watching the kids when I was brought back to reality by Mikey and Shane. My dry clothes were now soaked as they came and sat on my lap. “Hi Papa, we’ve missed you.”

With the goings on with the new children, I had neglected the others. “I’ve missed you too guys. But you know the new children needed me like you all did when you first got here.”

Mikey wrapped his little arms around my neck and kissed me on the cheek. “Oh we know Papa Miguel. That’s what makes you such a great Papa.”

Out of the mouths of babes can come some of the most reassuring words. I wrapped my arms around them and sat back to watch the activities in the pool. I could see some of the adults start climbing out of the pool so I sent Mikey and Shane back off to play. We sat around and talked until it was time to get the kids inside and showered before dinner.

We went inside and Juanita and Jack were talking in the common room. I knocked announcing myself so I wouldn’t interrupt something personal. They met me as I walked over to sit on the sofa and I got a big hug from Jack. “Jeff’s feeling better when I left. He almost barfed when they brought his lunch in. He said it was worse than the stuff he had at the old home.”

Juanita was nodding her head. “I really had to push Nicky to eat. She smelled it then tried to push it away.”

I was giggling as I listened to them. “I know it’s not the most appetizing food in the world but they have to start out on a very soft diet.”

Jack gave me a weird look. “How come?”

“That’s because of their bottoms. When they go to the bathroom, we don’t want anything tearing them.”

“How long will they have to be on soft food?” Juanita asked.

I thought for a moment. “Maybe another day then we can gradually get them onto more solid food.”

Just then Steven came in with Jean and Jenny on each hip. “I think someone’s taken a shine to you son?”

I heard the girls giggle at that. “Yeah, Steven’s really nice.”

Angel came in with Patty and Joey and Robbie had Paul and Phil. Soon the others were there and it was time for dinner. Hanna made a real feast. She made a beef roast, fresh mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. To the new children, this seemed like a dream come true. I noticed how much they took and I had to say something. “Kids, no one here will go hungry so you don’t have to over fill your plates. Take a little of everything then you can come back for more.”

Jeff looked up. “Miguel, this is more then we’ve ever had before. We’ve had to eat fast and then disappear.”

José surprised me. He got up and hugged Jeff with tears in his eyes. “Jeff, those days are over now. You’re my new older brother.”

There was a lot of hugging going on for the next several minutes along with many tears. We finally got down to the business of eating and I watched as everyone ate and totally enjoyed Hanna’s food. Hanna brought in some more potatoes and she got a huge surprise. Paul, Phil, Jean and Jenny got up and ran over to give her a hug. “Thank you Hanna for this wonderful food.”

I watched as she knelt down and gave each child a hug and kiss then quickly went back into the kitchen. After I ate, I went to see if she was alright. She was just finishing up some dishes but I could see she’d been crying. “Are you alright Hanna?”

She looked at me and I could see sadness in her eyes. “Herr Sanchez, are those children not used to proper food?”

I debated on weather or not to tell her the truth but I felt if I didn’t, she’d figure it out. “Hanna, they had to scrape by on next to nothing while the adults feasted. Tonight they had, what to them was a feast. I told them that they would never leave the table hungry.”

The tears were falling as I told her this then she started saying something in German I didn’t understand. She started getting animated so maybe it was better I didn’t know what she was saying. “There are two other children in the hospital, Herr Sanchez?”

I nodded my head. “Yes there are. They should be home Friday, Saturday at the latest.”

I could see her thinking. “Will they be able to eat regular food?”

Again I nodded. “We won’t let them leave until they can.”

She broke out into a big smile. “If the children think they had a feast tonight, just wait until the other two children get home.”

I gave her a hug then left so she could finish her work. As I walked up the boys’ hall towards the common room I saw Jack sitting with José, Billy, Mikey and Shane. Jack was a little emotional so I stopped to see what was goin on when Billy reached up and hugged him. “Jack, José’s right, you are our brother now. When I first got here, it was just José, Robbie and me. Then slowly others came and well, we really didn’t know if we could trust them or not but Papa Miguel said we were all one big family.”

Shane moved over to Jack then turned his head so they could look each other in the eyes. “They’re right Jack and I should know. Joey and Robbie saw me outside being raped by two guys and they didn’t hesitate to come to help me. Soon, all the guys were out there then Miguel and Guillermo. They got the two guys and they were arrested and Miguel had me taken to the hospital. I needed surgery and then I came here. I finally have a family here who cares about me. They don’t care I like boys, they just care about me. Be who you wanna be but, be the best. That’s what I’ve heard Papa Miguel say.”

I eased away from the door and let them be. If I’ve learned one thing since opening the home it’s that kids can help kids sometimes better than adults can.

I went and got a shower and tried to make sense of these last 48 hours and try as I might, I couldn’t. As the water beat on me, I decided just to concentrate on the future and not worry about the past. I had just finished dressing when there was a knock on my door. “Come in.”

