Almost One Year Without Dale
It’s almost one year since Dale left us. We didn’t keep in close contact over the years, but whenever he messaged me, it was always a stream of non‑stop messages. I never minded. I just didn’t want to give him the wrong idea that I wanted to get back together, so I barely replied. He was always my friend, and it still makes me sad how he accidentally killed himself.
One of his last messages to me was, “I’m alive. I’m alright. It’s all that matters.” I keep having this image in my head that his final words might have been, “Oh shit… wrong dose and combination.” Of course, I don’t know what his last words were, but this thought keeps popping up in my mind.
I’m not sure if it’s a British tradition to keep ashes at home. His sister buried part of his ashes and kept some in her bedroom. His nephew was supposed to scatter the rest on a mountain in Nepal. It’s been almost a year and he still hasn’t done it. Maybe that’s for the best, considering the landslide at the Nepal–China border. Many people died or disappeared. I can’t imagine what their families are going through.
I always feel lucky that I was born in Hong Kong, where there are no earthquakes, no tornadoes, no tsunamis — none of those natural disasters. Even here in “hell,” the worst is cyclone and flooding. (Or people who steal from you.) Anyway, Dale, you may rest in peace. And if you ever want to message me, just give me a sign.
The other morning when I woke up, I played the voice messages Dale sent me. A day later, Bruno told me his dad passed away. 🪦 I feel sorry for him. I know he was very close to his parents. He didn’t tell me when his mom passed away last year, but he messaged me about his dad. I believe he needed a shoulder to cry on, but we are far away from each other.
I don’t know the customs for an Italian passing. I’m curious to learn, but I guess this isn’t the right time to ask him.
#DaleGoneForNearlyAYear#RestInPeace#AshesAndMemories
#LossAndTraditions#GriefAcrossDistances
#LossAndTraditions#GriefAcrossDistances