ANAM CARA

The waves are soft and frothy. Laced with gossamer frills tenderly kissing the tips of my toes covered with the grainy sand of the rugged seashore where I'm sitting, wistful. A gust of briny breeze tousles my hair as I gaze as far as my eyes can see.

A flock of terns wheel overhead, their sharp, shrill cries punctuating the air as they dive and swoop over the surfs. A lone frigate bird, its crimson belly dazzling like a jewel skims majestically above, its long, slender wings outstretched as it rides the thermals high above the ocean. I absorb the sights and sounds of the late afternoon while absentmindedly scooping seashells beside me.

As the afternoon phases, the furthest rim of the ocean is fringed in a gilded hem and the sleepy sun yawns, its dipping glow streaking the sky in a mellow tangerine and warm cherry.

As I continue sitting there, the ships and yachts appear --specks of light from the portholes glimmering in the distance, reminding me of the phrase “That ship has sailed.”

This is the same coast where a barbeque party was held on a long holiday weekend with my Anam Caras.

***

The Anam Cara(s) were plenty at every phase of my life. As each new chapter unfolded so did they, and was I blessed enough with an exclusive coterie at every crossroad and juncture!

Schools and colleges have always seen me with a close knit inner circle. And that had extended well past the academic years, into my workplaces and up to present day as well.

The late-night conversations, the silly jokes, and the moments of profound understanding–I recall the times we'd sat together around a table, oblivious to the world and its cares– savouring breakfasts, mugs of coffee, brisk walking through nature trails, exploring the city, shopping and celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, festivals and also welcoming into our fold the adorable cherubic additions into our families.

But most of all, I remember the pain we'd weathered together when the time had come to part ways. Sendoff parties were extremely heart rending.

Through it all, our Anam Cara bonds had remained unbroken. We'd clung to each other, our hearts beating as one, as we navigated all the twists and turns with our naiveté and only each other for support in our snugly woven clan.

Our pathways have been diverted since under unavoidable circumstances, work transfers, relocation, even migration to distant countries across the globe.

After a span of time, so did we, drift apart from each other. But not in spirit.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I think of those kindred spirits who've walked alongside me through life's joys and milestones. The Funsome Four…

The ones who've seen me at my worst and darkest hour still choose to stand by me. The ones who've laughed with me, cried with me, and explored deep conversations as time stood still for us.

They are the safe havens where I can be myself, without fear of judgment or rejection.

As dusk glides into a slumberous dance, I rise from the windswept beach, dusting my summer skirt and wriggling my feet free from the warm sand I had tucked them into. The ocean's melancholic whoosh echoes through my heart. The tides are rising and so is the pale moon.

I feel a strange pull towards a wisp of a memory—that of my Anam Caras. The Celtic phrase hums over a cool breeze: 'soul friend.'

As the sun makes a final dive into the ocean, painting the waves a rusty bronze, I feel a sense of gratitude for these sacred friendships that were within reach.

I had my very own real life ‘Wisteria Lane’ kind of community in Singapore playing out from the years 2001-2011. Then on to present day, there were many new and fresh faces to fit the label, so blessed am I.

As I walk backwards from the edge of the water with slow steps, the twilight bathes the shore in a dreamy heather. I sense the calm weight of those memories settle upon me, drenching me with the flashes of our happy times and our promises of forever.

My 'Funsome Four' Anam Caras may be scattered across the globe today, but in my heart, they remain forever close.

As the stars emerge and twinkle , I smile, knowing that my Anam Caras too are out there, shining brightly like beacons.

My familiar ground...

My anchors and sails that were part of every milestone in my odyssey...

A foghorn blares like a beast and a shrill squawk of the last seagull as it flutters inches over head are reprimands enough that the "ship hasn't sailed!"

In a very connected world we're never far away, never out of reach ❤️

I stretch my arms in gratitude to the Universe for giving me new Anam Caras today in different ways to replace the ones whose purpose, reason and season is to blossom somewhere else and shine their light in new ‘Wisteria Lanes’.