Coming of Age (part 2)
Chapter 1
The following Saturday morning Johnny was lying in bed thinking of what what he was going to do this day when he heard,
Johnny, breakfast is ready come and eat
before it gets cold.
His mother did not like it when he was late for a meal. He
hurried to get dressed because after breakfast, he wanted
to visit Don Juanito. His favorite meal was breakfast because
his mom made the best flour tortillas. His father had already
eaten and had left for work.
He often wondered why his mother did not eat with him.
She just sat looking at him with a smile on her face. Unlike
his dad, she hardly ever scold him or forced him to do
anything he didn’t want to do. He loved his mother
and wanted to accompany her to church. His mother
went to a Catholic church every Sunday morning. She
once said that his father would be hurt if he accompanied her.
Getting up from the kitchen table he helped clean the table
of dishes and said,
Mom, do you want help washing the dishes?
Do you have something to do this morning?
I want to go fishing. It has been a long time
since I have brought fish to eat. Don't worry
if I'm late for lunch.
Don't you dare bring me any of those smelly
fish to clean. If you want to eat them, make
sure you clean them before you bring
them in my kitchen.
Johnny ran out the back door, secured his fishing pole and
ran before his mother could ask him any questions or give
him a chore to complete before being allowed to go.
The morning felt crisp and clean after the previous night's
rain. The sky looked like a giant blue balloon, and the
sun was smiling as it began its slow journey seeking
places to share its life giving brilliance. Its golden rays
was sending the shade scurrying to hide under the
tree's canopy for protection.
The boy followed a rusty, weed infested, railroad tracks
leading to the woods. After going a couple of miles, he
took a pebble path hidden by waist high weeds leading
to the woods.
At the entrance to the dense forest, tall trees lined the small
trail where the shadows had taken refuge from the searching
sun. His mind began forming questions he would ask Don
Juanito to compare them with what the minister and his dad
said about the Bible and God.
According to the stories he heard from those who had met
the hermit, the old man had a dog named Frijol who never
wondered far from him. It was said the animal understood
the warlock and some said the dog was an extension of the
brujo. It was rumored that Don Juanito could talk to
the trees and animals because he had enchanted that part of
the woods.
Johnny hoped his questions would not offend the wizen man
because he was told he had professed to be an agnostic, a
Christian, an atheist, a muslim and at times a Buddhist.
Johnny doubted these stories because, how could he
have various faiths, and yet be an atheist?
It was strange that some described Don Juanito’s appearance
differently. Some said he was a decrepit old man who could
hardly walk. Others said he was quite agile for his age while
still others said he was too young to be any type of brujo.
Johnny’s questions were difficult to put into words because
most of the things he wanted to address were feelings which
were deep in his very soul.
Turning into a well established grassy path that lead to
a lake. The various tall trees prevented the sun from looking
at what the forest hid from the planet. He listened to the
mysteries sounds of the woods and felt clean and alive.
In the majestic trees, birds were arguing among themselves.
Squirrels, rabbits and other small creatures scurried around
their trunk as if playing a strange game.
In the distance clearing, he could see the old man's shack
among the dense bushes and weeds. Getting closer to
the leaning structure he could see fruit trees and bee hives
in the back of the house. A goat stood watching him with
interest while fat chickens walked around in circles
scratching and pecking the ground. Others were
gathered under a rickety rotted wooden porch that look
like it could collapse at anytime.
He scanned the surroundings for the old man but saw
no one. He peeked under the porch hoping to see Don
Juanito's dog but all he could see were more chickens.
He was disappointed, not because the old man was
nowhere to be found, but because he had forgotten to
bring a token for the old recluse.
Chapter 2
All at once Johnny heard an unfamiliar sound. It was like
a low humming noise in his head. He realized all other
sounds had ceased. He was listening to silence because
all other sounds were shut off as if someone had turned a
switch. The silence was defining. Goose bumps began
forming over his body and he was about to run home when
he heard a soft but clear voice,
Hola, good morning.
