Emma and Stal were 20 when they met. Outside of a bus stop, whilst in the company of a group of women, he took notice and left them to approach her and ask her for her name. He seemed like a player so she denied him a date, leaving him to spend the rest of the week asking those he knew for any information on his mystery crush. He’d bring flowers to her work every single day until he landed a chance. In hospital he showed me his journal entry from their very first date, he journaled the entirety of their 65 years together, from the years he’d receive daily letters from her while in the army, to the times of the day she would eat, nap, smile, during her final months in hospital. I used to feel sorry for myself. I used to think I was raised without ever seeing an example of an honest, lasting love. The coldest summer of my life brought the warmest realization. The most selfless, unwavering love was in front of me this whole time. A love that nurtured me, always protected me. Through years ingrained all within me that’s good. The type of love that reminds you why life is worth living. I have been so, so lucky.
Last night my camel Ginger and I had a nap under the stars about 50 kilometers from the Pakistan border. At sunrise I drank chai while she munched on oats.
