Tears to Cheers

A lot of information was divulged but I feel neither embarrassment nor paranoia; instead every time I think of her,my jaw muscles move into an involuntarily smile. I love her and have no manly pride in hugging her the minute I see her or smell the scent of the woman.

I next catch a train to Philly to meet my childhood friend Pia. I have a little over 12 hours with her and our mission is to make the most of it. As much as I was looking forward to seeing her and her wonderful family,I must admit I’ve gone soft. I was literally sobbing at the thought of leaving behind my twins with my mother in the city. It was in fact a stranger,a woman,a mother who eventually managed to reassure me and help me regain my composure. I realised colour and creed made no difference in the unspoken bond women share.

Pia more than took care of me,and this time on the train back I had tears of joy. Back in New York,I’m lucky to have a sister-in-law who is more like a younger sister. Having recently had a baby,I more than understand the anxiety and odd hours. Yet Punita takes time off to roam on 9th and 14th endlessly indulging me, refusing to let me leave without buying the Dolce shirt dress I really shouldn’t be buying,even as I clap with triumph at finding her the Miu Miu shoes she’s been searching for. I encourage her to spend her husband’s (my brother’s) money with wild abandonment and she does the same.

We can barely contain our excitement as we jump on the 6 train uptown. I recognise I can be a liability,yet she entertains me night after night never allowing me to feel obliged to her.

I then headed off to Cabo San Lucas for one of my favourite nephew’s wedding (his brother being the other favourite),I looked forward to the fun and frolic all destination weddings promise. Never did I imagine I would meet two incredible women who would humble me the way they did. Jitka and Mervell,sisters-in-law too,yet again like sisters. This is obvious not just to themselves but to their families,friends and husbands. Both alpha males readily attribute their achievements and pizzazz to these two wonderful women. And let me tell you these men are pretty amazing too. Jitka and Mervell may never know the impact,or rather the magnitude of meeting them,but my bonding (and my hips don’t lie) to has been life altering.

Now don’t ever get me wrong. I love my guy friends and I’m no feminist. This is just a small tribute to Venus; thank god I’m not from Mars.