"First I'd like to say that I truly regret not being about to attend this service for my good friend.
Silvanos has made an indelible mark on me. When I think about him I can't help but be happy, and I am sure that that is what he would want us all to feel. Picture for a moment that infectious smile and one of the many handshakes that he used to give. Or the way in which Silvanos used to start every conversation with "Actually...". Or that personal moment or activity that you shared with him, as I know many people did. For me and my good friend Zach it was spending long hours teaching Silvanos how to play chess. I spent 5 hours straight playing with him on the bus from Voi to Mobasa. We played 8 times and I never lost. At the end he said to me "Thank you. Derek, my guy, I have to keep practicing, but I will get you one of these days!" That was the type of friend and person Silvanos was. He was always ready and willing to share personal time, always interested in learning and appreciating new things and always interested in developing genuine relationships. It is that appreciation of life and the little time we all have together that I learned from Silvanos.
Silvanos has made an indelible mark on me. When I think about him I can't help but be happy, and I am sure that that is what he would want us all to feel. Picture for a moment that infectious smile and one of the many handshakes that he used to give. Or the way in which Silvanos used to start every conversation with "Actually...". Or that personal moment or activity that you shared with him, as I know many people did. For me and my good friend Zach it was spending long hours teaching Silvanos how to play chess. I spent 5 hours straight playing with him on the bus from Voi to Mobasa. We played 8 times and I never lost. At the end he said to me "Thank you. Derek, my guy, I have to keep practicing, but I will get you one of these days!" That was the type of friend and person Silvanos was. He was always ready and willing to share personal time, always interested in learning and appreciating new things and always interested in developing genuine relationships. It is that appreciation of life and the little time we all have together that I learned from Silvanos.
Meeting Silvanos changed my definition of friendship from something that two people simply acknowledge to something that two people truly feel and live. Silvanos is my genuine friend and I know he continues to be with me. Even though in reality we didn't know each other long, I feel - and I think he felt - as if he and I shared a deep bond, one that will continue for my entire life. For anyone that knew him, this is not surprising. It was Silvanos's warm, welcoming, one-of a kind smile that drew people in and made them feel comfortable and his strength of character and authentic compassion and caring that created lasting bonds. I am proud to have been included in Silvanos's circle of colleagues and friends and am sad for those who never had the chance to come to know this great man.
I can also personally attest to Silvanos's pride and joy in being a father and husband. Silvanos invited me into his home and shared with me his personal life. I had the privilege of meeting his wife Seline and beautiful children Ronnie and Anto. Silvanos cared for and loved them deeply and showed it both in his tender interactions with them and his tireless work to create opportunities for them. His work in Mikinduri not only provided for his family but also contributed towards making Kenya a better place to live, not only for his children but for all young Kenyans.
I feel as if I have been robbed of the opportunity to really know and learn from a wonderful person. I will miss my buddy Silvanos, but he has left me with a new understanding of what it means to truly care for one another. For that I will be forever grateful.
Asante Sana, Rafiki Zako.
D"
No comments:
Post a Comment