Bloomfield Family Treated to Special Lunch

For the first time in seventeen years, Mayra and Tony Pastore, the devoted parents of two children with disabilities, had a week off.  They stayed right here in Bloomfield and made the most of it.

The week’s events included dinner at Bella Napoli and Houlihans in Secaucus, a Yankees-Rangers game, a dinner party with friends, and a couple of movies.   “We went to see Hope Springs at Clifton Commons,” said Mayra.  “It was a very good movie.”

The Pastores are parents of 16-year-old Jessica, who is blind as a result of a brain tumor, and 14-year old Danny, who is non-verbal autistic.  Though both attend out-of-town schools for special needs children, they live at home with their parents.  Mayra and Tony have devoted their lives for to taking care of the children, working

Round-the-clock in shifts while trying not to burden family and friends.

“It was nice to go out and not have to rush home,” Mayra smiled. “It’s the first time we’ve been to a movie in a long time.  We don’t usually go because we hate to inconvenience anyone.”

On Wednesday, the Pastores were invited to Anthony’s Cheesecake café as a special treat by owner Anthony Lauro, who .

“It’s the least I can do,” said Lauro, making a pot of coffee as the Pastores shared, with evident enjoyment, a mini chocolate cheesecake after lunch.  “I know this isn’t a fancy date place but I just wanted to do something for them.  They need some down time after taking care of kids for 17 years without a break.” 

Sitting at their table, noted the warm, comfortable feeling in the café.  “He welcomed us,” she smiled. “It’s great to be able to relax and have a good time.  This is a very nice place.  Cute, and the food is very good.  It’s definitely a place I’d come back to.”