A Family of Angels
In which Teófilo speaks about his friendship with Angelito and the debt Teófilo owes his family.
It was also at the end of 1971 when I met the Rivera's. They'd moved to a home nearby from another part of town. Don Angel and Doña Lidia were the parents. Angel Jr. and a beautiful girl I'll name "S" formed an exemplary family.
Angel Jr. or "Angelito" was four years my senior and his sister, two. Our difference in ages would play a part in our relationship later. But during this time, the fifth-grader Angelito and I got along well. We would share many great moments together. I looked up to him as an elder brother and he taught me so much.
I also gravitated to their household with frequency. In fact, way too much. I'll even say I pestered them and intruded upon them, but they were to kind to say anything to me. They understood I needed to be around a family and that they've drawn the short straw for this duty. From 1971 to about 1980 the Rivera's were central to my day-to-day experience, even after Angelito left for college in 1979. We had begun to diverge not long before but of course, after he left for college we went our separate ways.
I continued to try Don Angel and Doña Lidia's patience until one day came when I understood the conflict I was causing. S objected to my presence to Doña Lidia in terms loud enough for me to hear outside their gates. At that very time I had a moment of infused maturity. I came to understand in one fell swoop all that I'd imposed upon their kindness throughout the years. I felt dismal. I muttered an apology loud enough to hear and promised not to bother them again. To the best of my recollection that was the last time I visited their home, ever.
Years later, in 1987, I was already married and the father of my first son who was still a baby. That year my wife and I were visiting Puerto Rico away from my military station in South Dakota. We saw Don Angel and Doña Lidia standing before their home in the old neighborhood as we drove around. I stopped and greeted Don Angel. "Who's talking to me?" Said he. He didn't recognize me at first. I told him who I was and he and Doña Lidia became ecstatic. They bombarded us with overlapping questions and marveled at our baby. They wanted us to come in but we had somewhere else to be. They were very happy to see me. "Soon" I said. "Next time."
There wasn't to be a "next time." They passed away before I could reconnect. I never told them on this Earth how much I owed them, never apologized for the burden I’d laid upon them for so many years. In God they now know.
I did exchange messages into long ago with S and did apologize to her. Her answer brought me great solace. "You must've contributed something [to our family] because my parents allowed you to do be there." I hope I did contribute a little something to lighten their burden.
I love them and miss them very much.
My friendship with Angelito has continued through the years, and for that I'm also thankful. We've had various encounters and social media had allowed us to keep in touch.
Thank you, Angelo, for your friendship. It was a short time compared to the years we've lived. But for a little time you and your parents allowed me to experience life in a real family. I thank God for all of you.