He turned and saw an old man and his dog walking out
of the dense woods. His white hair was tied in a pony tail
with a leather shoe lace. His fragile body seemed to be
held up by a knurled walking stick that was almost as tall as
he was. He wore untied leather boots, brown bib
overalls and a checkered shirt that was too large for him.
He had a tattered old straw hat that partially hid his eyes
but Johnny could see part of his bearded face.
The low humming in his ears was replaced with the sounds
of birds and the rustling sound of the leaves being caressed
by a soft and scented wind.
The old man lumbered up the well worn path toward the
young boy. Anyone seeing him, would believe he was an
eccentric fool who's isolation had made him senile. But
as the man stood looking at Johnny, the youngster saw the
wrinkled face and limpid deep brown eyes that seemed
to know many secrets. He was looking at a worldly acumen
of someone who was much more than what he appeared to be.
The dog began to growl his agitated fur stood at attention
like cactus needles. Juanito looked down at the dog saying
in a gentle voice,
Frijol, don't you recognize someone who
means us no harm? Go and say hello.
The dog went up at his master, and after receiving a couple
of scratches behind his ears, Frijol trotted over to the boy
wagging his stubby tail. The boy patted his head and
in a nervous frighten voice said,
Good morning sir, my name is Johnny. I was
just going fishing and saw your house. I hope
I'm not disturbing you.
The teenager wore torn jeans with grimy sneakers an a
clean T-shirt. His hair was the color of dry hay and his
eyes were an innocent color of blue. His freckled face
turned pinkish and his nervousness was evident. The
youngster thought of running away, not because he
was scared, but because his lie made him feel ashamed.
The old man knew the boy was in a state of confusion
and uncertainty so he smiled and said,
You are not disturbing me, you have a fine
looking fishing pole.
Johnny's budding intellect discerned that the comment
was made to let him know he understood why he was
there. Leaning against his walking stick and Looking
at Juanito with scrutinizing, kind and understanding eyes
he continued,
I understand the perch and catfish are active
and easy to catch.
Lumbering up the porch using his cane for balance he uttered,
Come Frijol, we must be a good host and
invite our young friend to partake of some
bread and butter for it looks like he has
come a long way. Leave your pole
by the porch and come in.
Johnny followed, his face flushed with embarrassment
while thinking of turning around and going home. Somehow
he felt the old man's discerning eyes had seen his deepest
secrets and frailties. He nonetheless felt safe, and the old
man fueled his budding curiosity and for the first time,
believed this uncanny aged man was indeed a real sorcerer.
A soft velvety cool breeze brushed over his cheeks as he
stood by the door. Frijol scooted under the porch frightening
the chickens roosting there.
Johnny stood looking out into the woods. The old man saw
the fledging boy's hesitation and instantly knew the
adolescent carried too much on his young shoulders.
He realized he must be extremely gentle in his approach
if he were to help lighten the boy's burden. Juanito called
in a soothing voice,
Come in young man and have a seat
while I prepare a healthy meal.
Thank you sir but you don't have to go
to all the trouble in fixing anything for me.
It's no trouble I have a loaf of bread
I made early this morning and the butter is
nice and soft for spreading. Somehow I
knew someone would be visiting me.
There it was again, another indication this individual knows
things about him and once again began to feel uneasy.
He wondered whether Juanito was aware of the
apprehension and wonderment he felt.
What brings you here? Normally,
the boys who come near continue on
to the lake for some fishing.
Well sir, I really came to see you but if you are
busy, I can come back some other time.
Juanito did not respond instead, he placed a big loaf of
wheat bread on the table, and a plate of velvety butter.
He cut a large slice of the golden bread and placed
it in a tin plate in front of the boy saying,
Sit down and spread as much butter as
you want. There is also some honey if
you want something sweet.
The boy sat on a hand-made wooden stool and picked up
the slice of bread, and using a knife began spreading the
golden velvety looking butter. He picked up the small
mason jar full of honey and began pouring it on top. Juanito
did not eat but was enjoying watching the boy devour the food.
