Our Three Friends

We have three friends that live with us in our nest: an American, a German and a Belgian. They all came to live with us for different reasons and at different times.

At a time when we were nest-hopping from the urban jungle, I came across my american friend while I was living on top of the hill, West of Freedom. He was black but that didn't matter to me. He also had a slight limp that never disappeared. When others met him for the first time, they would think him scarier than he actually was, maybe because of his built and color...and of course, his commanding voice. At a time of our lives that we were living in luxury, relative safety, security and abundance, he took it all in.

It was also then that our Belgian friend dropped in. Now, coming from a life of scarcity, she was more confused than delighted at her new environ. She did, of course, eventually get used to it. Her youth gave her much time to learn to live this new life with us. Although she was the youngest, it seemed that my american friend's cultured ways never did rub off on her. You see, her upbringing was cruel and her family was a bunch of beasts. Among my friends, she was the most unrefined, but if you have known her long enough, not the least sweet. I suppose that is what makes their type all the more endearing, the fact that you do not expect one with such crass to display kindness. And when they do, the oddity is much more appreciated.

When we were again forced to move out of our nest under trying circumstances, we moved to a section east of freedom that was relatively void of the safety and security we were used to. It was merely a temporary abode until we could find a more permanent home.

From the position of power we came from, to where we were now, we lost a lot of friends. I wouldn't even call them friends anymore, they were there for the convenience of having a powerful ally. Now that the host has left, so have the parasites.

There, my American friend shined. He was our protector. When everyone had left, he stayed on to keep us safe and secure. He stood watch and spoke out when no one dared. Every time I had to leave the nest, I could go on with my duties knowing fully well that my friend would keep his word that he would keep my family safe. I have no words to express how thankful I am, looking back at the comfort he gave me. We all felt safe with him around.

My German friend is the latest addition to our home, but she has yet to prove her worth.

In the meantime, my american friend, you will sorely be missed. I never did get to thank you, I know, and for that I will always regret. May your death serve as a reminder for me to constantly appreciate everyone around me, specially those who have touched my life. Let me not fail to thank them and show them how much they mean to me. If only for a tiny expression of appreciation, I would have made you felt loved, I would not feel the way i do now, never knowing if you ever did know how much you meant to us.

Now that the host has left, so have the parasites.

We love you, Diggy.

(Diggy A., 06 December 2006)