Umberto’s Unlikely Angel -- A children's story

Umberto Unsilio of Ultimata, Uruguay, was two years old, but at that early age, he was full of energy and was beginning to walk quite well. He even knew a few words, although he spoke with a lisp that is so typical of tots at that young age.

On Sunday afternoons, the family always went to a nearby park so that Mrs. Unsilio could enjoy her favorite hobby, bird watching, while Mr. Unsilio fished in a stream that flowed through the park. Umberto and his two sisters, Uma and Urania, always spent the afternoon on the seesaws, swings, and merry-go-rounds.

Grinning toothlessly, Umberto lisped, “Thumbertho.” 

Once, while on a family picnic at the park, Umberto’s mother laid out plates of delicious food on blankets beneath a shade tree, and everyone bowed in prayer while his dad gave thanks for the meal. Sadly, an old man in ragged clothes, his beard streaked with tobacco stains, looked on from a nearby bench.

The Unsilio family ignored him--all except Umberto. Man and boy could not take their eyes off each other. Then, before anyone could grab him, the boy waddled over to the man and sat beside him. “Well, little fella, what’s your name?” the man asked.

Grinning toothlessly, Umberto lisped, “Thumbertho.” Smiling, the old man said he really liked that name. Then, the two began making funny faces at each other, which brought forth much laughter from Umberto. For the rest of the family, the Sunday afternoon picnic’s happy atmosphere faded.

The boy’s parents were stunned--not only because their defenseless son was enjoying the company of a stranger but also because boy and man seemed to bond with one another. The man’s eyes moistened as the child tugged at his whiskers. Gently, he patted Umberto’s back, gave him a kiss, and walked toward Mrs. Unsilio.

"Ma’am,” the old man said, “this is such a beautiful little boy. Thank you for allowing me to play with him for a few moments.” When he tried to hand Umberto over to his mother, the child held tightly to the old man and began crying. Alone and unloved, the old man sighed deeply as he experienced the precious moment. After wiping tears from his eyes, the lonely old man released Umberto, waved goodbye and plodded slowly back to the bench.

They would always remember the old man: Umberto’s Unlikely Angel

The family learned a valuable lesson that day, taught to them by a two-year-old boy. Sometimes, people are prejudiced toward others, quite often for no good reason, as was the case when the Unsilio family thought unkindly about an old tramp in ragged clothes when their first reaction should have been to accept him as a fellow human being.

Realizing this, Mr. Unsilio reached into his pocket, pulled out a small Bible, and read a verse from the Book of Hebrews: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” That day, an innocent child, free of prejudice, did what prejudiced adults failed to do. They would always remember the old man: Umberto’s Unlikely Angel.

NOTE: Jimmy Reed is a retired college professor and author of several books. This story is from his latest, a children’s book entitled FROM A TO Z, TO YOU FROM ME. Each story in the book maximizes the use of an alphabetical letter, enhanced by alliteration and assonance. The book is available on Amazon, or can be purchased directly from the author. His email address is jimmycecilreedjr@gmail.com