I wrote this to my cousin, Noel Medhanie, upon learning of the passing of my beloved uncle, Medhanie Yosief, in 2020.

Hi Noel,

I’ll begin with what we all know: What an incredible father you had! What an uncle I’ve always been proud to call my own! A man of towering stature and timeless class. No single word can capture his essence except sophistication. No phrase can embody his demeanor but simplicity. A contradiction? Perhaps. But that was who he was: sophisticated yet unassuming, deeply educated yet a natural educator through his flawless communication. He could speak to you as an equal or as a mentor, effortlessly connecting with people from all walks of life – family, friends, or even strangers. 

He lived with unwavering style and dignity, no matter the trials he faced – none of his own making, but perhaps the hand of destiny. Life was not always kind: he narrowly escaped execution under the brutal Mengistu regime alongside 60 government officials. He could have lost his mind in prison or remained haunted by trauma. Yet he endured it all. 

What set him apart was his resilience. He reinvented himself time and again, each transformation marked by grace and strength. He confronted every experience—good and bad – and emerged wiser, a leader by example. Someone to admire, emulate, and cherish. A guiding light. 

Handsome, elegant, soft-spoken, articulate, loving, witty, and wise -these words only begin to describe him. He embodied these traits effortlessly, like a maestro conducting an orchestra. 

His life, though not without hardship, was undeniably complete: a life rich with passion, inspiration, and profound connections. He understood friendship, brotherhood, and camaraderie in their truest forms, living by these values daily. He upheld them with the highest standards, leaving no room for regret. 

I will never forget the love he showed me from my earliest days. I will cherish his friendship forever, hold onto his wisdom, and keep him in my thoughts and prayers. I will strive to honor his legacy. And I will continue celebrating him, wholeheartedly. 

My one regret? Not being there for his final breath. 

Time was not on our side. 

Goodbye for now. 

Stay strong. 

Semere