Ibimirim is about 110(one hundred and ten) kilometres from the municipality of Buíque. On the way there, our friends take the chance to rest and enjoy themselves the best way possible. It was a moment of great peace and harmony after so many days in the dense woods. The five participants in the adventure felt refreshed and optimistic about the last stage of this journey with much more to come.
In special, the seer and Tadeu, who have a good rapport between themselves. It was only a matter of time and the right moment for things to be finally put right. In relation to the others, they have also learned a lot with everything that has happen. As a result, they will never be the same again.
Catimbau thus showed to be a sacred place, for it had produced a true miracle in everyone’s life. The future promised even more for everyone. All it was needed was to have a little faith in God and in themselves.
The total time spent on the trip was one hour and twenty minutes. They follow a dirt road that leads them to the nearest possible to the trail of the great wall. They park the car, alight from it and begin the walk.
Following a narrow trail, our friends embark in the woods and feel the sensation of being in paradise. The great wall presents itself as a tall bush, macambiras, mulungus, umbuzeiros among other specimens. From the beginning of the trail until the first postcard is about one hundred metres. It consists of an intricated rock elevation made by nature, probably due the effect of the rain and sun. The rock mass extended for some metres giving a spectacular atmosphere to the environment. The tourists take the opportunity to take some photos beside the important monument. They take a breather and continue with walk.
A short distance ahead is the turn of admiring the harmonious enchanting peak. Located on the edge of a precipice and sided by the trail and vegetation, it stands out imposing and majestic. It is also worthy of stopping and take photos. Soon after, they restart the walk.
After another twenty minutes of vigorous walk, they stop for the day, for it was already getting late. The chosen place is beside an escarpment of hundreds of metres high. They proceed to pitch the tent, look for firewood, lit the fire, prepare dinner and eat as it is getting dark. The food stimulates them and renews their strength. Soon after, the seer stands in front of them all and starts the talking:
—Very well, my friends. We are at the last part of our little mischief. In this opportunity, you have had the chance to attain knowledge and this lead you to important reflections. You also had the chance of knowing me better and reach your own conclusions. What do you have to say?
— I thank you for the time together. I and my son are evermore enchanted with you. Together, we make a beautiful series. (Messias Escapuleto)
— I hope so. (The seer)
— Thanks to god, we are in the right way and this mainly due to your presence. You have exceeded our expectations, son of God. (Emanuel Melkin Escapuleto)
— You have all been excellent too. We will be remembered for ever by our readers and we will give Catimbau it’s due value. (The seer)
—Amen! (Emanuel)
— It is indeed impressive. In all my time as a guide, I have never seen a group like this. You have all my support to continue this endeavour. (Paulo Lacerda)
— You are absolutely right, my friend. These companions of ours are stars and they deserve to shine. There is only one thing missing: The acceptance of my person from our companion Tadeu. (The seer)
—It was missing! Now I am completely convinced that you are the best for me, my lord and master. What must I do now? (Tadeu Barbosa)
—Come to me! (The seer)
Tadeu does not hesitate in obeying. With sure steps, approaches the seer. With a broad smile, the master stretches his arms and touches the calloused hands of the servant. In an instant, nothing could separate them. With that friendly touch, the son of God was finally able to access the entire life of that noble colleague in a brief vision. Here it is:
Carmen Lucia Barbosa and Renato Tavares Barbosa, were coming back, on the first Sunday, from the hospital where they have been for almost twelve hours. The reason was the birth of couple’s first and only son due to complications with the birth. They chose his name Tadeu deriving from the Latin Thaddaeus heart, chest, bosom and intimacy.
From the meadow until the neighbourhood where they lived it took them ten minutes by their own car and were carrying with them the greatest prize, which was the son, a symbol of the couple’s love. Everything would be different and with greater promises, for there, it was locked his blood and his power. But what destiny did that baby of light brown eyes carry? Only the future would tell, but for the time being they were not worried about it.
