It’s been four year now, four years in which I have often sought ways of bridging the void you left. Haven-t managed yet.

The timing for your departure was cruel, albeit not totally unexpected. Then again, when is there ever a good time to see one go?

I spoke to you last on my birthday. Eight days later, I received the early morning call I had so long dreaded. It was my brother on the other end. He was emotional, but brief and to the point. Typical Cuti.

After our last chat, I knew that time was tight. That was when I decided we should have a heart to heart, clearing up a great deal of issues that we had never, ever spoken about. I planned a January visit, giving me time to prepare.

I’ll never know how it would have gone. You passed before I got home. Leaving Malta entailed a lot of good and a great deal of sacrifices. Not being around when you left is probably one of the hardest things I had to go through.

It pains me to see people putting off visiting parents or loved ones. Thy will only realize what their missed once it is too late. I did.

Now, four years later, life goes on. Whenever I do anything, I always try to think of what you would do. Needless to say, I often do otherwise. It’s like when you were still here. And very often you were right. For example, I must tell you that your warnings about the possible consequences of my voting intentions have come somewhat true.

Torino is in the upper half of the table and in good company with Milan on the same points. Italy still faces a play-off match to qualify for the world cup, and women footballers are still playing far better football.

Mum is also doing fine. She hides the emotional days she has so she can look strong for us kids. Some things never change.

Your son,

Steve