Gift of Life Child Justin Acosta - Day 19

Sunday, November 2, 2008           

          Sunday, and what a beautiful morning it is. Right now its 8:30 and waiting for Dulce and Justin to get ready for mass at Saint Joe's Church. We arrived at mass about five to ten. It was a nice mass, but sort of sad. Today is All Souls Day, and they announced the names of all the parishioners that passed away this past year. They mentioned Lucy's name, and all of a sudden I felt very lonely.

A very nice couple that Lucy and I met in church three years ago, Bob, who is in a wheel chair and his wife, Eleanor, who has been taking care of him for the last five years, were at the mass. When they heard Lucy's name, I felt a tender pat on my shoulder from each of them. It did give me a good feeling. We left mass and headed for the Meadowlands Diner.

Breakfast was different today. It seemed all eyes were focused on Justin.  Every person, waitress, even the bus boys took time to say hello to Justin. I got the feeling Justin was here to get me through my hard times. Again, as I do on Sundays, I take a trip to see Lucy at the cemetery. We went directly home after the cemetery. I am trying to keep Justin inside as much as possible between now and Tuesday, as we don't want him getting a cold. They will not operate if he has a cold.

About 2:30, my daughter Debbie stopped by to see Justin and Dulce. About three o'clock, Lillian showed up with a big pot of chicken soup. She also brought Francine Michaels, Netti Russo, and Rose Hill. Francine came bearing gifts, two large teddy bears with 'Navy' written across their chests. One was for Justin and the other for me. They all left about 5:30. Lillian's soup fed seven people and seconds, with enough left for tomorrow. Still no mangos?

While they were here we talked about everything; and Dulce was right there listening and talking without a problem understanding. Her command of the English language gets better every day.

Hey! Guess what I found out today? First, Justin and Dulce like Eggs Benedict. They never had them before, and they the love them.

Second, it only took me nineteen days to find out Dolce is not Dolce. It's Dulce. What can I tell you? Her full name is Dulce Sulay Sanchez. She uses her father's last name. Her husband is Dany Acosta, hence Justin Acosta.

I thank God for Sunday; I find so many good things happen.

Yours in Rotary,

John Koch