A few days later, Poppy and I travelled to Oasis Springs to say goodbye to Papi. There were so many that came to offer their condolences and respects. My father was there, which surprised my stepmother, Lucile probably more than anyone else.

My good friends Daryl and Tatsuo were there as well. They knew how much my abuelo meant to me. We became close those couple of years we shared an apartment. Not only was my dad there, but my half -brother, Jose. He had grown up since I saw him last. He was now a High School senior!

But, as I gave the eulogy and looked out amongst all the people that were there, I looked down at my mother. I could see her heart breaking as she looked up at me as I shared all the amazing things Rafael Castro had done and meant to so many.

Shortly after we moved and got settled into our home in Copperdale, Mother called with bad news.

My Papi, Rafael Castro; really the only male influence in my young life, my Abuelo had died. He was finally able to be with his loving wife, once again.

The first day of High School in a new school and a new town. Nervous was an understatement.

What should I wear? Are people going to like me? Will I fit in? These were all questions that were going through my mind. I really had no idea what to expect. But if my morning was going to be any indication, I had a lot to be concerned about.

MARCO - (from the hallway) “Gramps are you okay in there. I need to get ready for school?”

RAFAEL- “Sure son, give me a minute, I need to tell this guy something first.”

Yes, Grandpapa was more disoriented than I was. He was talking to himself in the mirror, thinking he had a visitor. 

RAFAEL- “You are doing WHAT!? How? Why? He hasn’t done anything for you or that boy. Nacha, I would advise you to think long and hard about this.”

NACHA- “I have Dad, and I think it would be better if I tell Marco everything, and then let him decide if he would like to meet him.”

RAFAEL- “What the hell is there to tell? It is pretty simple, he abandoned his own son, and you, Nacha, and hasn’t tried to contact Marco or you in almost 15 years.”

NACHA- “Dad, our mothers made that decision for Carlos. He didn’t. He was a young kid, just like I was, not much older than Marco is right now. You know Mother did everything she could to make sure Carlos had nothing to do with Marco.”

RAFAEL- “She did and for good reason.”

NACHA- “Good Reason? To force a man to have nothing to do with his own son? They both manipulated him and in the long run have cheated Marco out of having any relationship with his father. I am talking to him tonight. He is old enough to make his own decision.”

RAFAEL-- “Very well, but ...”

Mama said goodbye that morning as she left to go to the bakery, not once mentioning my birthday. Papi was more concerned about his chickens not laying any eggs, and he ignored my birthday as well.

When someone has a birthday, family should as least mention it.

When she and Lucile got home and I left for my scout meeting, STILL nothing!!

NACHA- “Have a good scout meeting Marco!! I need to change, see you when you get back!

MARCO- “I am sure I will have a great time, scouts don’t forget important dates!

NACHA- “Okay baby, you be careful walking into town, and don’t forget to say hi to Miss Crumplebottom, she gets really upset when you go by her booth and not say hello.”

When I got home from the Scout meeting, I kind of felt bad for thinking bad of my Mama and family...

SURPRIZE!!!!

LUCILE- “See and you thought we had forgotten about you!”

NACHA- “Not on the birthday you become a teenager!!  Happy Birthday Marco Rafael Castro!”

They invited Sean, Maira Luis, and even Jarvis Baker! Wonder how they are all going to feel now that I am a teenager and they are still kids!?

RAFAEL- “Nacha, you are a chef, right? Then why on earth do we eat these grilled chees sandwiches at least three times a week?”

NACHA- “How about you get two jobs like I have then complain about what I fix for dinner, Papi. Or better yet, how about you cook dinner?”

“I say, let them argue. I love my mama’s grilled cheese! I could eat it every night! I will just clean up and go to my room and do homework and let them continue to argue!”

NACHA- “Gracias Marco, for cleaning up, you are such a good boy.”

Being the new kid, there were some issues in the beginning acclimating to the school and my peers. Yes, we would refer to it bullying these days, but I just preferred to avoid it.

MARCO- “Grandpapa, would you mind taking me to school today? I really do not feel like walking. Please?”

RAFAEL- “Of course mi pequeño nieto, but one thing you must always do is tell the truth, Marco. I will take you but you need to tell me the true reason why you do not want to walk to school.”

MARCO- “Grandpapa, I do not want Mama’ to know this, but some of the boys down the street knock my books out of my arms and try to take my book bag and call me names. I would just prefer to not walk.”

About that time  mamá came outside to where we were chatting.

NACHA- “Marco, you need to get along son, you will be late for school.”

RAFAEL- “It is fine, Nacha, I am driving him to school today, I need to stop by the garden store and pick up some potting soil and plant food.”