Page 102 - Emailing SANTITA FAMIGLIE_ENG

108

2. attention toWard otHers 14

«They had the great capability of being mindful towards others.
For example, they would both open the door for me when I arrived.
My mother would give each child a kiss when they came home. We
considered it to be something normal». (Rafael Alvira)

«I remember this about Dad: he devoted time to each of us. You
could tell he was very proud of his children». (Concha Alvira)

«“When I met Paquita I met a mother, because with us she was
really a mother and with me in a special way.” “This married couple,
in my opinion, loved everyone that way, because when you talk to
others they tell you the same things. We had come to believe: how
EVERYDAY LIFE OF THE ALVIRA FAMILY
lucky we are! They love us so much! But then we realized they did it
with us, with the college doorman, with everyone”». (The Arenillas’,
a couple of friends)

«I was 16 years old when the Alviras offered me to help them
with their children by going to live with them during the vacations. I
was 16 and I was very scared when I realized that their children were
about my age. There were eight children and I was a little worried,
but they helped me a lot. They were a family to me». (Isabel Bueno,
The Alvira’s baby sitter)

ideas For reFlection

• Let’s reflect on how we manage to devote special attention to
each child.
• Let’s reflect on our willingness to welcome all the people we
have around us.
• Could we pay more attention to someone?

14 Testimonies available in Los Alvira, op. cit.