My grandfather, my best friend

By Riley Saban

I would like to dedicate this article to my grandfather.

I call my grandfather Farty. He recently celebrated his 60th birthday.

Farty understands how important it is for me to have freedom and control over my life and I would like to thank him for giving me guidance.

I trust him with all of my heart.

With all the downs I have endured during my life, our shared sense of  humour makes everything okay.

Like the time when I  was a child in hospital and I had been in there for so long, I felt like I was in prison. I wanted to go home, so he joked about bailing me out of hospital. We had an escape plan in place. Our biggest obstacle was getting past my parents without them noticing that I had escaped, but it was too hard.

He said that he would help me to escape but only if I promised to return the favour one day.

I am so lucky to have him in my life and he is one of my best mates. He has always supported me physically and he has been my legs and arms at times so I can participate in every activity and sport.

We have lots of fun together and we both really like to play pool and I often play against him.  When it is my turn,  Farty becomes my hands and I direct him with my tongue. Initially it may look a bit weird to others who are watching, until they realise how I play and often more people join in. 

Everyone needs someone like  Farty in their life. Someone to  laugh with. Someone you can rely on. 

Someone you know that will always be there to support you. 

Someone to trust with your life.

Someone to call your best friend.