What I saw at the TTC was interesting …

I Young man that seems that he was about to go to “juvy” and seems that it was not the first time. There was too much sadness and adulthood in such a young mind.   I think he was just about 16 years old, maybe younger.  I don’t know if he was in a process of getting transferred. But what I can tell is that this boy was not happy of his destination. I was on my way home and he was going to a future full of uncertainty. 

I heard when he was saying to his father: “Dad, If that is how you guys want to deal with me. I’m not happy and I don’t like it there but if that is what needs to happen then…”

I don’t know what he did, maybe something big, maybe he deserves it. My dad used to say “mistakes you have to pay them either with money or your life”.  After the mistake comes a consequence, that is true. But I still have the picture of this boy in green sweater and pants, without pockets, complaining about not having his belongings; with folded papers in his hands; full of sadness showed by his body language, his eyes showing insecurity, and a submissive tone of voice asking his father for attention. 

A young man, asking his father if he could go to court with him. A father that answered: - “I honestly can’t make it, I don’t have the time tomorrow”– saying the words in a careless manner. If he wanted to hide what he was feeling, to show him that you have to be strong no matter what then he succeeded; I’m convinced. Maybe I should not judge because I do not know the full story…

But, seriously? You cannot make it… you say. Did you listen? I think his asking because he needs you there.  Maybe he wants to know if he can count on you or if you are going to visit when he is away…

Anyway, it was sad to end my day with this experience. At the same time I got a reminder of how lucky I was, how lucky I am today, and for that I’m grateful. 

Fathers and mothers, be good to your sons and daughters, guide them with example. They will be the lovers, friends, fathers and mothers of tomorrow. They are part of your legacy, the ones that continues your story.

Sons and daughters, listen to your parents, they want what is best for you.

Everyone… to listen to someone does not cost you a dime. Listen to the hidden words; let’s learn to read between the lines. We might save a life by just listening carefully.

Carlos A.

Lo que vi en el metro fue interesante…

Un joven que al parecer iría pronto a la correccional y por lo que decía no era su primera vez. Cuanta tristeza y tanta adultez en una cabeza tan joven. No debe de pasar de 16 años. Realmente no sé si lo transferían o no. Lo que sé era que no parecía contento al saber cuál sería su destino. Yo rumbo a mi casa, el hacia un futuro incierto. 

Le decía a su padre: “Dad, If that is how you guys want to deal with me. I’m not happy and I don’t like it there but if that is what needs to happen then…” (“Papa, si es asi que ustedes desean lidiar conmigo. Quiero que sepas que no estoy contento pero si eso es lo que tiene que pasar”).

No he podido quitarme la imagen de la cabeza. No sé lo que hizo, quizás fue grande y se lo tiene merecido. Mi padre siempre me decia - "los errores se pagan con dinero o con la vida" - Los errores se pagan y tienen consecuencias pero vi a un jovencito vestido de verde, sueter y sudador, sin bolsillos, quejándose que no tenía sus pertenencias  y llevaba papales doblados en mano… lleno de tristeza mostrado por sus ademanes, una mirada llena de angustia e inseguridad y una voz sumisa que gritaba atención ante su padre.

Un niño que le pedía a su padre que asistiera al juicio. Un padre que respondia: - “I honestly can’t make it, I don’t have the time tomorrow” (“honestamente no puedo asistir, no tengo el tiempo mañana). – respondido en un tono desinteresado. Si quería ocultar lo que sentía o mostrar su fortaleza de verdad que la demostró, quedé convencido que nada le importaba…aunque quizás no deba juzgar pues no se la total historia.

Pero vamos, cómo que no puedes asistir a esto tan importante? Es qué no notas las suplicas?

Que pena terminar mi día con esta experiencia. Al mismo tiempo me demuestra lo dichoso que fui, lo dichoso que sigo siendo; por lo que estoy muy agradecido.

Padres y madres, sean buenos con sus hijos e hijas, guíen con el ejemplo. Porque ellos son los amantes, amigos, padres, madres del mañana. Ellos son parte de tu legado y la continuación de tu historia.

Hijos, hijas escuchen a sus padres porque desean lo mejor para ustedes.

Todos… escuchar no nos cuesta. Escuchemos las palabras escondidas, aprendamos a leer entre líneas. Con escuchar puedes estar salvando una vida.

 Carlos A.