In this retrospective time, as one year ends and we are on the brink of a new year beginning, you start to think about yourself, what kind of person you have been, what kind of person you want to be. Who have stuck by you in the last year, who you have stuck by and then I began to wonder if I was truly a good friend. I know I can be terrible at communication and keeping in touch but I realised that at crunch time, I can actually be of some use. I have to say there are moments in life where God gives you a chance to prove to someone, that you will be there for them no matter what. And here was my chance.
My old flatmate Wendy, and best friend in Wales kindly invited me over to her place in Llanidloes in mid-Wales, with her and her mum for Christmas celebrations. However, this was plan was hindered by the passing away of Wendy's mother in the weeks before Christmas. This was an exceedingly sad time, and as soon as I found out, I went to help Wendy. I took a couple of days off work and went with Wendy to Llanidloes, cheered her up in whatever way I could, helped her pack her mother's things, cooked for her to make sure that she ate well. I hoped I was a good a friend to her as she has been for me in the past year.
Death is always a difficult and awkward time, and some people run away from it, because one may not know what to say, what to do in those kind of situations, and I actually have never been for a funeral before in my entire life. Yet, Wendy is such a good friend and at this moment in time she had no one to organise everything, but herself. I admire her vigour, and strong-will as I don't know anyone who could organise this entire funeral and her family, pack up her mother's house and organise her Christmas in a month. It being a difficult time, I know it was emotional for Wendy, but kudos to her for being so strong through it all.
Wendy gave me the opportunity to speak at the funeral, she had asked me to read a poem out for her, as she said she couldn't handle talking at the funeral. So I read the poem out and said a couple of words of thanks to Wendy and her mum for, well, looking after this little Indian girl. It was insanely emotional as soon as I saw Wendy blubbing in the front, when I got to the lectern, I started crying myself. I did get feedback in the end, as I apologised to everyone for crying in a room full of strangers, but everyone said that they were fine till I started talking and which seemed to have triggered off everyone's water works.
Well, lastly I would like to thank Wendy and her mum, for being there for me - her mum who called Wendy all the time and if she wasn't in, I would chat to her for a couple of hours. Even from Llanidloes she would check up on us. And I am sure Katrina (Wendy's mum) would be so proud of the strong, intelligent and beautiful woman Wendy has become.
I cannot wait till Wendy comes to visit me in India.
