Dad Lele

There are lots of green balloons, there is a photo of my dad with an orange jacket and behind it there is a sheet with many colors, mom says that it says: «Where would you like to be thought of? On a pirogue around».

There are lots of people, mom speaks into the microphone and says «Thank you for being here». There are lots of photos of dad hanging on a net, in one he has suspenders, in another he is on the road with lots of mud, then in a river on a small, small boat. Everyone goes to mom, she smiles and hugs everyone, some men say they were with mom and dad in Kenya, I hear lots of words, but I don't say anything, I want to be held. Mom tells everyone that «Dad is here», but I don't see him. A man says that dad helped children and the sick and that he worked so that the world would be more just. Before leaving, Mom tells everyone that my sister and I could continue to know Dad through the people who love him. Goodbye Dad Lele.

Emanuele Arosio was a volunteer in Kenya during the civil service and was an operator in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He passed away at only 38 years old, leaving behind his wife Ileana and two daughters, Viola and Aida.


Fabrizio Floris
NP March 2025