Sometimes in our lives we meet people who touch our hearts. Over time, these beautiful people become our friends, some of these friendships last and some don’t. But there is no denying that we connect better with some people than others.
I miss my Australian friends. The long term friends that we made living in Brisbane, my school friends that I still try to catch up with when I’m back home and the odd stand out in between where that connection has been undeniable and we have kept in touch despite time and distance.
It is very rare then, in my calculation, to encounter not just one, but a whole group of such people. The odds are even longer when I consider how short a time we have been in Dubai.
There have been several such examples recently.
The first was at Ilona’s 40th birthday celebrations at the Montgomerie late last month. In fact, Ilona’s actual birthday was late last year on a night when we were, coincidentally, out together at China Grill. It was the first night that many of us had met and she didn’t feel comfortable at the time disclosing the special occasion.
Tonight we celebrate as friends, many of whom I have known only a short amount of time. But these are women that I have much in common with. But these are women that I have much in common with. We are all mums with much more to offer than our ‘mum’ status. We look after our children, husbands and households during the day. Some of us work outside the house as well. We seek time for ourselves and personal connections that give our lives more meaning. These people do just that.
They meet us for coffee, listen to us complain about our lives or just inquire as to how we are. They care how our new job is going or how we’re coping when we have house guests. These are the ladies that offer support when you are sick or pick up your kids from school for you when your plans go awry.
Tonight we get to let our hair down a little and enjoy being ourselves. We order some platters of food, enjoy a few drinks and each others’ company.
A couple of weeks later, I meet my friends at Loui’s for a late (by my standards) dinner. Tonight there are only 5 of us. It’s more intimate and we have a chance to catch up at a deeper level. They don’t know everything about me. But they know enough. They know that I am emotional and vulnerable. I know that they are juggling many difficulties in their lives. We share our stories and provide each other with a shoulder to lean on.
These are the people that enrich our lives by making everyday better, just because they are in it. These ladies might not find 5 minutes for themselves in the course of a day but they will drop everything for you should you ask. And I know this is true without having had to ask.
The next night, I have been invited to a ladies night. It’s Tuesday and we’re heading to Lock Stock & Barrel at JBR. The night progresses in a similar way – we share some food, have a few drinks (whether these are cocktails are mocktails is an individual choice) and laugh together. The night ends with dancing before I am told that it’s home time because I have to work tomorrow. It is not all the same ladies but it is the same group of warm hearts and caring smiles.
I thank each and every one of you for sharing yourselves with me and each other. For who you are and how you protect and care for each other. For how you give of yourselves to those around you, without thought, just because it is who you are.
You are the ones that make this world a richer, more beautiful place. You know who you are.
Would I return?
I will return to these people. I hope they will return to me too.
Sonia, you have the kindest heart, most pure and genuine….
in love with every word you type and all the experiences you are sharing.
Thank you for being who you are.
Such warm words Sonia. It was a pleasure meeting you on Illonas Birthday and you eyes spoke volumes of how kind and a warm a person you are.. Hope to catch up soon with you all. xx