As soon as they arrived home, they pamper their son, and this would continue for some time. The mother was a housewife and the father got a week of leave from work. Everything was happiness in that family.
The first week passed by, he first month, the first year and so on. Every step of little boy Victor was closely followed by his parents. From the baptism, the entrance to college, the school time, the walks and the trips in and outside town, the parents’ meetings and the social events.
From a young age, he was brought up in accordance with the beliefs of the catholic faith and the values that a good man must have. Despite being quite clever, he seemed to assimilate well the teachings and had a tranquil life. A childhood that we could say of mischief, friends and colleagues and a pre-adolescence with necessary freedom to feel like a human being. Everything was pointing towards a normal life full of happiness.
The prison’s village is a set of buildings very close to a prison at the town of Pesqueira, in such way that climbing over the its wall there was access to several houses.
It is an evening like any other. Tadeu and his parents took the opportunity to pay a visit to his grandparents who lived in the neighbourhood. Exactly at eighteen hours they arrived at their residence, were welcomed and went in. They spend the evening talking, enjoying a rare moment due to commitments of both. It felt very good when such opportunity arose for they were could enjoy the company of their only relatives living near the town.
Later, at twenty-two hours, the moment of saying goodbye and depart arrived. They said goodbye quickly, came out of the house and at this point something unusual happened: A rebellion erupted and several prisoners managed to escape from the prison. The confusion was all round, for the delinquents were prepared to do anything.
Tadeu and his parents tried to seek refuge at some house but realized that there was no time to do it. In a last resort, Tadeu’s parents proceeded to a corner, and found enough old rags to protect their son. The wrapped him up a gave him instructions and departed at random.
Then Tadeu tried to stay quiet, as his parents have advised him. Sometimes, he heard murmurs nearby but he kept still. The night went by and dawn broke and finally was daytime. Gathering courage, the little boy got up anxious to know what had happened.
He saw then a desolating scenery: Blood, vestiges of bullets, houses invaded and smashed, policemen everywhere, a scenery of war. Getting in contact with the policemen, he identified himself and enquiring about his parents and grandparents, he was given a list of the people killed. Unfortunately, for his despair, his parents and grandparents had been assassinated. This first great shock was very profound in his little heart.
As he was a minor, the little boy was taken to a shelter where he would wait for adoption since he didn’t have relatives who would take the responsibility to bring him up.
Despite of the kindness and good receptiveness of the place administrators, the little boy could not help thinking of the sad end of his relatives representing the first great “Wound scar” of his existence. Meantime, life continued. Good luck, little Tadeu.
Tadeu remained in the shelter from twelve until eighteen years. In this intense and painful period and although pleasurable at certain times he lived through numerous situations: He finished the primary and medium school, made many friends, went on trips, participated in his first election. However, the most important event, was to have dated a girl, with whom he lived for about a year. She was also at the orphanage and when she reached majority found a job in another town, separating them for ever.
Soon after, was Tadeu’s turn of leaving and thanks to the help of a social programme he found a job and returned to his parents’ home. It was the best solution for the time being. In this way, his life continued.
At his job which was at a grocer’s shop Tadeu had the opportunity of getting to know many people among them work colleagues and clients. It was exactly there that he fell in love with Karen Lopes who worked as a cashier. As he worked as a packer, and there was always frequent contact between them and he fell for her tender and loving manner. The result: Dating for one year and subsequent marriage.
Once married they went to live at the same place, his parents old house. From then on, they began to build a life together. In the first years of marriage, they focused on their work and on the holidays, they took trips to nice places, that they could afford.
At the end of the fifth anniversary of their union, there was good news: Karen was expecting. Tadeu was very happy and made the most effort for his companion to have a safe pregnancy. There were nine months of preparation and anxiety until the son was born. After that one, in the following years two more sons arrived. Karen went for an operation becoming permanently sterile.
Together the five of them were happy for quite a while in a family atmosphere full of peace, prosperity and happiness. Will it last for ever?
