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...

Rolando was right, I couldn’t save everyone. “You’re right son, I guess I should be happy at the successes I have.”

We pulled into the parking lot at the home then Rolando gave me a hug as I got out. “Uncle Miguel, your place here is a success, don’t ever forget that.”

Danny came around and shook my hand. “I’m going to tag this as evidence in case we get any leads on what’s happening. I’ll see you on Christmas Day.”

Chapter 70

I headed inside and was greeted by Chad, Mikey and Shane. As we were walking down the hall, the twins came up. “Come on Chad, we’re going outside to play.”

He looked up at me and I just nodded my head. The twins each took a hand and led him off. I looked down at Mikey and he seemed a little sad. “What’s wrong kiddo?”

He looked up at me and tried to smile. “I dunno Papa. I love all my brothers here but Chad is really special.”

“I think that’s because you were the first to really bond with him after you found him.”

I heard him sigh. “Yeah and it’s because he was so young and he seemed so frightened and helpless.”

I saw Shane wrap his arms around him as I lifted Mikey’s chin smiling. “Mikey, you have a big heart for someone so young. You were the first to want to protect Shane that day even though Joey was already there.”

Shane leaned down and kissed him. “Papa’s right Mikey and I hope you never change from wanting to help those who really need it.”

Mikey blushed when he heard Shane’s words. “I know how I was treated before I got here and met Papa Miguel, Shane. He showed me how much he cared then I met the others here. I never had a younger brother before and I guess that’s how I look at Chad.”

I knew Danny well enough to know that if there was any way possible for him to foster or adopt Chad, he would but now I’m wondering how Mikey would take it if he did so I decided to try and test the waters while not shoving my foot into my mouth in the process. “Mikey, you know what the home here is about, right?”

He looked at me quizzically as he thought. “Yeah Papa, it’s for kids who have no place to go except live on the streets.”

I nodded my head as I carefully formed my next question. “That’s right son but there is more.”

He thought for another minute. “Umm, you mean like Andrea because she’s getting adopted?”

Now I knew he at least understood but I still wasn’t sure how he’s take it when its so close to home. “You’re exactly right. What I would eventually like to see is everyone here with a loving family and that does include you son.”

His face then lost expression. “Yeah, but who’d wanna adopt me?

I knelt down and kissed him on the nose. “You never know son. I like to think there is a family out there for all these children but until there is, you’ll always have a home right here.”

What Mikey said next amazed me. “I hope Danny adopts Chad.”

He had a smile on his face but his eyes were wet. “Won’t you miss him?”

He nodded his head the leaned against my chest. “I’ll miss him lots Papa but he’ll have home with his own Papa and brothers. Maybe he can bring him over too?”

If I knew Danny, he’d do that. “I think he would kiddo.”

Both Mikey and Shane gave me a hug then scampered outside to play with the others. I went back to my office and called Pablo to find out the status of things. He told me the tree would be delivered after lunch and set up. The gifts for the children had already been delivered and stored in the pool house along with their bikes. It was a good thing I had plenty of adult help because bringing in gifts for 22 children was going to be a daunting task. While I was talking with Pablo I told him about our latest arrival. “Miguel, not to worry my friend, it seems we all went a little overboard and after setting things out for each child we had more than was needed. There are a number of toys and games left over and even a couple of bikes. Your little one won’t be forgotten. What I’d like to do with what we have left over is bring them to the hospital for the children there so they have something to open on Christmas.”

I knew I had the right person working for me. “Pablo, I should never underestimate you my friend. By all means, bring what’s left to the children at the hospital. Do you know how many are there?”

“I have a rough idea from the last time I talked with them. I’ll call them now for an exact number but leave a few things here in case of a last minute arrival.”

I was smiling as I listened to him. “Pablo you never cease to amaze me. You will be over at my place on Christmas, won’t you?”

I could hear a little hesitancy in his voice. “Umm I’m afraid not Miguel. My wife and I are leaving this evening to visit her sister and family.”

I’d forgotten about that. “No problem Pablo. I’ll see you after the first of the year. Anything that comes up, I should be able to handle.”

After lunch, I had to beat feet to the airport to pick up my other 2 children. Jay and Steven were due in about 2. I planned on dropping them off that the house so they could do any last minute things while I went back to the home to gather up the children. When I got to the private terminal I had to wait on the plane. It had met some turbulence on the way down. When it landed, I was greeted by my youngest like he’d not seen me in ages. After clearing Immigration we were on our way to the house. As soon as we entered, we could see the tree they’d set up and Steven was in awe. “Man Dad, this is one of the biggest trees I’ve seen in a long time.”

