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...

Ida got into her car and I watched as she and Gerald left. I went back inside and fixed myself a Bailey’s on the rocks then turned on the television. I hoped the next few weeks would pass quickly so I could once again hear the pitter patter of feet in the house.

Chapter 66 

I decided to put in more time at work and I was kept really busy with a few marathon days of surgery. Before I knew it, the house was once again full but this time it was with my grown children home from college. Marco called and said he wouldn’t be home as Paulo flew in to surprise him. I filled the kids in on my latest foster son and they were all excited they were going to have the chance to meet him.

Ronnie went to work planning a menu for Thanksgiving and after looking at it, I was glad there were a freezer and an extra refrigerator out in the garage. After I read it over, I handed it back to him. “Umm son, what are you going to need as far as food supplies for Christmas?”

Ronnie just smiled. “I’ve already got that figured out Dad but there is one thing I haven’t.”

For my boy to draw a blank on something had to be big. “What’s that son?”

He went digging into a folder and handed me the menu he’d planned. “Where can we cook this feast? The kitchen is big but I’m going to need several commercial ovens and stoves. I’m figuring on at least 3 25 pound turkeys possibly 4 plus several hams along with several side dishes.”

He was right; I’d totally forgotten the logistics for feeding this crew since Hanna always managed all the details. “I think it might be better to plan on cooking at the home son. The new addition will be completed along with Hanna’s new kitchen. I can’t wait to see the additions.”

Jay was nodding his head. “I think you’re right Dad. It just might be easier if all the cooking was done at the home and we can just take everyone over there when it’s time to eat.”

“I have one more question guys. Besides Ronnie, who will be able to go with me when I have to leave for Recife before Christmas?”

Angel looked at Steven and I saw him nod his head. “I can Daddy. My classes end earlier than Steven.”

I nodded my head. “Well, I’ll have one of the planes there to pick you up. Now, both of your classes start at the same time after the 1st, right? Pablo will have the tree at the house on the 23rd set up waiting for the children to decorate. Guillermo and the others have already been getting gifts for all the children and they’re being stored at a secret location.”

Angel nodded and then Steven got a strange look on his face, “A secret location Dad, how come?”

“It’s for 2 reasons son. First is so the children will have no idea what is going on and most importantly so the local vigilantes can’t ruin Christmas for them. It’s been quiet down there but I wouldn’t put anything past them.”

I could see Jay was getting angry. “Have you talked to Danny?”

I nodded my head. “No I haven’t son but I know his men are keeping their eyes and ears open but there are more vigilantes than he has Deputies so we’re just being extra cautious.”

The day before Thanksgiving, Ronnie was busy in the kitchen preparing the dishes for the big day. He managed to find a 26 pound turkey and hoped that would feed all our guests. “Dad, next time you want to have this many people for dinner, let me know so I can special order a larger bird.”

“Yes son; that was something that totally slipped my mind.”

He came over and hugged me. “The kids are going to have a huge surprise today too. I special ordered turkeys for the home along with sweet potatoes, several vegetables and pumpkin pie mix so Hanna can bake pies for desert.”

“You seem to have thought of everything, haven’t you?”

He nodded his head. “I think so Dad. I ordered them when I ordered my supplies for Luiz’s. The turkeys were already frozen so I had them along with the other food sent next day air freight.”

I shook my head. “Son, why didn’t you let me know this? I could have had all the supplies flown down at Foundation expense.”

He smiled. “Umm, well I sorta forgot about that Dad. I was trying to surprise you too.”

I kissed him on the top of the head. “That’s alright son, you did surprise me. You took the initiative planning a feast for the children and getting the food shipped there. I’m very proud of what you did.”

Just then the phone rang. “Dad, it’s some woman named Ida.”

I took the phone from Angel. Hi Ida, what’s up?”

“Nothing much Miguel other than I have a boy ready to bounce off the walls.”

I was laughing at her description of Gerald. “What’s got him all hyper?”

“Lemme talk to Pop before you hang up,” I heard him say in the background then Ida spoke. “I think he’s excited about meeting your family.”

