Matti Helelä : From Calvary to Gambrini

This is a true story of my journey from Calvary to Gambrini, as I remember it from the 1970s and 1980s.

Because I was bullied at school and I often felt very lonely, I needed an imaginary friend. At the age of fifteen, I publicly confessed my faith. I had found the suffering and bleeding Christ crucified on the hill of Calvary. He loved me and managed to save me from my loneliness. I made new dear friends, and life was more exciting. Faith guided my choices in life.

From Calvary, I traveled a long way to Gay Gambrini. I opened its door at the age of 31. For sixteen years, I had denied myself and carried my cross. Now, being myself, I started a new life. I found a new kind of love, and many of my friends changed. What should I think about religion now?

From the reader: "Vivid text and relentless humor. A ruthlessly honest investigation on searching and finding oneself. Never bitter, but, even when criticizing, with a gentle twinkle in the eye. An in-depth and touching journey of life. Thank you for the honor of having been able to take part in your journey and now being included in this story."

Retired business educator
Writer and translator
A guy with a good heart
A man quite nice and smart
I wish I could sing
But that's not my thing
But when I write
I feel it's right