 

The door opened and in walked Casey and Jackie. I was a little startled because I hadn’t expected them. Casey had a serious look on her face. “Miguel, I think we are going to need another teacher. Our new arrivals are really behind and are going to require extra attention.”

Our numbers were now growing and Casey couldn’t do it all. We’d stopped day classes for the summer and were hoping the second floor addition would be finished by the end of August so we could hold classes there while the new dining room was being completed. “Casey, I’ll contact The Foundation for another teacher. I’m hoping the new classrooms will be finished next month. They’re really making progress now that everything is under roof and enclosed. How far behind are the new kids?”

We left my room and headed down to the dining area. I went into the kitchen and got some cold drinks then we sat at a table. I could see Casey still thinking about the question I asked her. “I’m not exactly sure Miguel as I haven’t formally tested them. The little ones seem to be the furthest behind. Jean and Jenny are barely reading on a 2nd grade level. Their math and spelling skills are seriously lacking. Patty is reading on grade level but that’s all. Paul and Phil are another story. It doesn’t seem as they’ve had any sort of education at all. Juanita and Jack have been to school and with some one on one tutoring; I think they’ll be able to catch up pretty quick.”

The kids didn’t seem to have any outward physical problems like Downs Syndrome or anything like that. “Do you have a way to accurately test them?”

Casey nodded her head. “I do, as a matter of fact. I’d like to work with them each a little one on one so I can be totally sure on their placement. It shouldn’t take more than an hour for each child.”

It was getting late and almost time for the kids to be getting to bed. I was hoping it would be easier tonight for the newest arrivals. Casey and Jackie went over to the girls’ side and I told them I would be over there shortly. I looked in Billy and José’s room and the 5 boys were still quietly talking. I knocked on the door and Mikey immediately ran over. I picked up my little namesake then sat on the edge of the bed. “Jack, I couldn’t help but hear some of what you all were talking about earlier. Do you still have any questions or maybe even some reservations about being here?”

Jack looked over at me and for the first time, I saw him smile. “No Papa, if I can call you that too. I really did until after dinner. It was almost like a dream and when I woke up, it would all be gone. At the other place, the 9 of us had to look out for each other, especially the younger ones. But here, it’s like you all are looking out for us. I guess it seemed a little too good to be true then Shane told me what happened and well, I really do see this is how it is. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy before.”

I had to quickly move Mikey off my lap because Jack made a beeline for it. He wrapped his arms around my neck and started crying. It was as if all the pain he’d endured at the other home was finally leaving once and for all. I rubbed his back and he finally got his emotions under control. “Jack, I’m so glad you trust us here. All we want you kids to be is just that, kids. As for calling me Papa, I’d be honored.”

He kissed me on the cheek and then smiled again. “Thank you for this place.”

He was about to continue when the twins came in wearing just their underwear. “We’re sleepy.”

Jack got up and got one of the twins while I reached out and picked up the other. We carried them down the hall towards their room followed by the other boys. We set them down and they scampered off to the bathroom. I heard the toilet flush then water run as they were brushing their teeth. One boy hopped up onto his bed then wiggled under the covers. “Miguel, can Paul sleep with me? We always slept together before.”

I lifted the covers and Paul ran over and snuggled in beside his brother. “If you want, I can get a bigger bed for you so you’ll be comfortable. Would you both like that?”

I had two heads bobbing up and down in unison. I leaned down and gave each of them a hug and kiss. I stepped back as every boy in there did the same thing. After the boys left, I turned the light off and started to close the door a little leaving it cracked just in case. It was then I heard, “Good night Papa Miguel.”

I saw Jack leaning against the wall then let out a big yawn. “It looks like someone else is more than ready for bed.”

Jack yawned again then smiled. I can see why Jeff is taken with him. We walked quietly down to his room and he quickly did his business then hopped into bed. I pulled the covers up and then sat on the edge. I leaned down and gave him a hug and kiss. “Good night Papa and thanks again for everything.”

I gently ruffled his hair then closed the door after tuning out the light. I made my rounds to the other boys then headed to the girls’ wing. I had just entered when Casey met me. “Miguel, they’re all asleep in their beds. It seems the girls were in one room tonight talking.”

I nodded my head as we headed for the common room. “Jack was talking with several of the boys too. Seems he couldn’t believe all this was really real.”

“That’s exactly what the girls were thinking too,” Casey continued. “Once Andrea told them about her, they all saw how the home really is.”

Guillermo sat up and looked at us. “That’s how it was tonight for the twins too. Chico, Alex, Joey and Robbie all talked with them.”

I saw Jackie giggle. “I guess I might not be needed soon,” she giggled in jest. “But I do know that kids can get a point across better then we can.”