“They will be here until Sunday afternoon so I’m sure he’ll get plenty of time to spend with them. What can I do for you?”

I heard her have to get on Gerald. “Well, I want to know what I can fix as my contribution.”

I motioned Ronnie over. “Here, I’ll let you talk with Ronnie. He’s in charge of the kitchen.”

I handed him the phone then let the two of them discuss her idea. When they were done, I spoke with Gerald for several minutes before he had to go to bed.

The next day, Ronnie was up at the crack of dawn. He already had the turkey in the oven and a fresh pot of coffee made when I got up. “Morning son, what time did you get up?”

He poured me a cup of coffee and set it on the table. “Morning Dad, I was up about 6:30. The bird is going to take the longest time so I wanted to get an early start on it. What would you like for breakfast?”

With the feast he was planning, I decided on something light. “I’ll just have a bagel or some toast son. I’m making sure I have plenty of room for your dinner.”

Ronnie put a bagel in the toaster just as I heard a knock on the door. I looked at the clock and it was only 7:30 so I was wondering who it could possible be. When I opened the door I was mobbed by Matt and Gerald, “Happy Thanksgiving Papa Doc.”

I returned their hugs then looked at them. “Do your parents know where you are?”

They both looked at the floor, “Umm well, kinda Pop.”

I lifted Gerald’s head up. “What do you mean by kinda?”

“Mom was still asleep so I left her a note in the kitchen.”

“Gerald Flemming, you know better than that young man,” I admonished. “Matt what about your parents, do they know where you are?”

He smiled thinking he had his bases covered. “Yes sir, I told Matt and Joey.”

It was better than leaving a note but they hadn’t been asked in person. “At 8, you’re both going to call your parents and let them know where you are and if either of you are told to come home, you’ll not argue. Do we understand each other?”

They didn’t like it but knew they didn’t have a choice. “Yes Papa Doc.”

Ronnie came out of the kitchen to see who was at the door and immediately got mobbed by Matt. “Well hey there little guy.”

Matt kissed him on the cheek. “Hi Ronnie, come here Gerald. Ronnie, this is my boyfriend Gerald.”

Gerald walked over and looked at my middle son. “Nice to meet you and boy, Matt was right. You’re hot.”

Just then another voice was heard. “Oh, is someone making a pass at MY boyfriend?”

Gerald almost jumped out of his skin. “Uh no…no…no s…sir, I was just saying.”

Matt wiggled down and ran over to Jay. “It’s OK babe, Jay doesn’t mean anything by that. Jay, this is my boyfriend Gerald. Love, this is Ronnie’s love interest Jay.”

Jay walked over and ruffled Gerald's hair. “It’s OK dude, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Matt wrapped his arm around his love’s shoulders. “Papa Doc was Gerald’s foster Dad too.”

Jay looked over at me. “You really do miss having kids around, don’t you Dad?”

I couldn’t deny that. “You boys know me too well. I’d have a house full if I could.”

We got to talking and soon it was well after 8. I sent the boys over to the phone to make their calls. Barbara got the message from Matt and Joey so she wasn’t all that upset but she did admonish him for not telling her in person. Ida was not as understanding and made him come home until it was time for them to come over. Gerald was crying when he came over to me. “Pop, would you talk to her please?”

I shook my head. “I’m sorry son but I told you both I would not interfere if you two had to go back home. I’m sorry you have to leave son but I hope you will learn something from this.”

Matt was going to go with him but Gerald shook his head. “You can’t come love, Mom already said no when I asked her.”

Matt looked down at the floor. “Oh baby, I’m sorry. Next time we’ll ask our parents first before we try something like this.”

Gerald wiped the tears off his face then kissed Matt before heading home. Soon, all my kids were up and awake and at 10, there was a knock on the door. Angel went and answered it then came in with Ida and Gerald. She came over to me and leaned close to my ear. “Gerald was in tears the entire time he was home.”

I giggled. “I told the both of them I was not about to step in should either of them have to return home.”