The ceiling in the house was 12 feet and the men found one that was at least ten. “You guys realize you’re going to have kids on your shoulders not counting the need for a few ladders.”

Jay was the practical one of the bunch. “Steven and I can get started on the lights on top and start working our way down so by the time the kids get here it will be easier on them. Where are the lights and ornaments?”

I knew they were going to be in for another surprise. “Follow me boys.”

I let them out to the pool house and even I was blown away when I opened the door and went in. Both boys covered their mouths and gasped. We walked around and looked at all that was there. The boys came up to me with smiles on their faces and moist eyes. I looked at Steven and he kissed me on the cheek. “God Dad, this is going to a very special Christmas for the kids.”

I’d given my staff gracious Christmas bonuses for all the work they did but I couldn’t imagine how much time they put in getting and then wrapping all these gifts. I was blessed with a great staff. We found everything for the tree in a separate area then began bringing the things into the house. After another trip for 2 ladders the boys started working on the lights. I was tempted to help but the first time I went to pick up something I was glared at by the boys. “OK boys Dad knows when to back off. I’ll go and get the children ready; we should be back here in a couple of hours.”

Before I left, I called Guillermo to let them know I was on my way back. After I was done on the phone, I looked out back and had another surprise. The men had set up some long tables and chairs for the kids to have a place to eat. I would have to talk with Ronnie to see what we could do about meals here tonight, tomorrow and Christmas morning. I couldn’t believe the logistical nightmare I’d created.

I got into the Blazer and headed back to the home. When I arrived I saw Guillermo standing out by a new van. He saw me pull in and started heading towards me as I parked. I got out and started scratching my head. “Miguel, did you order something and forget to tell me?”

I know I’ve been busy at home but something like that I’d surely remember. “I was about to ask you the same question. We definitely need the second van. Did you open the door and look inside?”

He shook his head as we started walking over to it. I opened the door and sitting on the seat out of view was an envelope. I opened it and then felt inside. I felt the keys and there were several pieces of paper. I handed Guillermo the keys then opened the papers. On top was a letter that read.

Dear Miguel,
I hope this suits your needs. I saw the other 2 you had and figured the older one could use replacing. This will hold between 12 and 15 with no problem.

Merry Christmas,
Carlos and Brianna

Tears were already running down my cheeks. I stood there with my hand over my open mouth. Guillermo looked at me and all I could do was hand him the letter. This was by far the most generous gift anyone had ever given the home. “My god Miguel, this is a most gracious gift.”

I wiped the tears from my eyes while nodding my head. I then looked at the other piece of paper and it was the title to it. “That it is and it is sorely needed. I was going to have Pablo look for new one after the first. Here is the title, put it in the safe until he returns. It will have to go on the books as property owned by The Foundation.”

We heades inside and I was surrounded by the trio. Chad launched himself at me so I had to catch my incoming boy. “Papa look, there’s a new van out there.”

Just then Mikey chimed in. “Yeah Papa, did ya see it?”

Then Shane go into it admonishing Mikey. “Of course he did goofus, it’s parked right in front of the door.”

Chad was looking at them then up to me. “Do they fight like that all the time?”

Mikey heard the comment. “Oh no dude, we’re not fighting.”

Shane reached up and took Chad from me. “I’m just giving him a hard time. I love him too much to ever fight with him.”

Chad smiled but didn’t ask any more questions to which I’m grateful. Guillermo came out of his office and saw my trio tickling Mikey and Chad. “Have you guys put some clothes in your laundry bag?”

Mikey nodded his head. “I put my clothes in with Shane’s and packed Chad’s in my bag.”

I set Chad on his feet then looked at them. “OK now, I need to have a quick meeting with the adults so why don’t you get all the boys together and get them into the common room.”

Just then I saw Angel and Casey coming out of the girl’s wing. “Are the girls ready?”

Casey looked down the hall. “We got their stuff into their laundry bags but now they’re asking a ton of questions.”

I had to giggle. “Thank god the boys haven’t started.”

Just then Chico and Alex came up. “Hey Papa, what’s going on? Why’d we have to pack some stuff in our laundry bags?”

Thank God Angel thought fast. “Look gang, the adults have to have a little meeting then everything will be said. Just give us a few minutes.”

