Young Men With Character

Today Mike and the kids went to the local swimming pool with a teacher's family. About 3 minutes after they pulled out, 3 of their friends showed up at the house. I invited Xavier, Eric and Antonio in for a few minutes to show them the beautiful bouquet my husband gave me for Valentines. The fact that I was the only person home didn't matter. These 3 young men stayed with me for the next 6 hours until my family returned home.

First, we visited for awhile. Next, I made them something to eat. After eating, they proceeded to clean my kitchen and then my house! I had swept and mopped my floors just two hours prior. Eric and Xavier would not take a No for an answer. Since Mexico is so dusty, they were successful in finding plenty of dirt.

After the house was spic and span, Xavier, Eric, Antonio and I sat down at the computer and looked through hundreds of pictures. Last, I decided to offer a DVD. Lupe has a hearty stash of Spanish movies. The movie occupied them for the rest of the time while I stole a siesta while pretending to watch with them.

Now it is almost 9 PM and they are all sitting at the table playing cards with Mike and the kids. They had arrived around noon. Pictured above is Xavier, sweeping, preparing for Eric to mop. He is 17 years old and has become family to us.


Eric has won my heart. Every time I turn around, he is in the kitchen washing a sink full of soapy dishes. Eric is selfless. He has brought gifts to all of us and is always looking for ways he can serve our family. If Eric hears the van pulling up to the house (Mike returning), he will run out to the garage to unlock the gate for him and make sure basketballs and anything else is out of his way. He sees what needs to be done, and does it on his own accord. But, it's not his willingness to do chores that has won my heart, it is his gentle, loving spirit.

What I like about the young men that visit our family, is that they come to see ALL of us. They engage their friends' parents and offer friendship to the younger siblings. They talk, joke, laugh and visit with all of us. This is especially true with Xavier and Eric.