Passion for Paraguay

My beloved son, Timothy: From the time you were very small, I called you different nicknames: Choclo, Campeón, Héroe, Ganador, Chupi, Boppi, Biscocho, Flecha, Luchador, Corredor, Botón, and more. Campeón (Champion) was one of my favorites because you had already overcome a number of hurdles. Although the odds of pregnancy were not in our favor, you came anyway after your mommy underwent surgery for endometriosis. Then, at birth, your umbilical cord was wrapped around your neck three times. I was so, so glad when you actually arrived, healthy and beautiful. With your birth behind us, we were a family of three. Your first summer welcomed you with 35 days of 100-plus-degree temperatures. We had just purchased a new air conditioner for your room, and we would wake up at night to make sure that you were okay. Fortunately, the nature of our work allowed for one of us to be with you at all times. This helped your mommy to make sure that you got breast milk for as long and as much ...

My beloved son, Timothy: Long before you came along, your mother and I wanted children. We believed in the promises of God and considered it an honor to be parents, if that was God’s plan for us. You were to be our firstborn, after a long wait. Once we found out that you were on the way, those first nine months seemed to pass so slowly. We talked to you, played music, and sang to you with the knowledge that you were developing. Julie tried to eat the right stuff, sleep, read, and tell me all about what she was learning. We had lively discussions on parenting styles. On August 31, our doctor said that we were expecting a boy. We were eager to meet you. Just over a month later, on October 1, we purchased a lot in town, where we wanted to one day, God willing, build our home. On the evening of October 14, we went to hear the UniNorte symphony orchestra. I remember that Julie smiled as you kicked her when the drums were played. It was as if you were saying, "Let m...