We talked for a couple more minutes then I made the introductions. Just before 11, Barbara, Casey and their family arrived and I quickly exited the kitchen. Steven and Jay took the boys out back and kept them entertained until Ronnie put some snacks out. The boys came in and piled a huge assortment on several paper plates then scurried out the back door.

By 2, dinner was ready and Angel came to the back door. “Dinner is ready guys, come in and clean up.”

They all did as they were instructed then they joined us at the table. As is our tradition, each one of the family stood and said what they were thankful for this particular year. Being the head of the family, I had to start off and did so with a prayer. “Dear God, we ask you to bless this abundance of food that you have provided for us and ask that it nourish our bodies and minds so they we may continue to grow to do your will. We ask you to watch over everyone here as they travel back to school, keeping them safe so they can continue receiving their education. Make us ever mindful of your presence in our lives. We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and of The Holy Spirit, Amen.”

I took a sip of water then I continued. “This year I’ve been blessed with having two foster sons. Matt, I’m truly sorry for what you had to endure at the hands of your mother but because of that, God brought us together and then you were adopted by Barbara and Casey. I was also blessed with Gerald for a short time as your Mon got things sorted out between her and your father. Because of this, my family has grown making me one of the most thankful persons around.”

I noticed that when I was done talking Matt and Gerald were now standing beside me with tears running down their faces. Matt stood on his tiptoes and kissed me on the cheek. “Papa Doc, how can I ever thank you for showing me that there are people out here that love me for me. I had Gerald for a boyfriend but because of “HER” I rarely got the chance to see him but now he’s in 4 of my classes and lives 2 blocks away. I love you more than you’ll ever know and no matter how long I live, I’ll never be able to repay you for all you’ve done for me.”

Gerald kissed me next. “Pop, how can I repay the person for bringing my boyfriend back into my life? I now have a man in my life that I know will always be there when I have a problem or question. I love you Pop and I’ll always try to make both you and Mom proud of me. Matt, I have another family with you and I feel like the luckiest boy alive. This is my best Thanksgiving ever.”

On their way back to their seats, the boys stopped and gave everyone a hug and kiss. Everyone else said what they were thankful for then we dug into the feast Ronnie had prepared. After everyone stuffed themselves, Angel, Barbara, Ida and the boys started cleaning the kitchen. There was a football game on so the rest of us waddled over and sat down to let our food digest. The next thing I remember was Matt gently shaking me on the shoulder. “Come on Papa Doc, Ronnie has desert for us.”

I slowly opened my eyes and cleared the cobwebs from my head. “Alright son, I’ll be there in a minute.”

I let my belt out a notch then got up to see what Ronnie had made for desert. I don’t know how he managed to hide the smell but on the table was Luiz’s German Chocolate cake. “Son, how did you manage to keep me from smelling that?”

He smiled as he was cutting the cake. “Well, with everything else that was cooking, it wasn’t that difficult Dad. You get the first piece.”

Ida brought in a large coffee pot filled with fresh coffee. I got myself a cup then went back over and sat down so I could enjoy my desert. Matt had a piece of it too when he sat down beside me. “Man Papa Doc, this is delicious.”

I smiled at him then tears began to leak from my eyes. “Yes it is son.”

He sat his cake on the table then gently wrapped his arms around me. “Why are you crying Papa?”

I blinked a couple of times then wiped my eyes. “Luiz was my uncle son. He raised me when I was a little boy then helped me raise my boys and Angel until he passed away a number of years ago. He taught Ronnie all he knows about cooking and this cake was my favorite. Ronnie carefully learned the recipe and every time I have this, it brings back a lot of very happy memories.”

Matt picked up his cake and took a piece on his fork. He held it up towards me smiling. I put a bite on my fork then we touched them together, “TO your Uncle Luiz Papa Doc.”

I kissed him on the cheek then ate the mouthful, “Thank you son.”

By 8 everyone, except the boys, were getting tired and ready for a rest so we said our goodbyes to the Millers and to the Flemmings. Gerald had managed to talk Ida into spending the night with Matt then Matt would be with him at his house over the weekend.

