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My Elephants

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"As you must have guessed, they are my parents. They are an example of how you can age being wise and happy. Their secret? They love, respect and support each other. Like in their very first day -- January 1st, 1954. Their love is ageless.
There were hard times for them, as well as for everyone, but they overcame these troubles.
"Stand up, clean up the dust and turn around!"; that's my Mom's favorite line. My Dad, even silent, always said through his eyes: "I will be there for you!"
Thanks Mom and Dad. You have been the best parents I could ever dream with! "

I wrote the words above in 2001. In August 1st, 2005, my father passed away after fighting against cancer for five years. I was working in East Timor that day and when you are so far from everyone you love, it's kind of hard to go through this sort of situation. Despite not being able to drop a single tear, I survived.

My mom was beside him when his last moment came, and it makes me a little relieved. My kids -- nowadays, grown-up men -- were also there to support their grandmother, as well as a lot of friends, and I am very grateful to all of them. But I was not there for him...

Now, I feel free to cry.