When I was I kid, I remember a elderly who gives me and my cousin chewing gum and lollipop. I remember the brand even, it was juicy fruit and another green one. The lollipops i am not sure anymore either. I asked my dad, who he was and he said, “he is an elderly and teacher at the church änak. He is lolo Mario. I think he is related to your friends.”
Then, one sunday, I asked my friend to join me, i said, come, i want to introduce you to someone who always gives me candy. I said, he is nice and everytime i go to him, he does not hesitate to give me his candy. My friend Gail Calma (now Staten) went with me. I think I asked for his name this time to get the information straight from him, relieve me of my curiosity and shyness. He said, “I am lolo Mario, Lynn. “I said, “OK”. I gave him and hug and said Thank you for always giving me candy and gum. Then came a time, i did not see him anymore, I just said to myself maybe he is busy. So, i guess i forgot all about him.
I thought my story with him was over with that memory. During a time in my life I was struggling with a lot of things. I went to the centennial celebration held in PICC, there he was. I asked my dad again,” who is that again dad?” He said, “Lolo Mario? Remember? He gives you gum and lollipop when you were little.” Oh!!! I said, “yes i remember him.” I hesitated to approach him because I didn’t know how he will receive me. I walked towards him and to my surprise (as I was asking God if i should talk to him) he talked to me and responded. He told me I was his favorite. I didn’t know what that means and just concluded that was the reason why he gave me all those candy and gum. I blushed and that made me happy inside and out.
Thing is, whenever I go to church those years, I was getting tired. But, the treats given to me whenever i step in to see him encourages me. It makes me want to go to church. I know it sounds a bit low, but i was a kid and treats like that make me listen to what was being said in church.
I know he is happy there. God has more treats for you, much better than gums and lollipops. Maybe a mansion for you Brother/Lolo Mario. God bless your family and condolence.
– Thelma Lynn Rodriguez Trajano