So Long, Sister Soul Mate

     

      Not many people come into your life making such a significant contribution it changes your life profoundly. Six months a met a woman named Moira who became that person for me. Our meeting took place as a result of training her in a unique software program required for her work environment.  An instant attraction developed quickening the normal course of developing a friendship. We are about the same age, from the Midwest, and have shared values. But it was more than that. Our connection ran deeper than just friendship-I distinctly feel I have known her my whole life.

      The concept of a female soul mate is not what a woman conjures up when using this term, unless one is a lesbian. Most women are conditioned to think of this as our heterosexual life partner. Haven’t we all had the ineffable experience of meeting a kindred spirit of our own sex who catapulted us into a phenomenal relationship beyond our comprehension?  

      Moira is a wise soul: a sculptor, a mother, a nurse, an educator, an oracle, a curandera, and a diplomat. She embodies traits I wish I had. Throughout her short stay as my colleague, she has endured lies, deceit, departmental skews, and political sophistry from her department that would cripple or craze most people. Her adroit handling of this reflects what a gracious, kind, and compassionate woman she is. One cannot help admire her courage and humor in navigating the pernicious bureaucratic leadership seeking to manipulate for their own political agendas. Being intuitively perceptive, she knew the long term implications of this would ultimately be too high a price to pay, inciting her to choose another option in another area far from here. It is a tremendous loss to all who know her but especially for me.      

     Outside of work we have shared our life stories, laughed at the ridiculousness of life, dissected our relationships with men, discussed the foundations of creativity, and dreamed of our futures. Though we did not spend much time together, we communicated so honestly there was no sense of space between us. Moira has an extraordinary gift for facilitating dialogue with meaning. I would walk away from our interactions more enlightened and inspired. Her empathy allows her to cut to the heart of the matter with restorative sustenance. Hands down, she is one of the most brilliant women I have ever had the good fortune to grace my life. I am grateful to the universe for this serendipitous intersection which has filled my soul with poignancy.

      Moira will be leaving in a few short weeks. This will not be the end. We will stay connected as female soul mates through electronic media. However, I will miss our walks, talks, and her presence in my daily life.