Nine's blog

As I was preparing myself to go home, I received a message from my mom. My dad's best and only remaining old friend had died unexpectedly. My parents were shocked.

As is the way of such relationships I have known him all my life. I am not sure if I have ever seen him with anything but a smile on his face. He even went through his battle with diabetes with grace and his ever present humour.

It took me surprisingly long to realize this, but me and my two siblings spent our childhood in a poor family and in substandard living conditions. It was thanks to tireless work and help by friends like him that my parents could build a home, a life and ultimately a future for us.

I don't know what to expect when I go to my parents for Christmas. Growing up in a very difficult family my dad has never learned how to deal with and communicate emotions. Considering how far my own journey in this regard has been and how much help I have needed, I can only imagine how hard it must be to work through such a blow.

I will try to be there for my parents though I don't know how. As to my own feelings, they will need to wait for a little while. I am too confused right now to sort them out. Having to leave a special place and even more special people behind, integrating all the discoveries I have made on this journey and dealing with this situation is just too much all at once.

All I can say right now is that I am grateful. For the people around me, for the opportunities my parents created for me and for my wife who will be there for me. And I am grateful for him. Who has approached all things in life in the best, the only way possible. With love.