Who I Am - Tribute

Today was Alex's funeral.  Funerals are never easy on those of us left behind.  This one seemed even more difficult for me.  I knew that Alex had a very strained relationship with his family.  And I think he considered those of us he worked with as his family.  It made me very happy to note that nearly 100 of his co-workers were there, to honor him, to support him.  Or maybe it was to show the family who judged him that we all knew and accepted him as he was.

Alex, you brought light and laughter into our lives.  Even those days when things weren't going so well, there was always some kind of silver lining (.... even if it was just the simple thrill of the sound of breaking glass when we threw out the trash to work out a few of the frustrations!!)  You made it a point to greet everyone who crossed your path.  You stopped into my office when you started your shift even if only to shoot the breeze for a moment or two.   There will always be unanswered questions, and some may have a moment or two of self doubt, thinking "If only ......"  But we cared, and truly wish you'd reached out just one more time.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Who I Am

by Alex T.

I am not my name

nor my face or body.

I am not my past nor my future.

I am not who you think I am

or who you would like me to be.

I am not a world of hate and prejudice,

their iron eyes branding my skin.

I am not the world and the world is not me.

I am a writer.

I am my words.

I am who I say I am.