The old man turned and reached inside a crate and
withdrew a clay container full of milk. He placed the jar
in front of the boy along with a smaller clay container.
The boy filled the small receptacle with the foamy milk
and began drinking the smooth white liquid. After he had
finished, he said,
Guess I was hungry. May I have
another piece of bread?
The old man cut another generous slice and gave it to the
youngster. He finished the second slice and wiping his
mouth with his arm said,
I have never tasted bread, milk,
butter and honey like this before.
Everything taste so different and
wonderful. I like what my mom
gets from the store but these things
taste nothing like them. Where do
you buy them?
Most of my meager nourishment come from my own
place. I have a small garden in the back, I have a
bee hive next to my garden and a goat who provides
me with her bounty. I make my bread with wild oats
and wheat, I churn the milk to make butter. A friend
stops by once a month and brings me sugar
and salt.
The youngster was mesmerized with the man’s ability to
sustain himself without having go to town. Opening a
wooden shutter in the back of the shack, and pointing to
the back of his cabin he continued,
My trees also provide peaches, plums, and
pears. I have all the vegetables I need to satisfy
my meager needs. I give away most of the
vegetables and fruits to someone who stops
by and he in turn gives them to those in need.
Johnny stood up and went to the torn screen door. The
place was like something out of a time capsule. This hermit
prefers the isolation and has made his own private world. Turning around he watched Don Juanito’s face and somehow his
features had once again changed. His wrinkles were not
as deep and his cheeks were that of a much younger man.
He stood up and said,
So much fear and tension in my house and it
seems to be emanating from your inability to
confide in me. You may be deceived
if you trust too much, but you will live in
torment if you trust too little.
The young boy's face took on a serious and thoughtful look
because he had decided to come right out and asked
a question. However, he must find out whether the old
man could understand why he was asking these questions
so he said,
Don Juanito, do you believe in God?
Chapter 3
Juanito was not surprised by the boy's inquiries. The young
ask truthful questions for they have not yet learned to filter
the way they feel. Looking at Johnny to ascertain whether
he should answer or wait to see whether the boy would
continue.
The question reminded him of going with his
mother and father to neighborhoods to recruit sinners.
They would knock on doors and when someone appeared,
they would ask whether they had been saved or if they had
found Jesus. The majority of the time the people would
just close the door or say we were bothering them.
Here was a young lad who was asking the same type of
question. But he perceived the question was asked, not to
convert, but to gain some knowledge. Looking at the boy
he could not help but feel sorry for him. He was at that age
when they question everything. He needed time before
answering because it was a very complicated question.
Smiling broadly the old man said,
Lets go outside so we can enjoy the
delightful afternoon nature has provided.
You asked a very important question
and I will attempt to respond after we visit
a nice shady place by the lake.
After clearing the table, Juanito opened the tattered screen
door for his young friend and taking his walking stick he called,
Come Frijol, lets visit the trees and birds so
that our little friend can witness the
peaceful nature of our world.
The dog wiggled himself from under the porch and wagging
his tail, he joined the two humans as they ambled between
the massive trees. The sun floated toward the East sending
misty white rays of sunshine between the emerald green
canopies. Nature's pure and unspoiled scent danced all
around the path, while irritated blue jays perched on branches,
shrieking their displeasure. Looking up at the massive trees,
the old man asked,
Have you ever heard the tree's whisper
to each other and what the wind tells us?
Have you ever wondered why we attempt
to understand what life is all about?
Johnny had never wondered about the questions this brujo
asked. Who ever heard of trees talking to each other of
listen to what the wind has to say. He thought the old
man was just attempting to dodge the question he had
asked earlier about believing in God.
Looking up at the man, he noticed there were not too
many wrinkles in his face. His eyes seemed to have
changed color. They were now the color of coffee grounds.
No, I have never thought about life that way but I do
know trees don’t say anything. We are born
and then we get old and die.
