Everything We Need
Jose’s wife, Maria, was born in a one-bedroom, stand-alone home on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It was a fine little home, but her father, Oscar, wanted a real house. So he worked two jobs — a 60-hour-a-week factory job, and then another 20 hours or so a week as a carpenter.
Oscar saved 50% of his income for over a decade to build his family a four-bedroom house, like the ones in the better parts of town. He put half his family’s savings in a local community bank, and he tucked the other half away in a safe he kept hidden on their property.
On the morning Oscar planned to break ground on his family’s new house, the local community bank shuttered its doors, just hours after law enforcement declared the bank was running an illegal (and uninsured) Ponzi scheme. 90% of the deposits Oscar made were lost. Then, the very next day, their little home was robbed at gunpoint. In exchange for his family’s safety, Oscar offered the rest of the money he had hidden in the safe.
In the short window of 36 hours, the family lost the vast majority of their savings from years of hard work. That night, for the first time, Maria’s mother, Olga, watched Oscar cry. She approached Oscar with their infant daughter cradled and rocking in her arms, and said, “It’s just money. And it’s just a house. We have so much more than that. We have a truly loving home.”
Oscar looked at Olga, dried his eyes, and nodded his head in agreement. He spent the rest of the night with his baby daughter, holding her tight to his chest, reminding himself that he might not be able to give his family the house he dreamed of, but he could continue to give them a truly loving home.
And for the nine years that followed, Maria grew up in that small, loving, one-bedroom home. After the first year, a sister, Andrea, joined her. After the third year, a brother, Roberto, joined too. The memories they share of that time are truly heartwarming.
For example, every day of Maria’s early grade school years, she remembers her father coming home from work just before dinner, giving her and her siblings individual hugs and kisses, and then asking them two questions: “Are you loved? Do you have true love in your heart?” All three children would nod their heads and smile. Then he’d gather them all up in a big group hug and call out, “Me too! We are blessed! We have everything we need!”
Nothing to Do with That House
Even though Oscar sincerely believed what he said to his children, he was still pursuing his dream of building a larger and more comfortable house for his family. And nine years after losing all of their savings, Oscar had once again saved enough money to begin building that new house 20 feet behind their little one-bedroom home. He started with framing out the foundation of the kitchen that Maria’s mother had always quietly dreamed of.
One cement block at a time, one day at a time, and paycheck by paycheck, Oscar slowly but steadily built the house he’d come so close to building nearly a decade beforehand. First the kitchen, a large family room, and two bathrooms. Then a master bedroom, bedrooms for each of the children, and a nice covered front patio.
In 2002, when Jose met Maria, and started falling in love with her, Maria’s father, Oscar, was still building that house. Soon thereafter, he put the last few finishing touches on it. The entire family celebrated for weeks on end. And nowadays, Oscar and Olga still celebrate holidays and special occasions at the house, with all three of their children, and their children’s families, several times a year.
But this story’s timeless lesson has nothing to do with that house.
Just a Bonus
The first day Jose met Maria’s family, he noticed how sincerely loving and happy the whole family was. He praised Oscar for the beautiful family he had, and asked him what the secret was. Oscar spent hours sharing interesting, heartfelt stories about why his family was the luckiest one in the world. But he never shared all the details about how their house was built.
In fact, after years of knowing Maria and her family, traveling with them, and even living with them for a short time, no one ever thought to tell Jose about how their family’s house came to be. Jose even asked questions about the construction on a few occasions. And he received replies about the construction.
It wasn’t until after Jose and Maria got married and closed on their own first house — in Miami, Florida — that Oscar went with Jose for a long walk. He asked Jose about the details of him and Maria buying their first house, and Jose excitedly shared information about their new neighborhood and buying decisions. Oscar listened intently, smiled, and then, finally, he shared the story about his house.
“My daughter does not need a house,” Oscar concluded. “She needs true love — a truly loving home. And when you fill that home with children, your children will need exactly the same. If you provide that, no matter how big or small your house actually is, and no matter what challenges arise in life, your children and family will always want to come home to you. The rest is just a bonus.”
