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| Olinda's irises |
I met her quite by chance in 2008. An attractive angel with a most alluring and magnetic pull. Fate meant us to sit next to each other that day and slowly our words bloomed into a friendship. She was so easy to talk to and our conversation danced with the ideas of each others philosophies on life. We had so much in common. Her gentle spirit touched me, and when we parted I did so with a smile in my heart.
I did not know that soon she would be my guardian, my mentor and my champion as I took on an overwhelming community project with my husband. At times when I felt disheartened during fundraising, or burdened with the sheer size of the project, my phone would ring.
It was my Angel on earth calling to reassure me and to prop up my confidence She never wavered in her conviction that I would be the master of my task.
In a world where ego rules, my charming friend and anchor was so humble that even I was not aware of her many achievements and highlights as a journalist. She was so creative and passionate about any project she undertook, that the only out come would be success and at its finest.
Her big heart gave her the capacity and strength to live with her parents and take care of her aging father and mother. Her dad needed much care as he aged and she was his anchor. As my father went through his failing health and geriatric issues, my phone would ring and an angelic voice would hold me up . She never sugar coated her advice, it was always straight up and accurate. I never ever felt hurt by her observations and guidance, instead I felt respected and loved. Only a true friend can tell you what you need to hear.
She soon became a part of my family, loving my husband and my children as her own. She insisted we spend time at her sister's "cottage' and that my children and dogs come with us (without their boyfriends/girlfriends). I will always treasure that weekend we spent...chatting till the wee hours of the morning, laughing together with my husband and children in tow. It was an amazing time, and my family soon became enveloped in her cocoon of love. Over that weekend she pulled out an iris tuber from her sisters garden and gave it to me. I planted it in my front garden and affectionately called it Olinda's Irises. They bloom every spring.
In 2014 when my son got married I could not imagine my friend not being there. She was so excited for us.
I truly believe in soul mates. Olinda was destined to cross my path, light up my life and play a significant role in my personal growth and understanding of humanity. I felt empty and sad when I heard of her passing on in January 2016. My dad was in hospital at that time, but I found comfort in believing that Olinda was in a peaceful place. Her great spirit of love and understanding can only transform her to an angel in a different space and time.
I love you Olinda. I was not alone in loving you, but you made me feel like I was the only one that mattered every time we engaged. You were always a free spirit, and now your spirit is free. May you continue to be loved in your new journey.....
