raphael

I know Raphi from childhood. We played soccer together and became close friends. After I moved to the US, he came to visit. When I moved back to Switzerland, he came over for dinner. We’ve stayed in touch through the years and seeing him is always a joy.

Raphi is direct and does not shy away from talking openly. Raphael’s dad took his own life about two years ago. Raphi returned to practice with his team almost immediately. Soccer, for him, is an outlet and a way to process. We talk about vulnerability, strength, family, and pain. For as long as I’ve known Raphi, he has always been wise beyond his years and it’s a joy to listen to him speak.

We play pass – something we spent countless hours doing together over a decade ago. We talk about the particulars of our jobs and reminisce. Raphi is thriving. He and his partner Salome are expecting a baby in about three weeks. They are growing their family together in the house Raphael grew up in.

[12] Monday, May 24, 2021