Coming of Age (part 2)

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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.

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