The weekend seemed to fly by and all too soon, the kids were heading back off to college and me to an empty house. I had Gerald and Matt in the afternoons every other day so my afternoons were kept busy.

Before I knew it, we were closing in on the Christmas holidays. I had the Leer pick Angel up in Blacksburg. When she got home, she, Ronnie and I were busy coordinating things with Pablo, Guillermo and Hanna. Ronnie had already ordered the food and Hanna was surprised at the amount she received. I heard her talking to Ronnie when he handed me the phone. “Herr Sanchez, are you sure there isn’t too much?”

I had to laugh. “Hanna my dear, how much turkey did you have left over from Thanksgiving?”

She stopped and thought for a moment. “Well, after we cut the meat off what was left, there was enough for sandwiches for lunch the next day then I made a huge pot of soup.”

“See, there weren’t many left-overs were there?”

She was giggling, “No Herr Sanchez, now that you mention it, there really wasn’t. I must thank you for this wonderful new kitchen. There is so much room in here and the new dining room is lovely.”

I couldn’t wait to see the new additions either. “You’re quite welcome Hanna. When the home is full, we’ll have room for everyone to enjoy their meals.”

The next call was to Pablo. “Miguel, you won’t recognize your house now.”

“Why not my friend?”

He laughed. “Do you know what it’s like trying to add beds for 20 additional people?”

“Oh God, I’d clean forgotten how many children we have now. How did you do it?”

He was still giggling, “It wasn’t easy but there are loads of double beds set up. I know they’ve all pretty much paired up and it made things a little easier. Mikey and Chico are getting more and more excited that you and your boys are coming down but I’ve managed to keep everything a well guarded secret.”

“Thank you so much my friend. Ronnie, Angel and I will be there tomorrow. Can you have the Blazer at the airport so we can go to the house first?”

“Certainly Miguel, oh before I forget, Andrea is really showing. David’s been keeping a close eye on her and her doctor thinks she can give birth anytime after Christmas.”

“How has she and the Cruz’s been getting along?”

“She’s been spending a lot of time with them; and their little boy can’t wait for her to give birth.”

This was really good news. “Can you do me a favor please? Call the Cruz’s, and ask them if they still want to adopt her. I know this might seem silly but you never know. If they still want that, call Judge Romero and see if he can have the adoption final on Christmas. We can hold the hearing at the house, if it’s alright with him.”

“I’ll do that Miguel and will have an answer when you arrive tomorrow.”

My last call was to Guillermo, “Merry Christmas Miguel.”

“Merry Christmas my friend and how are things there?”

I could hear the children’s voices in the background then I heard Guillermo close the door. “All the children are excited about the holidays and the fact you’re coming.”

My eyes started watering. “I’m sure they are and I’m getting excited too. I can’t wait for them to find out they’ll be spending Christmas Eve and Day away from the orphanage.”

We talked for a few more minutes then he had to tend to one of the boys. It seems Mikey took a little spill and skinned his knee. As soon as I hung up the phone, Angel came in. “Dad, didn’t you forget something?”

I thought for a moment then shook my head, “No, not that I can think of love.”

“Didn’t you say you were going to get Matt and Gerald bikes for Christmas?”

I smiled. “Yes I did and that’s already been done. I had them delivered when they were in school and their parents have hidden them.”

She thought she was going to get her old man but I managed to surprise her. “OK Daddy, just checking. I know you’ve been really busy.”

Angel got all our laundry done then we got packed and made it an early night. Before I went to bed, I called Matt and Gerald to wish them a Merry Christmas. “Papa Doc, I’m going to miss you so much.”

I could hear him sniffling. “I know you will son and I’m going to miss you and Gerald too but you each have a very special Christmas gift from me.”

“What is it Papa Doc, what is it?”

I thought for a moment. “Let me talk with your Mom.”

“Hi Miguel, has someone been trying to wiggle their gift out of you?”

“Yeah he was but since I’m not going to be here, would you mind if he got it early?”

She was laughing. “Not really Miguel, I kind of figured you’d relent. I’ll put Matt back on the phone while I set it out in the garage.”

