meet diego. we met in high school and he continues to be one of the most vibrant, authentic people that i know. i hadn't seen him in over 10 years, i'm happy to see he hasn't changed a wink. he told me that he loved chicken so i made him roasted chicken and potatoes. when i put his plate in front of him, he quietly said, "but jenEka, how will i cut my potatoes?" i quickly cut his food for him to which he replied, "oh, jenEka, you are my KINDEST friend."

and i cried.

having him in our home for an evening brought me to tears several times, overwhelmed by his complete and total goodness. i can't express in words the type of wonderful human he is. you just have to experience him.
in his own words, diego is: "I am Diego Soares - the Mentally , Autistic Brazilian-Born young man from Recife - Brazil , and my 1st Language isPortuguese . i came here to U.S.A. on March 31st - 1997to live here in U.S.A. and i learned the 2nd Language isEnglish . i went to my old American schools like "Dan W. Peterson " and "Orem High School" , i moved here when i was 18-years-old , actually . i had my vision optical on my left eye was operated because i am kind of blind , of course . then i moved here in S.L.C. and i went to "Highland High School" and i graduated in 2000 for 10 years . then , i went to Art School in 2003 for 5 years and i was registered when i was 25 , and the Government was found a new Art School for me because i was getting ready to start learning about Arts because i am a good Student who goes to Art School every day ,too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a Bilingual person who speaks 2 Languages are Portuguese (Brazilian Accent)and English (American Accent) , of course . i speak bothof them very much !!!!!!!!!!!! I am a International Student and Artist who goes to Art School ( C.L.A.S.S ) every Tuesday & Wednesday nights at 5 - 6pm and 6 - 8pm for 2 days a week , i take the UTA Bus to school every day , too . i am a kind of Fashion Designer who designs clothes - includes patterned pieces so i can give it to everyone as a Gift likea Present , of course !!!!!!!!!!!!!! i always love to talk very much because i have my own communication skills and i always love to stay in touch with the people like Friends in the whole world !!!!!!!!!!! this is my Religion and i always believe in Religion sometimes , of course ."

and of course, if you're friends with diego, you get lovely pictures in the mail, greek mythological creatures with flowers on their arms, of course.

and there's always plenty of dancing to be had.

in the words of my dear nina, i collect good people.