Attentive parents

Rafael Alvira He was a university professor, philosopher, and writer. A few months before he died, he granted me an interview, and I would like to share some of his ideas. Rafael Alvira was grateful to his parents, who taught him to put love into everything he did.  

Calm, cheerful, and attentive, they strove to make him happy. A married couple who always cultivated the love God gave them and are in the process of beatification.

I asked him how his parents managed to convey that Love: «By cultivating it. Cultivation, culture, worship—all of that means recognizing the gift we have received and responding to it, first by paying attention to understand it, and then by working to offer realities to the One who gave it to us, whatever they may be, always carrying the symbolic weight of love: it always expresses itself symbolically, because being rational, it transcends the analytical level.».

I was curious to know if there was anything that particularly characterized her parents, and I was amazed when her answer once again turned to attentiveness: «My parents» attentive spirit was extremely palpable, to the point that I do remember them resting, as is logical, but I never remember them being inattentive. And then there was their effort to make the most of their gift. Their continuous effort—a smiling and serene endeavor—to help you and make you happy was proverbial.".