It had been another long day and we were all more than a little tired. After checking things, we called it a night.

The remainder of the week, Juanita and Jack went with me to the hospital while I looked in on Nicky and Jeff then they took a cab back to the home. Bill Perez told me a gynecologist examined Nicky and she was healing nicely, all things considered.

On Friday when we arrived, my first stop was to Jeff’s room and Jack and I were surprised to see him not in bed. I went over and knocked gently on the bathroom door. “Jeff, is everything alright?”

Jack went over and cracked the door and saw his boyfriend on the toilet. I hurried out to the supply room and returned with some wet wipes. I handed them to Jeff and he looked at them strangely. “Uh Papa, these are for babies.”

I smiled and nodded. “Yes they are but your bottom is still healing son. These are soft and moist and will be easier on it than toilet paper. Did it hurt when you went?”

I was hoping the stool softener had done its job. “It was a little soft and runny but didn’t hurt.”

I let Jack help Jeff then a few minutes later they both came out. Jeff got back into bed as Jack leaned towards my ear. “He’s nice and clean.”

I winked at him then took a look at Jeff’s rectum. The medication did its job and his rectum looked nicely healed. The bruising was almost gone and the redness had totally disappeared. I left the boys alone then made some notes on his chart before going to see Nicky. I stopped at the supply room and got some wet wipes for Nicky when she finally had to go.

I went in and talked with her and as I was about to go, Juanita helped her into the bathroom. I went out to the nurse’s station and there was Bill and Phillipe. I was happy enough with Jeff’s progress and I was sure he could handle coming home. Bill was happy with her vagina but we both wondered how a bowel movement would affect her. I didn’t have long to wait. I looked up and saw Juanita heading over. “She did fine. I helped her get cleaned up and she really looks good back there.”

I looked at Bill for his thoughts. “Well Miguel, I think she can go home too.”

Juanita ran over and hugged Bill. “Thank you doctor for taking such good care of her.”

Juanita hurried back to Nicky’s room while I went in to tell Jeff the good news. I found his clothes and Jack helped him get dressed. After all the notes and discharge summaries were written, I called Hanna and told her Nicky and Jeff were coming home. Nurses with wheelchairs got the kids then I hurried down to get the Blazer and bring it to the front door.

When I pulled up to the front door, the kids were ready to get away from the hospital. The kids were chattering as I drove back to the home and I don’t know how the others found out but there was a huge welcome waiting for us as I pulled into the parking lot. I parked the Blazer then Juanita and Jack each helped their partners out. “Easy gang, let them have some room. Now, they are still sore and need to rest.”

“Aww Papa,” cried the kids as they moved out of the way.

Nicky stopped and looked at everyone gathered. “Thanks for the welcome but Papa’s right. I’m still sore but don’t think you can’t come and visit. Just don’t be surprised if I fall asleep ‘cause I still get tired easy.”

Nicky and Jeff went to their rooms and relaxed while I went down to the kitchen. When I went in, Hanna was busy removing a cake from the oven. She’d made a yellow cake and one of her assistants was busy making home made chocolate frosting. “Miguel, have the children arrived?”

When I nodded, I swear she was just as happy as the other children. “Yes, they’re home now Hanna. What have you planned for dinner?”

“I’m making home made potato salad to go with fried chicken. I was able to get some fresh corn on the cob also.”

My mouth was watering in anticipation. Hanna made some tuna salad for lunch and she was happy that Nicky and Jeff were able to put away several sandwiches each.

After lunch, the children went out to the pool. Jeff and Nicky came out and relaxed on chase lounges while the other played and swam. It was about time to get the kids in for dinner when I heard Steven page me. “Dad, you have a phone call in your office.”

When I answered it, I was surprised to hear Carlos’ voice on the other end. “Miguel, how are the children?”

I sat back and filled him in. “They’re doing well Carlos. Nicky and Jeff got home from the hospital today. Their surgery went well but Nicky’s uterus was destroyed and had to be removed. The others had not been touched but had been sedated so they wouldn’t hear what was going on around them.”

I could hear Carlos fighting with his emotions. “If that bastard wasn’t already dead, I swear I’d kill him with my own two hands. The reason I called Miguel is that I’ve taken a new position with the government in Rio de Janeiro. My work will be bringing me into Receife once a month and I’ll be free on Friday afternoons until I have to return on Sunday. There is a government owned home that I‘ll be using while I’m in town. I’ve gotten permission to bring Brianna and Felix with me. We’ve not forgotten Andrea since I’ve been home. In fact, Felix can’t wait to see her again.”

Having Carlos in town on a regular basis would give them and Andrea more time to bond. “When will you be moving?”

“The movers will be here Monday to start packing. We’ll be in Rio Thursday getting the new house set up and the following week we come to Receife.”