About that time Carlos came in with Angela. I went over and shook his hand and thanked him profusely for the van. Just then Chad came up and it looked like he wasn’t happy. He tapped Andrea on the arm. “Are you getting dumped to?”

Andrea knelt down and brought him close to her hugging him. “Is that what happened to you?”

“Sorta,” he said softly.

“I’m Andrea, what’s your name?”

He looked at her cautiously until I knelt down and kissed him, “Chad.”

She smiled lovingly at him. “No Chad, I’m not getting dumped. I live here.”

Chad smiled rubbing her abdomen. “Are you going to be a mommy?”

Andrea nodded her head. “Yes I am and you know what else?”

Chad shook his head, “No, what?”

She turned around bringing Chad with her. “This man is going to be my new Daddy.”

“Really?” he asked then his face frowned. “So why did he bring you back?”

Andrea giggled. “Well, it’s so I could be here for Christmas.”

“Oh,” Chad said smiling again. “You know what, Danny wants to adopt me too.”

Andrea hugged the little boy. “Danny’s a good man and he’ll make a great Daddy.”

“Andrea, you’ll need to pack a few things in your laundry bag. Can you do that while the adults talk?”

She nodded her head and tried to head to the girl’s wing but Chad was right with her. I just nodded my head and the 2 of them went off.

I got the staff into Guillermo's office then got down to business. “First off, we have a brand new van thanks to the generosity of Carlos and his wife. The next thing is as the kids see the tree there will be a lot of chattering about it. Jay and Steven are there working on the upper part where they won’t be able to reach. I’m going to let them finish stringing the lights then put on the decorations with your help and supervision. For many, this could be the first real Christmas they’ve ever had or had in a number of years so this is one we all want them to remember.”

We all talk a few minutes more then we head out to the common room. Chad has attached himself to Ronnie now and I must say, he looks good with Chad on his lap. I hope one day he and Jay will be lucky enough to have children of their own. Guillermo gets everyone’s attention. “Ok everyone, please listen up. We’re going on an outing.”

The kids started screaming at that point then Casey managed to get them all quiet again. “Now, now we don’t interrupt.”

This was going to be something they won’t forget so keeping them calm was going to be a real challenge. Guillermo began again. “The boys will ride in one van and the girls in the other. Casey will be driving the girls and I’ll be for the boys.”(EdNote: Dear Readers, Miguel was too poulet-manuer to make the decision about who gets to ride in the new van first. Miguel – being the consummate gentleman – decided that the girls would ride in the new van first. Of course this brought groans from the boys. It was Joey who finally got the boys attention, “Look guys, this van was a gift from Andrea’s new mommy and daddy so it’s only fair that the girls get the first ride.” Miguel was beside himself with pride as he grabbed his oldest boy into a bear hug. “Son, I’m so proud of you.”)

The teens took charge of the younger ones then led them out to the vans. The adults gathered up the laundry bags and put them in the back of the proper van then it was onto the house. I’m glad I was in the Blazer because I could see heads turning everywhere. That was something we were going to have to work on and that was getting the children out more.

I had to go around so they could follow me as we got closer. When I pulled into the large driveway, I moved out of the way so the vans could have enough room. As soon as we got out, the doors to vans opened and out piled 22 wide eyed children, including teens. Nicky was the first to ask the question, “Whose place is this Papa?”

I walked over and put my arms around her and Juanita. “This house was the one I grew up in as a little boy. This was my Papa’s but now it’s mine. You all are going to be here for a few days as a treat.”

Just then the front door opened and out came Jay, Steven and Marco. He must have arrived when I was back at the home. He came running down and picked me up swinging me as I do some of the children. “Hiya Pop, man it’s been a long time.”

He kissed me on the cheek then finally set me on my feet. “How goes the first year of Med School?”

He blushed. “It’s good Pop but I have to do more studying than I did in college. I also have decided what I want to specialize in.”

The kids started looking around so Marco and I decided to talk more later, as we rounded up the children. No sooner had they started going inside, out came the oohs and ahhs when they saw the tree. Jay was standing in front of the tree and soon they were all gathered around him. Jay was about to speak then Mikey wiggled through patting him on the hand. “Jay, can we help?”

Jay smiled picking up my namesake. “You read my mind Mikey. Here’s the plan, Steven and I have started on the top with the lights and some of the decorations. The first thing now is to add the rest of the lights and then finish decorating it. Once that is done, we’ll plug it in.”