. . .
I know all of this because Jose is one of my good friends. And just this morning, over coffee, he asked me what I was going to write about today. When I told him I hadn’t yet decided, he smirked and said, “I have a story for you.” And then he proceeded to tell me the story I’ve just shared with you.
Now, it’s your turn…
Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think of Jose’s story.
What resonated? Any other thoughts on true love, or building a truly loving home?
I’d love to hear from YOU. 🙂
And finally, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Diane Cassada says
I truly appreciate the simplicity of this lesson. I spent the first several years of my son’s young life stressed out from work and other obligations, and I saw how was affecting him, and me. Luckily I caught myself, sought the necessary counseling, and changed both of our lives. Today, my son is 22 years and we have the strongest bond imaginable. Thank you for reminding me of what’s important, and why I always slow down and put love first.
Lory says
There is nothing better in this world, than true love. Love is grand!
Audrey Blackmore says
Very true. What a beautiful story
Gold says
I started building our house when the kids were small… and through the years, same house was renovated to suit the growing needs of my family. But alas, my kids are now young adults and are on their own, and I am left alone in a 3-bedroom house and sometimes, I longed for those happy, precious moments with my kids as they grew up to be who they are now. Raising 4kids as a single mom wasn’t easy at all. but it was, still is, and will forever be my greatest accomplishment in life. Happiness is, indeed, seeing your kids grow up to be good and loving people.
As always, thank you for your posts/blogs and for reminding me of what is important.
Dawnielle says
I had to comment on your post. I am also a single mother of 4 boys. I tried to juggle a career and family life, but after my mental diagnosis, I decided to stay home and concentrate on myself and my children. As, my children got older, I decided to go back and finish my degree. Contemplating a new career choice, that is all I can think about is how will still be there for them. I too feel that is not what you have in your home, but it is the love, attention and care you give your children that will ripple out and touch their own families. That is what matters most to me, and is also one of my biggest accomplishments.
Sherri White says
I’m on day 16 of journaling after finishing your getting back to happy book. I am so much more grateful (I thought I already was before your book). With 2 little girls I’m raising by myself, it’s hard not to sometimes think of giving them bigger & better things. This story is so good because the biggest thing they need is love. Down 5 lbs. walking everyday. Present in each day. Goals are coming together. Getting back to happy after a really hard year. Thank you!!!!!
Kay says
I am glad I joined your email list a couple months ago. The stories and insight has been making a difference in my life, and keeping me on track. Thank you. And I agree…Love is everything!
Michelle says
This meant a lot to me growing up in a modest home with two working parents – thanks for sharing. I buried my mom nine days ago and I spoke at her funeral. A portion of what I said was this: “You gave the gift of acceptance…when we had poor judgment and made bad decisions, you never made anyone feel less than accepted. You didn’t point out the mistake that was made or feel the need to give your opinion on the matter. You were the person who kept us moving forward. Your house was a place of refuge… You loved well.” A house built on love has a solid foundation no matter the size. I gained so much from having a loving home and I know I have been blessed. We have a tremendous love for family because of the home life we experienced. We will grieve but we’ll do it together. Life is good even in the storms.
Karen says
God bless you and comfort you in your loss. And what a legacy she leaves to those who truly loved her X
Neema says
This was very powerful and beautiful! Love genuinely expressed goes along way, material things can never replace it or replicate it.
Once I took my little brother to a fancy hotel which was by then the talk of the town, I knew he had never been there and I had just started working so kind of a big deal both ways, but he wasn’t as excited as I expected which was quite disappointing to the money i invested on that day. Later on I wrote him a sincere note thanking him for being my brother and always being there for me and left it on his desk to my surprise he has it to date years later he would remind me how happy he was from the note!!!
Love expressed in its simplicity touches the soul 🙂
Lorna says
Growing up I thought I lived in a loving home but as I got older I realized how dysfunctional it truly was. My father was the love in the home. He passed away when my daughter was just 1. Now that I am married and have a beautiful little girl of my own I realize how important it is to be true to yourself and genuinely loving. Nothing is too urgent that you have to push family time aside. Enjoy the simple things. Surround yourself with people who love you and yours. I am still learning all of this.
