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While I was a youngster, I looked after the honey bees , and to tell my father if they formed a new beehive. Also, I took care of the rice nurseries, by scaring the birds that used to feed on them. By doing those tasks among other small farm duties, it seemed that my life reflected in total harmony with nature. And here I am, reviving on those recollections; when one door opens, another closes, like a gust of wind, for a refreshed memory.
Following my eleventh year, on a more remote village, I had an encouraging and useful experience at the Dominican Seminary of Aldeia Nova, Vila Nova de Ourem, Portugal. During my three youthful years I studied there, that really motivated and inspired me. There, on the nearby mountains where we often used to hike and take long walks, what comes first to my mind, was how I loved listening to the various class of birds chirping and the singing sounds of cicadas, under the shade of cork-oaks or swamp-oaks and at the fragrances of stone pine, olive, apple trees and vine-yards.
But at the same time, I didn’t get the much-needed learning and diplomacy to continue at the Institution, the so-called “Ordem Dos Pregadores” perhaps the call wasn’t for me. More than anything, I was resolute to continue having the same freedom which I had enjoyed until then, and the thought of becoming a priest, it would mean the conciliation to God, the censorship to my existing liberty and not the prospect of a new setting free. All I know is, I had neither the devotion, nor the vocation. But I have to admit that at times I was feeling very lonely.
Hungry for wisdom I did appreciate and still do, a great deal gazing at the infinite universe. I wondered where it would be its boundaries, especially on a starry night in Portugal‘s country side sky, away from the glaring city lights. Now I do picture many things that stay behind, which the time can’t erase, nor can space separate from my longing youth. It is by such recall of those epochs of my childhood, that I revive on each day as if I was to live everything again. And as each setting sun is a striking view, a happiness moment and a promise of tomorrow, we know exactly that the next morning, the same sun will rise as a hope of life. By the same logic I am confident by this joy that blooms from within, like a passion to the music, a true love to nature, to all the beauty surrounding us and to our Highest Creator.
On the same year I left the Seminary, I immigrated to Venezuela and five years later, for the second time, I moved my residence to Canada. After experiencing many trades, from baker to construction worker, from landscape to janitor, I found a decent, dignified job, that allowed me to continue enjoying almost the same independence which I always seemed to have had. Men weren’t born to live free, but to set them-selves free, so I strongly believe. Since I lower my paycheck for changing jobs, it wasn’t easy to adjust to a new career and I thought of quitting many times. But now I’m glad I didn’t. I am very happy and take pride with what I do, and really enjoy working, specially with children.