Arriving at a clearing by the blue gray lake, Juanito sat on
a log and Frijol, after a couple of turns, settled next to his
master. Johnny went to the edge of the lake and looking
across the water, he saw glistening white shimmering lights
reflected by tiny ripples. a soft breeze went skipping around
the lake teasing the water. Turning around and looking at the
old man he repeated his question. This time the brujo faced
the boy and with a calm voice said,
Yes, I believe in God for He duels in me. I
don’ go to any organized religion nor
read the Bible. People think that going to
their church makes them Christians.
Johnny's mind was struggling to understand the answer.
He thought everyone understood what a Christian was. He
considered himself a Christian because his father told him so.
But a Christian is one who believes in Jesus
Christ. Everyone knows that in order to be a
Christian, one has to believe in our Lord.
The old man knew that the topic being discussed should
be left to theologians and others who have studied the ancient
texts. He was aware that his responses would surely confused the boy further or perhaps even hurt him before he reach adulthood.
Choosing his words carefully he replied,
My boy, does believing in Jesus makes you better
than someone who does not believe as you
do? If a Christian does not follow His teachings,
is he still a Christian?
The young boy walked toward a fallen tree and sat looking up
at the sky. Everyone he knew did not follow Jesus Christ
teachings, yet they consider themselves to be Christians.
According to his dad, the qualities of a Christian is
associated with decency, kindness, fairness and love of
others. Turning to look at his companion, he answered,
I don't know but I do go to church every week
with my dad. I know the preacher says many
things that I find impossible to believe. I have
doubts about the stories in the Bible and I fear I will
wind up in Hell.
He lowered his head between his legs. After awhile, his
shoulders began to shake and chocking sobs began and the
young man began to cry in earnest. Frijol went over and
sat down beside the boy and lowered his head on his knee.
Don Juanito understood what the boy was going though
but he said nothing allowing the child to release all the
guilt that had been building up.
Chapter 4
The old man turned and looking over the lake and surrounding
woods. He listen to the silence while a gentle sanitary breeze
nuzzled his face.
I go to church every day and so does Frijol.
I didn't think a church would allow dogs inside.
Where is your church?
You are in my church now and unlike other
churches, nature accepts all kinds of animals and
individuals from all walks of life.
But a church must have someone to preach to us.
The old man placed his walking stick in front of him and
looking into the boy's sad eyes he responded,
Nature does speak to us but we failed to listen to its
sermon. You see Johnny, nature is God's greatest gift
to us for it takes nothing from us and in return, it gives
us substance and guidance. When we listen to its
wisdom, we feel nourished in spirit. There
are no rewards or punishments in nature, only
consequences.
Johnny went closer to Don Juanito waiting for him to continue
but he just leaned against his walking stick and closed his
eyes. The sun was now further West and the wind was
picking up its pace caressing the canopies of the trees.
He thought the old man had fallen asleep and said nothing
to disturb him. He thought about what he had said about
nature and wondered whether it speaks to us. He closed
his eyes and tried not to think about anything. He listen to
the breeze and the groaning of the old trees as the wind
danced around them.
He felt the silence tiptoe inside his body making his inside
cool and vibrant. He felt peaceful and untroubled. The
tenderness inside his soul was like an antiseptic wave
washing all his doubts and troubles away. It was like a
dream in fantasy land that made him feel he could fly if he
wanted to.
What does your minister preach about Johnny?
Does he tell you God loves us, not because
we deserve to be loved, but because He is lovable?
Johnny opened his eyes and took a few seconds to find
out where he was and tried to concentrate on the question.
He was so peaceful listening to the stillness. He felt as if
the enchanter had cast a spell and after clearing his eyes, he
responded,
Yes, no, oh I don't know how to explain it Don Juanito.
Some of the Bible stories are so weird and
impossible to believe. Yet these stories come
from the Good Book but many times I just get
so confused and feel guilty for doubting.
Frijol began licking the boy's hand as the old man placed his
arm around the boys shoulders saying,
Yes, searching for truth is confusing.
One must question his beliefs from time
to time. You are much too young to tackle these
questions. My boy, I have thought about
this matter for the last sixty years
without reaching a suitable conclusion.
