Griffin

GRIFFIN ~ strong in faith

Griffin can actually be considered a childhood friend. We went to primary school together until he moved away at one point. And then he returned several years later and I was 16 when my journey with Griffin's wisdom began.

Griffin came back quiet, more than the old him. Some people thought he was shy, some thought he was being a stand-off and others just thought he forgot his native tongue. But that's just the way he is. Silent on the outside, heavy on the inside.

When Griffin came back he changed me in ways I never imagined. He helped me be better, spiritually. He helped me gave up most of the bad and take up most of the good. Griffin reminded me of the sense of purpose. And he taught me to be more open. 

Griffin showed me the the pros and cons of adapting. That it can be liberating and suffocating at the same time. He showed me that intelligence is a noise. That you don't need to utter words for the right people to hear you. That you can make a bold statement by doing nothing. That confidence can be quiet. That happiness can be quiet. That pain can be quiet.

Griffin taught me that distance can test you. But it could also be next to nothing if you have strength and love and faith. Griffin taught me to be nicer. Even when I think I'm already being nice. He taught me that experience can change you. That travelling is an asset. And that anime is global. And that people are global. And that I can be global, without needing too much money. 

Griffin also taught me that my own feelings can deceive me. And that I need to be careful, and I need to be firm. I will next time. 

But one lesson that stood out the most is that silence is deceptive. Silence is confusing. Silence is deafening. Silence is a defence mechanism, as well as it is a trait. A form of art, painted out of either contentment or rage or pain or settlement. Silence can be peaceful but it can also drive you nuts. Silence can define someone. Whether he likes it or not.

Griffin, just like Zachary, is a part of who I am today. And this is my tribute to him.

Thank you, Griffin.

Zachary

ZACHARY ~ leader

I first met Zachary when I was 13. 

Zachary as his name, was the leader of every and any pack that was. It came naturally to him, that sort of guardianship and leadership that drew others quite easily. 

I am not exactly sure how I became friends with him but I did, and I have never regretted it.

Zachary showed me that I can be funny and awesome. Zachary showed me that I am subtly interesting. At least, for a short amount of time. He taught me that laughter is really the best way to mask your troubles. He taught me that loud can be silent, and that you'll only realize this if you shift your perspective just right. 

Zachary taught me that people can get hurt just by watching others get hurt. He showed me that sometimes sacrifices are worth it, even if you were forced to do it in the beginning. Zachary showed me that the world is out there, and that you see things way differently if you can push yourself to step outside your comfort zone. He showed me how to go places with my mind, and experience with my heart.

Zachary taught me how to swear, though now I have stopped. He taught me that it's okay to know things even if they are bad. Because it's what you do with the knowledge that makes it good or bad. Zachary sparked my thirst for more. More info, more exposure, more. Without feeling afraid.

Zachary also taught me that time is relative. That things are not necessarily determined, even if you've invested three years into it. That disappointments can make the best teachers. That sometimes you don't even know why, but you let go on your own eventually. And you truly accept the fact that it is for the better, even if you still do wonder 'what if' from time to time, you just know it's better that way.

Zachary taught me a lot of things. But the most important of all is that he helped me see how much room I have to grow into. To expand. To broaden. To reach and fulfil. To be so much more. More than I expected. 

Zachary is a part of who I am today. And this is my tribute to him.

Thank you, Zachary.