Running Circles Around Life

Today you’ll close this gate; you’ve gone full circle with your journey here. You arrived as a beautiful, sexy, vivacious Englishwoman 38 years ago. Choices have never been yours to make; circumstances dictated your every move. “She took a step and didn't want to take any more, but she did.” 

― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

No one knows your mind; no one can walk in your shoes, yet our hearts are sad. I feel a fist closing around my throat and another clenching my heart when I think of you, but I have no idea what you’re going through. Our helplessness suffocates us too.

You spoke your mind, voiced your opinion, and never took no for an answer. You’re strong and brave.   Like a tree, you wound your roots around your rock and grew ferociously, protecting your saplings. In the relentless wind, your branches grew; your bark was stripped repeatedly, but your resilience, impulsiveness, strength, and sheer guts healed you, and you grew and flourished way beyond everyone's expectations.

We can patronise, read quotes, pray, and give advice; none will suffice, and none can be taken seriously, as only you can wear your shoes, tie the knots, and walk on. My wish is that your new road will be smooth, that your legs will remain strong, that the world will treat you kindly, and that your heart will heal.

You are water; you are the sun, the moon, and the world to your children, your family, and your friends. You’re our rock when we hurt, and when we’re lost, we turn to you. In your weird and wonderful, taking no shit way, you carry us like water and make us strong. You’re a faithful friend, albeit impatient, quirky and forthright.

This missive will infuriate you, but you won't read it to the end anyway, and I won't say all the nice things I’d like to; I’ll have to wait for that!   I’m one of the lucky ones; my path and yours will intersect in days and months to come. My wish is that yours will be straight, smooth, adventurous, exciting, and long.  This is my way of saying goodbye. I'll miss you in the village, at the drinks club, and at the book club. I'll miss seeing you for lunches and sundowners.  I'll miss you on Church Street and seeing you in Woolworths.  We're lucky, though, we can still do Namaqualand, Tofo, Knysna, Kirstenbosch Gardens, the beach, lunch, dinner, and chat.

Thanks for being my friend, for your unwavering support when I needed strength, and for your loyalty, kindness, and patience during my darkest days. You saved me and kept me afloat when my heart was broken, and sorrow blinded me.

I hear you laugh; you do that so well. It comes from deep inside of you- something irrepressible. It’s who you are. I know you’ll never lose your ability to laugh at yourself and at life. May every smile, giggle, or laugh give you the hope you deserve and fill you with joy.

Time and again you’ve surpassed God’s expectations; you certainly give Him a run for His money.   I salute you; you’re an amazing woman. “Some things scratch the surface while others strike at your soul.” Gianna Perada.  You strike my soul. As someone once said, "Here's to you, kid, Cheers!"

I need to get ready for lunch. A fab friend once said, "You may be late, Maricha, as long as you always look pretty!" 

---oOo---

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--oOo---

Jos has lived in Hermanus for more than a decade now; she’s made many wonderful friends; she has a life that few are destined for; she’s busy; she’s applied her mind and learned new tricks. She’s fun to be around, entertaining her friends with her good humour, food and support. She never complains. Her home, pottery, bridge days, friends, family, neighbours, and acquaintances are everything.

I forgot to call her on her birthday this year and only got around to it a fortnight later. She was fine with it.