My best friend.

[Kitosdad]

The man who cast a long shadow.

My friend Maurice wasn't a tall man, but he measured high on the scale of all the men I have ever known, for it was he who was there for anyone who ever needed him.
Always first to offer an helping hand to those in trouble.
Always ready to step forward against bullies and cowards who would dominate others who were not equipped to defend themselves.

To me he was the brother that I never had, although he had three brothers of his own. We were inseparable in our childhood and teens.
We did, and went, everywhere together.

It was he who, although a poor swimmer, dived into the freezing North Sea to help me rescue a young boy who would have undoubtedly have drowned had it not been for his courage.

But now, Maurice is old. He is old and hospitalised.
His brothers, with whom he was never very close, will probably never be visiting him there in the home, and I weep at the thought of his predicament.

He never married, and his parents are both dead.
But I can do nothing but talk to him on the telephone, and it is obvious that his mind is slowly slipping away.
His memories are few, but thank God that he remembers our friendship, and the very many good times that we both shared in our earlier years.

I doubt he will ever leave the home now, for his home has been possessed by the Council and given to others.
My hope is that the staff there somehow realise just what a "giant" of a man he once was and treat him accordingly.

It's easy to be old, you only have to live long enough.

Maurice and I have lived long, full lives, and I pray that one day we will meet again, not in a better place, for we both often agreed that there can be no better place than our own green Earth.

Kitos.
_________________
If you need me, I'm here.

[Nasrin]

hi Kitos,
I really was impressed by your post. I think life is the best gift, and a good friend is one of best. I have one, my husband! He is the most kind, warm, and lovely man who I have ever met. I think I'm prosperous because I have one to help me in troubles, to laugh with me in happiness and to calm me in darkness.

I hope every thing goes OK for you and your friend,

Nasrin.

[Tomasito]

This is a beautiful and emotional story of friendship Kitos. Thank you to share with us. I really thing that we'll learn something from this story. We have to put in mind that the people who love us, our brothers, sisters, friends, parents are more important than everything. And we also have to be beside them in all moments...
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I am the product of my education and experience.

[Kitosdad]

"He is the most kind, warm, and lovely man............, and so very lucky to have someone as beautiful as yourself Nasrin.

Tom, treat each person as they treat you, and you will leave a good trail behind you.
I never had a brother, nor a sister. If I had had I probably would have turned out being a different person than the one that I am today.

Kitos.

Just to add, Maurice dove into the cold North sea, just to be beside me. I knew I would make it OK with the little boy, but Maurice wasn't a strong swimmer, yet he stayed with me in that water. The act of a true hero, and a true friend.
_________________
If you need me, I'm here.

[Yamilet]

Hi Kitos
This is a very nice letter, if I can call it that.
I miss coming in here, and also all of your comments
I hope you are doing great, you are a lucky man for you have had many wonderful experiences and friends. Friends are easy to find but good honest friends are not,
so consider yourself extremely lucky. I honestly believe you can write a book about your life, so far I know very little about you, but it seems that everything you say has a meaning behind it, you are the one who should give us the pleasure and write a book, and don't forget to send one to me haha.
I will pray for your friend, and maybe there is a better place than earth, we should all have faith that there is something more than just our lives here on earth.
_________________
Yamilet

[Tomasito]

I agree with everything yamilet has said. Why don't you create a blog and post your thoughts Kitos? We need to learn from you, from your experiences.
_________________
I am the product of my education and experience.

[Kitosdad]

Good evening my dear Yamilet. It's so very nice to see you here again. We have all missed you and your wonderful feeling-filled essays.
I do hope that you are progressing well down the road which you have chosen to travel, and I'm certain that your husband and family are very proud of you, as we all are here.
Both Tomas and yourself are giving me far more credit than I am due.

Believe me, I have this Forum to thank for helping me find the motivation to recall and refine my English of yesteryear, and in helping me realise that my life is still worthwhile

I am finding a tremendous amount of satisfaction in teaching my little German pupils to the limits of my limited capabilities.
Embellishing the essays that are posted here gives me the mistaken impression that I might have made a teacher of sorts, had I sorted my life out at an earlier stage.

Still, no point dwelling in the past; "onwards and upwards", as they say.

You two take good care of yourselves, for you are always in my thoughts.

Bill.
_________________
If you need me, I'm here.

[Anniehal]

"Maurice dove into the cold North sea, just to be beside me. I knew I would make it OK with the little boy, but Maurice wasn't a strong swimmer, yet he stayed with me in that water. " It's touching..I don't know whether I can find a friend like that in my life. Beside me no matter how dangerous it is.
Best wishes for your friend! Wish him healthy and happy!
And the same for you!

[Kitosdad]

Thank you Annie.

Bill.
_________________
If you need me, I'm here.