This one goes out to the day angel and the night angel.

 This thank you is long overdue, and in all honesty, I feel guilty—very guilty—for not having written it earlier.

Many years ago, I found myself in a similar situation, spending weeks in a mental health clinic. At every visiting hour, I would sit upright when I heard the doorbell buzz, my eyes scanning the sea of smiling faces. But no one I knew was among them. I felt lonely, abandoned, sad, and defeated—sitting there among the bustle, their laughter and chatter seemingly mocking my gloom. Every now and then, my eyes would meet those of a visitor, and I would bask briefly in the tenderness of their gaze.

If only I had known.

When I returned to the mental health clinic years later, things unfolded very differently. This time, the universe gifted me two angels—one by day, and one by night.

The day angel arrived in the unexpected form of my manager at work, James. For the sake of privacy, I’ll leave out his surname. Although perhaps “unexpected” isn’t quite the right word, because James has always taken exceptional care of his entire team, both in and out of the workplace. What I didn’t know—what came as such a welcome surprise—was just how instrumental he would become in my recovery and healing.

Beyond being my mentor and guide, James became a steady light during my darkest days. He stayed in constant contact with my wife, checking in regularly to see how I was doing. He reached out to our HR team, kept them informed, and even arranged for flowers to be sent to me—for my birthday and for “get well soon.” He made sure I received messages from my colleagues, and his reassurances were never merely formal or obligatory.

Even after I was discharged, he ensured I had the time and space I needed to recover before returning to work. And once I did return, he checked in on me every single day—just a quick message, just enough to make sure I was coping.

Looks can be deceiving. Anyone crossing paths with James might never suspect that this Viking of a man could be so gentle. (I had to get that pun in—sorry, James.)

Thank you, James. I raise my glass in your honour and look forward to spoiling you with a proper night out when you return to our country. I cannot thank you enough, and I am truly grateful that our paths crossed.

And then there is the night angel—my wife.

Quite literally, and despite her petite stature, she carried me through the entire ordeal. Although I am a writer, there are no words that can truly do your kindness justice.

You stood by me from the morning of my collapse. You fell asleep beside me while waiting patiently for results. You rushed home to collect my belongings, waited as I was checked in, and then returned—day after day—with fresh clothes, snacks, and necessities. The drive was long, yet you completed each journey with a brave smile.

You held your head high as you walked through those heavy corridors, your face soft and warm as you embraced me, whispering encouragement in my ear. You even pretended the gifts I made in art class were good—though I reserve the right to disagree.

Each day, you reached out to my employer, kept them informed, and responded to every request that came through my phone. On the day of my release, you arrived early, eager to bring your husband home. You hauled my suitcase to the car, chatting, bubbling, overwhelmed with joy.

You sped up my recovery in ways you may never fully understand. You adjusted our meals, ensuring the best nutrition. On the hottest days, you took my hand and led me outside for gentle walks, chatting away—your voice a merry whistle in my ears. You even turned the flowers into a surprise, flashing a radiant smile as you pressed the vibrant bouquet into my hands.

And yes—you seized the opportunity to improve my wardrobe. Naughty? Perhaps. Necessary? Maybe not. But I like the new look. I like the new me. And I love the husband who fell in love with you from the very first moment he saw you.

While this was the worst time of my life, it somehow became the best. For the first time, I truly know what it feels like to be myself—and that is thanks to you. And judging by the smiles of others, they seem to like me too.

Thank you, James.

 Thank you, Marna.

 For being my true angels—by day and by night.

 For being my truest friends.

With love,

Iwan