I thought for a moment. “I don’t know if I’ll be here but call Guillermo and you can spend some time with Andrea and meet the other children.”

We finished our talk then I went down to the dining area. I stuck my head in the kitchen and saw Hanna putting the finish touches on a large cake. I came in to take a look at it. Hanna’s head turned around and she was glaring at me. “Don’t think of touching it yet Miguel.”

I felt like a deer caught in headlights. “I wouldn’t dream of it Hanna, I was just admiring it.”

I quickly pasted a smile on my face but I don’t think Hanna bought it. “Uh huh, dinner will be ready in about 15 minutes now scoot and let me finish.”

I quickly left feeling like I’d just been scolded. I found the adults and had them start getting the kids ready for dinner. I knew this feast would surprise Jeff and Nicky but I hoped it would not bring back bad memories. It took about 10 minutes but soon, all the kids were sitting around the tables. I stood to look into the kitchen then faced everyone. “This is the first time Nicky and Jeff have been here for dinner. I know that you all had to fight for food but this isn’t the case here. Nicky, Jeff you all will have plenty just take your time and enjoy.”

As soon as I finished, Hanna and her staff brought in the feast. Once the bowls and platters were put on the table, we all let Nicky and Jeff fill their plates first. As soon as they took what they wanted, the others started diving in. Once the plates were filled, the only thing we could hear were the sounds of the children enjoying the feast. I looked over to Nicky just as Juanita tapped her. “Before you say anything, this isn’t a dream.”

The girls quickly kissed then went back to their food. I really gorged myself by having 2 plates of food. I had finished when Hanna came in. “I see you all enjoyed your food but I hope you left room for desert.”

Just then the cake was wheeled in. Hanna set it on the table then I stood as she lit the 9 candles. “Each candle is for one of the new children who now have a new home. Jeff and Nicky, would you do the honors of blowing them out?”

At first they were stunned but the others started clapping their hands and cheering. They got up and walked over then quickly blew them out. Nicky cut the first piece and Hanna dished it up. I watched as the kids make quick work of the delicious home made cake. Hanna was standing there watching when Jeff came up to her. “Thank you so much. The food was delicious.”

Hanna gave the boy a big hug then went back into the kitchen. He came over and sat down. “Is she alright Papa Miguel?”

I smiled at him. “She is fine Jeff. She’s just happy that you all are now safe and are able to have plenty to eat. It really got to her when she learned that you all had to fight to get enough food.”

Jeff leaned over and kissed me on the cheek then giggled. “Sorry Papa Miguel about the chocolate kiss. Jack told me about the food but it was a little hard to believe. When we had lunch, I was convinced.”

I gave him a hug then Angel and Steven came out with some wet face cloths to clean up the chocolate covered kids. It took us several more minutes before we could move but we got the kids down to the common room so we could all relax. Angel found a movie on video and put it in and that made everyone happy.

Once the movie was over it was shower time and everyone headed for their rooms. I was about to enter my room when I heard the squealing of two little boys. As I was heading towards the twins’ room, two naked little boys came running out. “Papa Miguel, there is a spider in the bath tub.”

I knelt down and opened my arms as the two little boys came running to me. I wrapped my arms around their little bottoms then stood up and went back to their room. “Now where is that thing?”

Paul started pointing to the bathroom but Phil started squirming trying to get down. “No Papa Miguel, I’m scared of it.”

I stopped and stood the boys on their bed then took my shoe off to find the offending arachnid. I saw the spider in the tub then the boys heard the loud SMACK as I killed it. Paul came running in. “Did you get it?”

I took some toilet paper and cleaned up the mess then got the shower going. “I sure did. Come on Phil, it’s alright now.”

Paul raised his arms so I picked him up. We were waiting on Phil when I looked down and there were two little eyes peaking around the door jam. “R are you sure it’s safe Papa?”

I set Paul down then stepped out and lifted Phil up. I carried him in as I felt his legs and arms tighten around me. I slid the shower curtain back and leaned over letting the little boy look into the tub. “Well, do you see anything?”

Phil looked all around the tub then I felt him shake his head. The next thing I felt was a kiss on my cheek. “Thank you Papa.”

I set him in the tub as Paul scampered over and joined his brother then I left to get my shower. I was getting dried off when I heard a voice. “Dad, can I come in?”

I immediately recognized the voice. “Come in Steven.”

I had forgotten to bring my underwear into the bathroom with me so I just went out au natural. “Dad, Angel and I need to get back home. I have to get ready to go back to school.”

The time here had been such a whirlwind I’d forgotten about that. “When do you need to leave for Blacksburg?”

“Well Dad, we have laundry to do then packing. I don’t want to rush to get things done. Do you think we could leave Sunday?”

I shook my head. “That won’t be a problem kiddo. I’ll call the pilot in the morning.”

To be continued...

Posted: 07/18/08