I've mentioned Atilio often & in Update 4 I gave some of his background information. But I want to dwell on him a bit as I often think He's the main reason I'm here. Because he speaks English which he learned as a computer specialist, we have had some pretty deep conversations about death, religion…and even politics. He has accepted he's dying and is disturbed by his lack of closeness to God. He says he was a good man but religion was never part of his life. He thinks maybe that's why he's here…surrounded by nuns. This is his opportunity to grow in faith and feel close to God. I have read him many bible verses with the message that God loves him now & always will. He especially related to Job. He chuckled when I read him the story of Dismas & told him he was Sister Liz's (my mom's cousin) patron saint. He was the good thief that was hanging next to Jesus on the cross. Here's the verse: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."Jesus replied "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise". Luke 23:42-43
So Sister Liz said she'd pray to St. Joseph first but if he didn't get her what she wanted, she'd ask St. Dismas to steal it for her!
Atilio has no family and he doesn't want his friends to see him like he is, so Rog & I are his only visitors. His eyes always light up when I come into his room…probably because I usually bring him food & cold water. The chocolate bread I bring him he says will be his favorite til the day he dies. (Kinda hard to hear). Last night he asked me to use my influence to get him an extra meatball! His strength & appetite have increased just in the 2 weeks we've been here so maybe the extra calories are helping! Atilio says even though he's over 5000 mi from DC, he can see our administration is wrong & immigrants only come because they are desperate. As we chat, I swat the flies & mosquitoes which are few thanks to the fans & deep daily cleaning. As I sit by his bed I'm facing a large picture of MofC nun caring for a dying man and on the wall behind her is a picture of Jesus' body being cared for by 3 women. It's like Jesus speaking clearly & directly to me: "Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do unto me." He tells me he knows he is very fortunate to be here. And I know truly I'm blessed beyond measure to be here.