She handed him the phone. “Well Papa, can I have it early? I’ve been good, honest.”

Just then Barbara took the phone. “You better move the phone away from your ear.”

“WHO HOO,” I heard in the background. “Oh Papa thank you so much, how’d you know I needed a new bike?”

He was crying. “Oh, a little birdie told me.”

I looked at my watch and it was still early. “Hey son, I have to use the bathroom. I’ll call you back.”

I got my keys and told Ronnie and Angel I was going out then hurried over to surprise Matt. When the door opened Matt jumped into my arms. “Thank you Papa, you gotta see it, it’s so cool.”

He grabbed me by the arm and almost pulled it out of the socket. “OK son, I’m coming.”

He led me out to the garage then rode it around in circles for a few minutes. He put it on the kick stand then gave me another huge hug. “God, this is turning out to be the best Christmas ever Papa.”

I kissed him on the head then we went back inside the house. “Now, don’t call Gerald yet. I’m going over there now.”

He looked surprised. “Did you get him a bike too?”

I smiled at him. “Yep, I heard he needed a new one too.”

Matt hugged me tighter. “If it’s anything like mine he’s gonna really love it.”

I wanted to get over there so I could get home and to bed at a decent hour. “OK kiddo, I’m on my way over to his house now. I have to leave tomorrow for Brazil.”

I called Gerald’s house from Matt’s to make sure he wasn’t in bed and he wasn’t. I explained to Ida what I had in mind and she was all for it. When I arrived, she met me at the door then I went down to Gerald’s room. I knocked on the door and heard some shuffling. “Come in.”

I opened the door and Gerald flew into my arms. “Oh my god Pop, it’s great to see you.”

I caught my incoming boy as he latched his arms around my neck and his legs around my waist. “It’s good to see you too son.”

I saw him wince has he was obviously taking care of a little problem. He shoved his hand into his boxers and fixed it, “Umm sorry Pop.”

I smiled and kissed him on the forehead. “Nothing to be sorry for kiddo, sorry I interrupted things.”

I set him on his feet as his dick slowly returned to normal. “No way Pop, you can come over anytime.”

I waited until his stiffy wasn’t showing then opened the door. “Come on kiddo.”

I turned to leave his room then he quickly grabbed my hand, “Where we going?”

When we got to the living room Ida smiled and motioned to the garage. I thought quickly. “Umm, your Mom said she needed you to take out the trash.”

His face sunk a little but quickly did as he was asked. I waited until he was outside then did a mental countdown; 5, 4, 3, 2, “OH MY GOD!”

I braced myself for Gerald. “I never got that from any of my boys when they took out the trash.”

I wrapped my arms around him. “Oh thank you Pop, thank you.”

Gerald was planting kisses on my cheeks to beat the band. “You’re welcome son. I know it’s early but I wanted you to have it before I left.”

“Oh man, this is so cool. What did you get Matt for Christmas?”

Just then the phone rang and I knew who it was. I could hear Gerald’s side of it and he was standing there dancing around telling Matt about his bike. Once he got off the phone he was glued to my side. “Uh, I guess you know now what I got him.”

“Man Pop, this is going to be one of the best Christmases ever. I’m going to miss you big time.”

I kissed him on the cheek. “I’m going to miss you too son but every time you and Matt go riding you’ll have a reminder of me.”

“When will you be back?”

I had to think and I really couldn’t give him an answer. “I’m not sure son. I know it won’t be until after the first. I just hope there aren’t any problems. Once I get there and see how things are going, I’ll have a better idea.”

I could see he wasn’t happy with my answer but it was the only one I had. “OK Pop, just be careful and come home safe.”

I held him for a couple of minutes then kissed him on the head. “I will son and I’ll try and call you over the holidays.”

The three of us talked for another few minutes then I had to get home. They walked me to the door and I got one more hug and kiss from Gerald. It was almost 10:30 by the time I finally got into bed and the next thing I knew, the alarm was going off.

To be continued...

Posted: 07/25/08