Gift of Life Child Justin Acosta - Day 40

Sunday, November 23, 2008

It's another beautiful Sunday morning. The temperature is cold. For forty days and forty nights, they have been roaming the Koch residence. Little Justin is mending and Dulce is keeping an eye on him every minute.

We're heading out to mass. This time it's the eight o'clock mass. After mass, we are going out to the Saint Joseph's Church's Holy Name Society Communion Breakfast being held at the Fiesta on Route 17. Mass concludes at nine. Justin was his own self, quiet as usual, and when it came to the collection, again he was very slow and deliberate putting the money into the basket. We arrive at the Fiesta, a nice crowd on hand. The food was delicious, the company was great. After the introductions, Jim Doyle, who is the president of the organization, gave a wonderful plug about Justin and Dulce, the GOL, the Fort Lee Rotary being the host club, and John (Jack) Koch being the host family. It made me feel real good.

Justin was so good at the breakfast, that his mother was really able to enjoy breakfast herself, as everyone wanted to hold him. When breakfast was over, we headed home to prepare for our "Hasta La Vista Party", which I decided to put on just his past Friday. I had to make sure the caterer would be able help me at the last minute. When he said yes, the party was on. I had planned on about thirty people, ordered food for forty, and close to sixty people attended. Still, I had loads of food left over. PDG Joe Laureni paid us a visit. It was a nice surprise because I called Joe Sunday morning. John Mosca, Beverly, and Rubin showed up. John, Beverly, and Rubin were in Honduras when Justin was picked to be sent to the USA. My thanks to Bob, Lillian, and Arlene for the extra special help. Did I mention that Art and Pat Scialla came early and stayed late? All in all, I think everyone had a good time. The food that was left was taken to the Fort Lee Housing Authority; nothing will go to waste.  Again, thanks, and God bless everyone that had a hand in making little Justin's journey so beautiful. I felt this kid was special, especially to me at this time of the year. And I feel he was special to each and everyone that touched his life.

My special thanks to 5th Avenue Caterers. The food was terrific.

Yours in Rotary,

John Koch