Because a lot of what I thought was love was in fact not.
Minnie says
I shifted back home last year to spend time with my difficult brother and to realise that the love and care I expected was not there – it was more of living in a “house” with family under one roof. I have tried endlessly to inculcate some family communication and find the “love” to make it a home – but then tensions are endless! Having sought therapy I am encouraging positive thoughts and unconditional love to support my brother. The challenge is there and this beautiful story just made me feel grateful to have shifted back and works towards creating my home 🙂
Debra Landine says
Beautiful, moving story of what life is really all about. Without love, we have nothing. Material possessions cannot love us or hold us when we hurt. This story should inspire us all to let our love go deeper.
I love to read each and every email from you. Thank you!
Victoria says
I couldn’t agree more with the lesson here. In my 52 years of living, I’ve made many mistakes, but one mistake that stands out the most from the rest is my past propensity to buy my children’s love and happiness. It’s a mistake that led to a lot of lost time and hard feelings, but one I’ve been lucky enough to reconcile in my children’s teenage years. They have forgiven me, and I have forgiven myself.
Rhandel Darner says
I am personally proud of you for having the courage to recognize and admit your faults. I just turned 58 2 weeks ago and am a father of 3 wonderful children. 1, (31) from my previous marriage of 6 years and 2 more, (3) and (9) from my present marriage. Just like you, I have made a lot of mistakes. I have also just become a grandparent 4 days after my 58th birthday. If I have learned anything through this wonderful adventure called life that God has given us, that would be that the most important thing that our spouses, children, and others need from us is us being present with them at the very moment that we are with them. Not thinking of other things that we could be doing but actually being “PRESENT”. My relationship with my 31-year-old is not where I would like it to be, but I need to respect the fact that he has his own life to live and that is his choice and not mine. I believe that through this my granddaughter that God will use us to become closer. He will truly begin to understand what it means to be a parent and how important it is to invest quality time with our kids. Thank you for this wonderful story. I personally encourage people to move forward in life.
Evan says
Your emails and posts always make me think better. Thank you.
As for your question, I think what resonated the most about this story is how the mother and father never lost sight of the fact that although the larger house was more comfortable, it wasn’t what actually made the house a happy home. Such an important lesson to remember.
Also, thank you for the recent two-on-one course coaching. Speaking with you both, and getting both your male and female perspectives on my situation was really helpful.
Anastasia says
What a moving story. As I was reading it I felt a warmth in my heart. To have such a warm and loving family is priceless! What resonated was how the family had prioritised more meaningful values, that was expressed by Olga saying: “It’s just money. And it’s just a house. We have so much more than that. We have a truly loving home.”
A warm and loving family was the very thing I had missed so much after my parents passed away. However, I am thankful I still have my brother and sister and as we have grown older, we have learned that this value remains important. I feel blessed by this article as it reminds me what’s important is not building ‘a house’ but ‘a truly loving home’. I am married now so it’s something we can build then finally leave as a legacy to our children or the generation after us.
Sylvia K says
Thank you for your insightful thoughts on how to be better as we live. The lesson I want to borrow and practice is ‘are you loved, do you have love in your heart?’ Question for my daughter..
Your emails are so encouraging, all the way to Kenya. I share them with my siblings whenever I get a lesson that can apply to all of us.
Ramji Yadav says
It’s truly the love of Olga and Oscar that endured the very hardship fall upon them. And it is their love again which made their dreams come true though after a long time. In fact it was the power of love that they could not break down. Realising this, they instill their love among their children on daily basis and the same message Oscar transferred to Jose on the long walk. Really this story touched our soul and heart.
Vasilis says
Wonderful story, it touched me, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.
David says
Some people have worked very hard to make a happy home, and had to watch in heartbrake, as others haphazardly came into the picture and robed them of that wealth that their home contained. After suffering that kind of setback, all we can do is resolve to bring love and truth into every situation we find ourselves in.
Hugs.