Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by relatives. My Persian side of the family not only knew how to breed, but also knew how to marry, divorce, and marry again and breed. And of course in older generations some of my male relatives had multiple wives. My parents have estimated that I have at least 100 relatives in Iran that I have yet to meet. Past girlfriends have been surprised by how many times they would meet new relatives of mine, without realizing that I was meeting said relatives for the first time as well.

Growing up, amongst my multiple uncles I had one that was consistently my favorite. Uncle Homuyoon, just pronounce it phonetically, okay? Homuyoon always had the biggest grin on his face with eyes that would light up a room in a way only a writer who dabbles in cliche's could describe. His laugh was raspy, loud and contagious.

Growing up, my family would drive 7 hours to LA a few times a year to visit my Persian relatives but I couldn't wait for our stay Homuyoon's house. I would be eager to wake up and be presented with his strong hug, loud laugh, and a glass of his freshly made watermelon juice.

I haven't seen Homuyoon in ten years since he moved back to Iran, but I could always picture his smile, his laugh and remember the ways he'd tell stories around the dinner table. Earlier this year Homuyoon was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. Despite the fact that he almost died he did not tell any of his relatives because he did not want us to worry. He just disappeared for a couple of months, save for a call here or there to say he was "fine."

Today I was able to see Homuyoon for the first time in ten years. Driving to my parents house I was giddy but also incredibly sad realizing again that I almost lost one of my favorite people in my life. I don't think he realizes how important he is to me because he looked a little too surprised when I finally saw him I barged in through the door and gave him an intense hug, almost lifting him above the ground.

For four hours I sat with him, my father and my other (not-so-favorite) uncle around the table as we drank tea, ate cheese, bread and grapes. Even though I can barely understand Farsi I just sat in awe at Homuyoon as he told lengthy stories about whatever it was he was saying. Occasionally, he would turn to me and treat me just like he did when I was a kid, but for some reason this was not condescending to me, it was affirming. At one point he stopped mid-story, put a huge grin on his wrinkled face, leaned forward and in his raspy voice said excitedly "HELLO!HELLO!HELLO!" and go back to his story. My fucking god, I loved it. Other times, he would turn to me and in rapid fire ask me questions:
"How is work?"
"good"
"GREAT!"
"Are you married?"
"nope."
"GOOD! stay that way for another 5 years at least!"

He would then continue telling stories alternating between Farsi and English, telling us about where he's living in Iran, how relaxed he is, not having a care in the world (even though this is obviously not the case). Most of my relatives have awkward reactions when they find out I want to be a sex therapist for a living, trying to convince me to stay with computers or become an engineer. When Homuyoon found out he said, "you can get paid for that?! AMAZING! DO IT!" and belted out a laugh that vibrated the room and smacked me hard on the shoulder.

The last time he interrupted his own story telling to interact with me he quickly turned, grabbed my shoulder and said, "don't work too hard!" I told him not to worry about it. Then immediately he said, "and don't save your money!" I looked at my father in confusion, looked back to my uncle and asked, "don't?" "DONT! DON'T save your money. If you do, you'll be able to retire but you wouldn't have lived! Spend your money, travel, buy fun things! DON'T save!"

After all this I eagerly carried his suitcases for him to the car, I figured it was the least I could do for this great man.

This is sappy, I know. This is sentimental, sure. I usually write about fucking and fisting and sex. But I also write about relationships. I really hope Homuyoon will still be around if I'm able to visit Iran next year.