The boy, and old man followed by Frijol stood and started
walking, both busy with their own thoughts. The boy did
not think he should ask another question but his curiosity
won out and asked,
Is there a Hell where the unbelievers and evil
doers go for all eternity?
I will attempt to explain some things to you,
but first let us go to my home and finish the
bread and butter because without preservatives,
they will not last long.
Chapter 5
After the meal, Don Juanito continued,
The world is full of magical things waiting
patiently for our senses to grow sharper.
A wise man once said, 'The laws of nature
are the thoughts of God.' I have come
to believe we see things, not as they
are, but as we are. Do you understand
what I'm saying?
Johnny's gaze turned and looked at the old man's smooth
face and he saw something strange in his eyes. It was as
if his eyes were different more clear like a younger
man as he responded,
Are you are saying the Bible is not God's words?
What I am attempting to say is that the Bible was
written, not by God but by man, and we men
draw our own conclusions and interpretations based
on who we are
But Don Juanito, all the adults in my church
believe what our preacher says because his
sermon comes from the Bible.
What the preacher is preaching is his own
interpretation of the Bible and perhaps that is the
reason you question his words.
Then why do the parishioners believe his
sermons? Why don't they read and interpret the
Bible themselves?
Don Juanito was surprised by the boy's curiosity
and willingness to explore This topic.
Theologians, monks, Prophets and scholars have
been baffled by The Good Book.
Perhaps they are too busy with their lives and
they depend on others to tell them what to
believe. Some religions preach fear to keep
their congregation coming to their church, while
others talk of love and still others believe in their
Prophets. Sometimes a belief is just an opinion
with a minimum of facts combined with prejudice
and emotion.
What about Hell? Is there such a place? We are
told that if we don’t repent, we will spend eternity
there.
The Bible is a contradiction; it is impossible to
explain how profound it is, and it is just as
impossible to explain how simple it is. No one is
more ignorant than he who is proud of
his knowledge of the Bible.
As for Hell, No, I personally don’t believe there is a
Hell. I do know there is evil all around us. The
power we give to evil is the only power evil has. It
takes great courage to appear as good as one
really is.
Walking toward a large tree branch, Juanito took a string
of fish he had caught that morning and offered them to
Johnny saying,
Take these fish home with you. They have been
cleaned so your mother does not have to dirty her
kitchen.
Johnny stood grinning at Don Juanito and in his heart, he was
certain he was a wizard. This wizen man was closer to God
then the preacher at his Church. He wondered how he knew
about what his mother had told him about cleaning the fish.
Another thing, how did he know he was coming to talk to him?
The old man placed his arm around the boy's shoulder
saying,
The more I understand religion, the more
dissatisfied I become with the practice of it. To
believe in God means a great deal more
than to believe that God exists.
Thank you Don Juanito. I have a lot to think
about. I was hoping for some answers but you
have given me more than what I expected.
it seems answers must come from ourselves.
I have learned something else. One must
have faith because having faith, is knowing
where the trail is when you are in the woods
at night.
The young boy took the fish and started walking toward
his home. Frijol and his master stood looking at Johnny
with his fishing poll and fish dangling from his shoulder.
Something in the boys brain cells was opening up avenues
available to him. His thought process was much clearer,
his outlook seemed bright. He was now beginning to question
his beliefs and making decisions for himself.
Don Juanito heard the wind whispering its secrets as he
spoke to his companion,
Come Frijol, listening to the lad has taught
me many things and you know what?
Frijol looked up at the old man waiting for his reply.
I no longer feel like an agnostic. Nature sure
works in mysterious ways. I wonder what I will learn
tomorrow.
Don Juanito and his dog did not go back to the house
instead, they took an indistinguishable path that
was less traveled.
Using his walking stick to move the undergrowth, the
old man began to tell the trees what insights he had
gained. A soft fragrant breeze engulfed the ancient
man and he smiled.
He lumbered along a barely visible narrow path occasionally
nodding his head. Wonder what some people would say if they
saw him talking to some invisible personage.
End
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