Acts of kindness from the shadows; it’s the Junio way…
I don’t know much about my Uncle Jamie other than a few random memories I can still recall and stories that were told to me. I know that at one point he was a Doctor. I was told of a story when he helped me get better when I was a little child albeit unaware of my surroundings yet. My mom and dad started their family without much in terms of money or possessions. He took care of me and my sister without charge. It wouldn't be his way if he were to charge his little brother, my dad. In fact, I would be surprised if there were any reconciliation of debts owed decades later. I didn't see Uncle Jaime being kind and caring so he can get the credit. So he can show off, be boastful, show that he is better than you. No not at all, I’m sure there are many acts of kindness that have gone unpaid, untold or unknown.
I know that he was a teacher as he taught me how to tie a knot so I don’t lose a key. You see I was 8 or 9 years old then when we went on a family outing to gather coconuts and pineapple on one of the properties the family owned. I thought it would be cool to be responsible for something like a car by holding onto the key. I put the key in my pocket but as we hiked through the property, it must have dropped out of my pockets. In my panic, a calm Uncle Jaime slowly walked to me and asked if I had lost something. I tried to lie so I could buy more time to look for the key but he magically pulled it out of his pockets. He wanted to make sure I didn't lose it again so he tied it into a knot on one of my belt loops. No further explanation. Just offering his help from behind the scenes and quickly went on his way.
I know that he loved his family, immediate and extended. He put together Ful-Sev to connect his family, his nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, cousins and their respective families. This was before Facebook was even a thought. I remember receiving the first Ful-Sev letter with a brief greeting. It was very old school in that it takes dedication, effort and kind heart to send those to the family. I know he gave advice and talked to my cousins as they praise him for taking the time to do so. He did this without asking for any credits in return.
My dad told me a story once when Uncle Jaime told him that he should have become an accountant rather than a doctor. My dad asked, “why?” to which he responded, “well I spent all this time in school to become a doctor and it took you less years of school.” My dad said, “what’s wrong with that?” Uncle Jaime responded with, “well you get paid in real money, when I go to do my work in the province, they pay me with chicken, goats or other livestock.” Although he told that to my dad, he continued his profession because I think he felt really good about helping people, his country, his community, his wife and children and his entire family.
We’ll miss you Uncle Jaime. Your soul has left the bonds of the Earth and has its place in heaven. It makes me wonder if God had intended you to practice here in preparation for your real calling as an Angel, helping those in need.