. . . So, They Made Lemonade

About the Book

This story was written to honor those who have faced personal disasters and triumphed. Many have lived out the old saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Set in a low-income area of New York City in 1970, it starts with a personal tragedy when Adam Rodriguez, a promising fourteen-year-old student lost his mother unexpectedly. He had no other family to turn to. As he wandered around the neighborhood aimlessly, he was dragged into an abandoned building by two adult males. Rocco, an illiterate fifteen-yea-old homeless boy who slept in the building, saved him from the attackers. This begins an unlikely friendship. Adam soon realizes that he needs more help than that. He was desperate, so he, along with Rocco, went to an old minister of a local Spanish church that Adam had attended a few times with his mother. Pastor Elias Cosme and his wife Ela gave them refuge in their tiny apartment above the small church they served. They were willing to share what little they had because they believe it honored God. They showed the boys love and kindness, teaching them to refine and use the talents they were given in order to move ahead in life. Helping the boys to believe in themselves and their worth took dedication. There are only three options in life: to leave life as it is given to ess, make it worse or improve it for ourselves and others. “People without a vision perish” says The Book of Books.

About the Author

Like many immigrants, Jose Antonio Velasquez Ochoa arrived in the United States from his native country of Ecuador. With only $13 in his pocket he worked hard to build a life in The Big Apple. He married and had 2 children, Tania and Walter. When his wife, Aida, died of cancer, he decided they needed a fresh start. In 1987, he and his children moved to Florida. There he met Gail, a teacher. A new life began for all. It was because of her encouragement that he wrote “De Tripas Un Corazon’, the original Spanish version of this book. Now we have translated it to English for your enjoyment and encouragement.