Reconnecting with Roberto

This last weekend, Allen and I were able to reconnect with the man who raised Frankie, Roberto.  We were blessed to spend a day with him in April of 2009 while we filmed a segment for the Oprah show.  It was one of the most amazing days of my life and one that has greatly influenced my life ever since.

I've written about that day before, but felt the need to write more about Roberto and what an amazing guy he is.  He put so much love, work, and time into Frankie and that love has come through in a big way to our family.  Frankie wouldn't do the things she does for Allen had it not been for Roberto.  I have no doubt that it was an extremely difficult thing for him to say goodbye to Frankie.  I'm sure he still misses her.  For all intensive purposes, she was his baby.  Yet, he said goodbye to her so that she could come live with us to be Allen's best friend and partner.  Not an easy thing to do.

Until last weekend, we hadn't heard anything from Roberto since that day in April 2009.  Then he was incarcerated and had been for nearly half his life.  We have often shared his story when we talked about Frankie and regularly thought about him and wondered how he was doing.  In June 2009 he was released from Fishkill Correctional Facility.  We were so happy for him and looking forward to hearing from him.  Well, we finally got that chance!!

I am so happy to report that he is doing great!!  We've been emailing, facebooking, and even talked on the phone over the weekend.  It is so great to form a relationship with him.  We consider him a part of our family and can now really nurture that relationship.  To read more about what he is doing with his life follow this link http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/bronx/2011/08/18/2011-08-18_helping_youth_avoid_sad_life_he_led.html .  He is truly an inspiration.

The Oprah show is also doing a follow up on the story they did on Puppies Behind Bars in 2009.  They have been filming with Roberto and interviewed us on the phone.  It is supposed to air sometime next month on the OWN network.  It will definitely be worth your time to try to watch it and learn more about Roberto and how he changed his life!

Roberto, we are so happy to have you in our life!  What you did for Allen, (and Frankie), has forever changed our lives.  You will always be a part of our life and we will forever be grateful for all you gave for us.  Thank you!

Even Now......Gina