The life of Tadeu’s family would change forever due to a tragic event. The case happened in the centre of the town. Crossing the street, Karen was distracted and didn’t notice a bus approaching at high speed. The collision was unavoidable and with an impact of this nature there was no chance of surviving.
She was recovered, identified and the husband informed. Lost for words, he made the arrangements for the funeral procedures, which took place in the same day. Accompanied by several acquaintances, the procession buried Karen’s body amidst general shock. The word that best described the state of the spouse’s mood, was despair.
Unsettled by the event, Tadeu abandon his job and the care of his own sons still in need protection and affection. He began to use drugs, was exposed and lost for ever guardianship of beloved sons. After, frustrated, moved to Buíque where he promised himself to rebuild his life. However, the ghosts of the past were still tormenting him.
He remembered then a couple of friends that he had made in one of his travels and as he had their contact, he asked them for help. Emanuel and Messias departed then from Jeritacó, met the seer and the three made themselves available to help that poor soul. The result was a trip to Catimbau, the wild paradise that had made a miracle. Finally, Tadeu and his “Wound scars” settled their account and he was ready to continue his life forwards with his head held up high.
The vision disappears and the seer seems to be meditating a little about that situation. He needed to choose the right words and when he is sure of that, he makes contact:
—Very well, my loyal servant. I understood everything. What we must understand is all that belongs to a past that must be forgotten or at the least tolerated. The most important thing is the present moment and I can see that you have recovered most of your desire.
— Thanks to God and you my friends. If weren’t for your action in the moment of anxiety that I was going through I think I would not be here. It was what I needed: Sincere friends who would support me. I believe that my life is going to be better from now on and if by chance I suffer again I will know how to deal with it. (Tadeu Barbosa)
— Congratulations, Tadeu, I am happy for you. (Emanuel Melkin Escapuleto)
—Me too. Mission accomplished. (Messias Escapuleto)
— Tadeu rose an important question: The “Wound scars”. I also have my own ones and I will take the opportunity to learn and control them. This journey was very profitable. (Paulo Lacerda)
— Excellent! The “Wound scars” is still a very serious problem for many people. Many, inclusive, getting to the point of taking their own life. Like you, I have also suffered many losses and marked deceptions. The secret is to be calm and maintain an overall understanding. There is no point in lamenting or thinking about the tragedies, for that only damages us. We need to live life and benefit from the happy moments which are rare. By doing that, everything becomes lighter and then we will find the meaning of life: To help in the evolution of the planet and our own. Very well, my brothers, I wish from the bottom of my heart that you will find the happiness, the success and the realization of your dreams. Be sure, you have in me a friend at any time. My love and my spirit will protect you wherever you are. I believe! (The son of God)
—Thank you. I truly reciprocate. (Paulo Lacerda)
— We will continue our mutual exchange. (Emanuel)
— We have reached the end of this stage. Congratulations everyone! (Messias)
— Amen! (Tadeu Barbosa)
— Let’s enjoy the rest of the evening as if it were the last one. Tomorrow, everyone is free to return to their homes and proceed with their path. Everything will be alright. (The seer)
As a respected chief, everyone obeyed his command. They still have time for admiring the stars, continue the small talk about other matters, entertain themselves and pray together. At the end of the evening, they go to sleep. The proposed matter at the start of the adventure was solved and now they can go back to their routine.
The last night spent at the park unfolded in the same way as the previous ones. Quickly dawn arrived and soon daytime. Very early, they wake up, dismantle the tent, keep their belongings and made their way back. They reach the car, get in and leave towards the municipality.
When they arrived, each one would follow different paths. Emanuel and Messias would go to Jeritacó, Aldivan to some place in the backwoods of Pernambuco, Paulo to Catimbau and Tadeu to Buíque. These were the legendary five who had the courage to test their intimacy, their problems and their fears with the readers. That they may value that and take the story as a lesson of life for themselves.
“The world needs men with courage, strength and faith to ask pertinent questions for the benefit of the wellbeing of everybody such as an example, Tadeu’s “Wound scars”
The End.