All the kids started whooping it up. Jay and Steven had taken the lights out of the boxes so all they had to do was get a string and start putting them on. My children were angels helping all the younger ones stringing the lights. Some of the teens were standing back so I eased up. “What’s wrong Nicky?”

She turned looking at me with a huge grin on her face. “Oh nothing Papa, we’re just watching the little ones. They’re having a ball.”

I wrapped my arms around her and Juanita. “Yes they are but there are still a lot of decorations to go on yet. You all can get in there.”

They had a surprised look on their faces then joined in. Guillermo, David, Casey and I got the laundry bags out of the vans then brought them up to their respective rooms. Just before 5 the tree was done. Jay was standing there holding a box with the final decoration. He motioned me to come forward. “When I was growing up, my Papa always let me put the final decoration on the tree. When I adopted the boys, Steven had the honor the first year because he was the youngest. I am still going to hold with my Papa’s tradition so Chad, will you come here please?”

He shuffled up as Jay took the final ornament out of the box. He helped Chad climb up the ladder then helped him as he put the angel on top. Marco then helped the boy back down as Jay plugged it into the rest of the lights. After climbing down, he handed the plug to Steven. “Here bro, you’re still the youngest of us.”

Steven leaned down and plugged the tree in. We all stood there in awe and the lights began to blink and twinkle giving off a beautiful glow against the white walls. Just then there was a knock on the door. I see Marco head over to see who it is then I see his head go up in the air. “OK, OK Rolando, let me down.”

I see Marco and Rolando coming followed by Danny. I get a huge hug from his oldest. “Uncle Miguel, Hanna’s right behind us. She’s got dinner cooked for the children.”

I hadn’t spoken to her about this then I see Ronnie with a guilty look on his face. I motion him over. “Hanna and I sat down and planned out some meals Dad. Dinner and breakfast will be the only big means for her. I have lunch meat, bread, chips and all the fixings here so she won’t have to worry about that. Christmas Day I’ll be helping her cook the big dinner and do breakfast.”

He seemed to have everything planned out. “You do realize that tomorrow night it’s going to be hard to get the kids down for the night.”

He started shaking his head. “Not really Dad, I’ve even thought about that too.”

My eyes got big. “Oh, just what did you have in mind?”

He turned red and giggled. “Since it’s so warm here, we’ll let them be out in the pool to their hearts content after dinner. Maybe by 8 they’ll be tiring so we can get them showered then off to bed.”

It did sound like it could work. Danny was about to take me into another room when we heard a horn honk. Ronnie grabbed Jay, Marco Steven and Rolando and ushered them out the door. I don’t know how long they were gone but I heard a German accent. “Come on little ones, Hanna has a feast for you all.”

Before they all ran towards her Casey stepped in again. “Let’s all get washed up first.”

Angel, Steven and Jay led the children upstairs and about 5 minutes later, they were coming back down, some still with damp hands. They were led out back to the tables then Ronnie and Hanna started uncovering the platters of food. Hanna came over and smiled. “Herr Sanchez, I hope you don’t mind using plastic plates and utensils.”

I smiled and hugged her. “Hanna, you do so much for me, this is an easy way to clean up. Besides, if a plate falls, nothing gets broke.”

She was making sure all the children were fed when I saw Ronnie hand her a plate. I could see her start to argue but my middle son stood firm. She went over and sat down with the children they started asking her loads of questions. I ate and watched as she interacted with them and it I could tell she truly loved them. Once everyone was full, cleanup was a snap. I got some big plastic garbage bags and went around putting all the trash in them, including the big aluminum pans.

After dinner, the adults relaxed while the children played in the big back yard. Watching them brought back fond memories of my childhood and it also made me wish Luiz was here now to see them playing here. By 8, some of the younger ones were getting tired so the teens helped get them into the showers. By 9:30 everyone else had had their showers and was showing the effects of the busy day. Danny and his boys called it a night and bid farewell to us.

At 10, I was fading so we got the others upstairs and into their rooms. Everything had been planned but that was before Chad’s arrival. Chad had fallen asleep so I carried him up to my room. I smiled as Mikey and Shane had left enough room for the two of us. I put the sleeping boy on the bed then went to empty my bladder. No sooner was I in when I felt Chad wrap his arms around me. I reached for the light turning it off so I could get some much needed rest. Tomorrow was going to be one very busy day.

To be continued...

Posted: 07/25/08