My father’s tone changed every time we mentioned a certain Gary. At a family gathering, I learned that he was his half-brother. They had both been in love with my mother. She chose my father, but their brotherly relationship never recovered.
When I asked him, he replied: “I won her heart, but not her peace.” That sentence stuck with me.
Story 6: A Silent Mourning
At 12 years old, I heard my grandparents talk about a “first boy”. Later, I understood that my parents had lost a child before I was born.
They had given him a name and planted a tree in his memory. Every year, I go to that tree. It’s my way of paying tribute to this brother I never knew.
Story 7: A Hidden Divorce
I learned at 23 that my parents had been divorced for ten years. Yet, they manage to succeed together as if nothing had happened.
They explained that they had wanted to offer stability to my younger sister, who was having health problems. Their relationship had changed, but their friendship remained strong. It was surprising, but ultimately beautiful.
Story 8: University Money
In high school, my parents told me they were saving for my studies. When I got to my final year, they told me the money had disappeared.
My aunt later revealed that my father had used it to treat my mother, who had a serious health problem. They hadn’t said anything so I could stay focused on my studies. She recovered. I worked while I was studying, without holding a grudge. They put life before money.
