With his special smile, he liked German classes; attentive and always with a touch of humor. That word; "teacher" came from his soul.
Two days before he left for that heaven where he is; I spoke to him and asked him to smile, and I keep the photo in that hospital bed smiling. We talked a lot, he wanted me to help him with his Russian learning, he was always trying to improve and progress. You know, Ivan? I keep his audios full of jokes and tenderness.
I remember when he and his brother came to see me when I ran; the Disco Run, I still see him sitting with Oliver, when I passed by him, I felt very happy, he gave me his time and accompanied me.
I am grateful to the people who dedicate their time to me because they do not recover it. I am sad but, every day I listen to his audios and see that smiling face and I feel accompanied.
Behind one of those stars that illuminate me, I know that he is, and I, his teacher, tell him from my heart. Ich liebe dich, Ivan. I will always love him because all those students that I have had the pleasure of teaching; they are part of my life, thank you for giving me so many things in class, like his generosity of heart.
We will meet again; I will give him everything I had prepared for his Russian classes and I will ask him to tell me one of his jokes; that always brought a smile to my face. To his family, I will say, as Dickens said, "True greatness consists in making everyone feel great" and he is GREAT and he has made us all feel great by his side.
May he be happy wherever he is, and may those who accompany him see the light that I saw in him.
I love you Ivan. Bis bald.
