So exactly a week ago i received
an unexpected “What’s App” message from someone who reminded me to “Enjoy the holidays”. At the time, i was like “Yeah
right, what’s there to enjoy about working a 16hr day on the 25th of
December 2012?” I must admit that in the days leading up to Christmas my
“Holiday Cheer” was non-existent.
However, this Christmas turned
out to be symphony that was penned in heaven itself. We had the privilege of
hosting some really good family friends; the Chibotas. My dad and uncle Ken are
a testimony of a friendship that has stood the test of time. These two
remarkable men have been friends since the mid-sixties when then met in Form 1.
That’s a friendship that has spanned some 40-something years. It’s a friendship
that i would say was forged in heaven, as it has grown and remained relevant in
all this time. What is especially amazing to me is that it has been transferred
to their wives, as well as to us their children (six in total between them,
three girls, three boys). This Christmas it was the parents & the three
girls as the boys are all over-seas. It was a time reminiscent of Christmases
spent together when we were younger (1990 in Harare & 1996 in Nyanga stand
out the most). It was a blessed time of sharing, eating and praying together.
The Chibotas were in Swaziland
for seven days, but i only managed to spend three days with them. We had an
especially special time together in those three days. Amazing how now that
we’re all grown-up our relationships as friends have also grown. Even the way
we relate to our parents has been dynamically transformed. It was interesting
to watch soccer (Boxing Day) and “talk shop” with the dads. Uncle Ken was
especially interested in my work, the details of my job and my career in
general, (he runs his own company in Zim). Then there were the serious heart to
hearts with the “sisters”, coupled with a few “pretty pink drinks” and giggles.
I had the privilege of getting to know my little sister Runyararo (she’s the
youngest of all six kids), who has grown into a beautiful and accomplished
young woman . I had last seen her when she was in Form 4 (16yrs old). Now she
is 23 yrs old and a recent UCT Graduate. Wow, i truly enjoyed her company and
crazy antics (i blame it on the 4th Street “Wine Drink”). We’ve
since made plans for me to visit her in Cape Town sometime in April; can’t
wait! J And
how can i forget the special conversation on Sunday (23rd) afternoon
with the moms who decided to impart some wisdom on what it means to be “good
and godly wife” (for the record I was ambushed into this conversation). Both my
mom and auntie Jen are marriage counsellors and decided they should share some
horror stories of young marriages ending up on the rocks. These cautionary
tales were meant to highlight the common pitfalls of “African (or should i say
Shona) Marriages in the 21st Century” so that as their daughters we can
hopefully avoid them. Heavy for a Sunday afternoon; but a blessing nonetheless.
Interesting though; since all 3 of us (the girls) are currently single – maybe
they were being prophetic...lol.
Friday the 28th of
December was the second instalment of our “Post-Xmas” Xmas Dinner with my girlfriends.
What a night! Copious amounts of really, really good food (from start to
finish). The dish of the night (for me at least) had to be my sister’s
“Chilli-Cheese-Garlic Bread”. Loyce who was the self-appointed DJ was spinning
Old-Skool tracks like “Weekend Special” by Brenda Fassie. I was amazed that we
all knew the lyrics, (which we probably committed to memory back in the mid-90s
when we were children watching “Mbvenge Mbvenge” on ZBC in Zim). Prisca was the
camera lady, video/photo she had them all covered. Vimbai became the
“Dance-master” whilst Prim and I provided some comedy relief. The night was
fun, as much fun as five women who’ve had a tough year and want to cut loose
can get up to... This is a new tradition that i hope we can keep going for as
long we’re all in the same postal code. It was a celebration of life and
friends; a memorable night.
So, i guess i did enjoy the holidays (thoroughly). I
was working every single one of these days, but i somehow managed to find a “balance”, and actually celebrate
this season with those that are nearest and dearest to me. As 2012 is about to give way to 2013, i can
say that Christmas 2012 has been the “cherry on top” of an interesting year.
What memories to end off with!
