Well, they say time don' pass back home while y'here... so y'won't miss a minute a' time with y'uncle, at least.

[Trying to consider the positives.

His eyes soften in thought.]

M'dad was a good guy... honest an' hard workin'. Really wanted me t'do well in school so I could one day run my own business or be my own boss, an' so people could respect me, y'know? He'd also tell me things like, hey, somebody's always got it worse so be thankful for what y'got. Stuff ain't gonna fall in y'lap either 'less y'real lucky, but that don' happen t'many people. If y'want somethin' y'gotta earn it. Stuff like that.

[He decides to omit the detail of his father not approving of his intentions to take up boxing.]