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Medicine can heal the body, Rodrigo said, but only true love can heal the soul. And true love manifests itself in many forms, Manuel added. Friendship, family, social commitment, caring for one’s neighbor. Five years after Rodrigo’s awakening, they were inaugurating the company’s hundredth housing project, which would benefit more than 500 families. Manu, do you remember how many families we’ve already helped become homeowners? More than 5,000, Rodri. 5,000 families that now have housing dignity.
And how many jobs did we create? More than 2,000 direct jobs, all with profit sharing and full benefits. You know the best part of all this? What? It’s that we didn’t do it out of obligation or marketing. We did it because it was the right thing to do. Daniela, now a mother of two, was creating a children’s education program focused on human values. Dad, I want the next generation to grow up understanding that true success includes social responsibility. Alberto had expanded the company to six states, always maintaining the same values and practices.
Father, we received a proposal to bring our model to other Latin American countries. What do you think? Can we also help our neighbors? Of course, Manuel replied. Human values know no borders. Patricia had become a national reference in corporate social responsibility, being invited to give lectures at universities and conferences. Rodrigo, who would have thought that a near tragedy would turn into so much good? Patricia, I don’t think it was a coincidence. I think it all happened to teach us something important. What was it?
That we should never give up on people, neither on ourselves nor on others. One Sunday afternoon, 10 years after his recovery, Rodrigo and Manuel were sitting in the garden watching their grandchildren play. Manu, do you remember what you told me in the hospital when I woke up? What did I tell you? That one would always take care of the other. You did your part. We both did, Rodri. Taking care of each other isn’t just one person’s responsibility, right? And now we’re also taking care of many other people.
It’s what we should do when we have the chance. Alberto’s son, now 5 years old, approached the two men. Grandpa Rodrigo, Grandpa Manuel, you have always been friends. The two smiled at the boy. “Always, son, since before you were born,” Rodrigo replied. “And you will always be friends. Forever,” Manuel replied. “Because true friendship has no end. Can I be your friend too? Of course,” they both said in unison. The boy ran back to play with his cousins, leaving the two friends to reflect on the legacy they were building.
“Rodri, do you think our story will inspire other people?” I hope so, Manu. I hope people understand that it’s never too late to change, it’s never too late to do good, it’s never too late to be who we really are, and that true friendship can overcome anything. Anything. Just then, Daniela approached with special news. Dad, Mr. Manuel, I just got a call. Our company was chosen as the most admired in the country in the social responsibility category.
That’s wonderful, said Rodrigo. But do you know what the best part of the news was? Daniela continued. The justification for the award. They said our company proves that it’s possible to transform lives through ethical business and that our story of friendship and collaboration is inspiring for the entire country. Manuel was moved. Who would have thought it? Hey, Rodrigo. Two bricklayers changing the world. Two friends changing the world. Rodrigo corrected him. The profession doesn’t matter. What matters is the heart. Dr. Velázquez arrived for Sunday lunch as he often did.
The family had become very close to him throughout the process. “Doctor, how are you?” Patricia asked. “Very well, and you?” I saw the news of the award in the newspapers. Congratulations. Thank you, doctor. But the best award is still seeing Rodrigo healthy and happy, Manuel said, and seeing our family united, working toward a common purpose, Rodrigo added. They know that their story is being used in medical schools to teach about the importance of emotional aspects in patient recovery.
“Really?” Daniela asked, surprised. “Yes. Her father’s case became a study in how meaningful relationships can influence healing.” Rodrigo smiled. “Doctor, medicine healed my body, but Manu healed my soul. And you healed mine too, Rodri,” Manuel replied. “You gave me a family, a purpose, a life I never dreamed of having.” Alberto arrived with his wife and children for Sunday lunch. “Dad, I have some news. The Mexico City branch closed a contract to build a housing complex for 3,000 families.”
It’s going to be the largest social project in the company’s history. “That’s fantastic,” said Rodrigo. “Manu, do you realize the magnitude of what we’re doing? Of course you do. And the best thing is knowing that every family we help will have the opportunity for a better life. ‘Dad, Mr. Manuel,’ said the oldest granddaughter, aged eight, at school. “My teacher said you’re heroes. Is that true?” Rodrigo and Manuel exchanged a look of amusement at the question.
We’re not heroes, my dear, Rodrigo replied. We’re just friends who learned to do good together. But doing good isn’t a hero’s job, the girl insisted. Doing good is a good thing for good people, Manuel replied. And anyone can be good if they want to. So, can I be a hero too? Of course, they both said in unison. Patricia watched the scene fondly. Her family had completely transformed, and she couldn’t have been more proud. Rodrigo, do you remember what our life was like before?
I remember. We had a lot of money, but little happiness. And now, now we have money and a lot of happiness, but above all, we have a purpose. Carmen, Manuel’s wife, arrived at the meal carrying a payero (a type of Mexican dish). “How are my favorite men?” she asked, kissing her husband and hugging Rodrigo. “We’re doing very well, Carmen,” Rodrigo replied. “How was your shift at the hospital?” “Tough, but rewarding. We saved three lives this week. Just like you two,” she said, smiling, “you also save lives, just in a different way.”
Manuel affectionately hugged his wife. “Carmen, without you I wouldn’t have been able to adapt to this new life. Nonsense. You were always a good man. You just needed the right opportunity. The right opportunity is called Rodrigo,” Manuel said, looking at his friend. “No, Manu, the right opportunity is called true friendship.” During the meal, the three generations of the family chatted animatedly about the company’s future projects, about the grandchildren, about each one’s dreams. “Grandpa Manuel,” said the youngest grandson, “Can you teach me how to work with mason’s compound?” Of course, my son.
Next weekend we’re going to build a doghouse together. Can I help too? the granddaughter asked. Everyone can help, Rodrigo said. Teamwork always yields better results. After lunch, while the children played in the garden and the women chatted in the living room, Rodrigo and Manuel retired to the study. “Manu, I want to show you something.” Rodrigo opened a safe and took out an old letter, yellowed by time.
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