New son, new brother!

Carlos was in his early teens, the age when the revolt and irritation were constant. He complained about everything and was never content with anything. He complained about his family, his school, his food, his clothes, his house, his friends.

Because of this, people have begun to walk away from him, because there is no one who likes someone who is always moody.

One day he was particularly unpleasant. He had quarreled with his little sister, broken a toy of her on purpose and beaten the dog.

The mother reproved him with affection, saying:

- My son, in order to live well with people, we must learn to love and respect all those who live with us and everything around us. We all love you, but no one is forced to endure your constant bad mood. What's happening? You have everything and you are always annoyed! Stop being so selfish. There are people who have far less than you and do not complain. Think about it!

Carlos, red of anger, and even angrier with his mother's words, turned away grunting:

- Nobody understands me in this house! It's all my fault!

He walk through the garden to leave; when he opened the gate, he stopped, looking at a street kid.

On another occasion, he would have run off the boy. Against his will, though, he was pensive. His mother's words continued to vibrate in his mind. He knew she was right. He felt his friends distant, avoiding approaching him; the little sister, who had always cherished him, now looked at him fearfully.

- I'm hungry. Do you have any bread? - Asked the boy with a sad look.

The boy's words touched him. It must be hard to feel hungry, he thought.

With a softer heart, Carlos rushed in and came back with a glass of milk and a sandwich he prepared himself.

While the boy ate, he sat down next to him on the sidewalk and began to talk.

- My name is Carlos. And yours? - He asked.

- Peter.

- And where do you live, Peter? - He asked.

- I live in a neighborhood far away, with people who welcomed me. I have no family - said the little boy, bowing his head sadly.

When Pedro saw that he had no family, Carlos replied, without thinking:

- I envy you, Peter. Having family is very annoying! Especially mother, who nags a lot. I really wish to live alone!

The boy raised his head and Carlos realized that his eyes were full of tears.

- You do not know what living alone is, Carlos. Not having a home, having no family, having no father or mother; not to have someone caring for you, to guide you, even scolds you. Someone you can talk to, talk about your problems, your questions. Someone who, when you are sick, give you medicine and stay by your side. You do not know what it is to be alone. Especially without having a mother.

Carlos realized that he had slip up and, embarrassed, he agreed:

- You're right, Peter. I spoke without thinking. But what about the host family? Is it not good?

- It is very good. Look, I did not know my father, and when my mother became ill and died, this family helped me. So I do not want to be ungrateful, I owe a lot to her. Although extremely poor, they helped me when I needed it most. But it is not the same. I miss my mother; you know?

- I see.

At that moment Carlos felt the importance of having a family, of having a mother. His heart was filled with a new feeling that burst in his heart and he had never realized, worried about himself: LOVE.

The two boys did not realize that, right there, hugging them with love, it was the mother of Peter, disembodied.

In Carlos's mind came an idea. An immense compassion for Peter made him invite him in.

- Come on. I want you to meet my mother.

They entered. Carlos introduced Peter to his mother. He was so different, moved, that she realized at once that something had happened to her son.

- Welcome, Peter. But what happened, my son?

- Mom! I know Mother's Day is coming and I usually give you a gift. Will you accept any gift I give you?

- Of course, my son! But I do not need presents. I have you!

- But I want to give you a present, Mama.

- Whatever it is, I accept it gladly, my son.

Approaching Peter, who listened to the conversation without understanding anything, Carlos put his arm around his shoulders and, with his eyes watered, said:

- Do you accept a new child, Mother? In short, I will have another brother!

- But... and Peter's family, my son?

Carlos told his mother the situation of the new friend, but she, still in doubt, asked:

- Peter, and this family you live with? They are your friends! Would not they be sad without you?

Surprised and delighted with the idea of ​​Carlos, unable to believe his happiness, he replied:

- No, ma'am. They are my friends, I really like them and I will always be grateful. They helped me in an hour of need, when my mother died and I was alone. But I think it would be a relief for them not to have a mouth to feed. You know how it is, life is so hard!...

- And you would like to come and live with us? Well, it seems that Carlos did not ask for your opinion and we need to know what you really want!

The boy smiled, excited:

- I would be very happy to have a new family!

Also moved by Peter's situation, his mother had no more doubts. She ran to them, hugging them in excitement, saying to her son:

- Carlos, your father and I always wanted to adopt another child, but we were afraid of your reaction. Your father and little sister will also be very happy.

Then, turning to Peter, she added:

- Welcome, my son, to your new home.

And on that day the joy returned to that house, with the blessings of God.

Carlos became a more understanding, humorous, and happy little boy, because he stopped thinking only about himself, extending love to another in need.

A few days later, reunited for lunch, the current family and the one who helped Peter, celebrated Mother's Day together as if they were all part of a single family.

There, next to them, radiant with joy, was the mother of Peter, who surrounded everyone with infinite love and gratitude.

TIA CÉLIA

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