People drift in and out of our lives, sometimes they touch our hearts even if they are only close to us for a very short time.
 
In South Africa it is fairly common to have a domestic worker. At first, it seemed strange to have someone doing my dishes and laundry, but in South Africa, with roughly 25% unemployed, it just makes sense. It frees up time to focus on work and other things while providing someone with a job. 
 

On the first day at our place in Johannesburg I awoke to a little knock on our bedroom door. Charlie sleepily said, 'come in'. In walked Salome with a huge smile on her face. This was the first time I met Salome. She brought in a tray of hot tea with a warm hello. I knew we would be friends, and not just because she was feeding my tea habit. I  slurped down my tea and walked down to the kitchen where Salome was busy making breakfast. The table was all set with fresh flowers from the garden. Charlie and I sat down to breakfast, enjoying every bite. Then Charlie scampered off to work and I got started working on admin from home. And this is how just about every morning started while in Johannesburg.


Salome and I became very close in a  very short time. We went to the shops together and shared stories along the way. She told me all about her family, her house (which is almost finished, it just needs a roof), and life in general. I used my time in South Africa to work on improving my business processes which meant a lot of computer time. When I was not out on an adventure I was working pretty hard, having Salome with me was a joy. Salome would try to distract me, 'Your eyes must be so tired. Stop looking at the computer. Here, look at this tea.' She would regularly tell me that I needed to move to Johannesburg and buy this house. 'You should live here.' she would tell me. Almost every day.


Salome. She is strong, kind and funny. She stood up for herself and her family when it mattered most. She has courage. She has built a life for herself and she is proud of what she has accomplished. She has a big family including a grandson on his way to becoming a doctor. The highlight of her month is when she gets to go home and see her family. Salome has been working for the same lady (the owner of the house we were staying) for almost 30 years. When Salome was just 23 she moved to Johannesburg and taught herself to speak Zulu, the fourth in her repertoire of languages.

When it came time to say goodbye to Salome I told her that I was leaving for Cape Town and I probably would not see her again before I leave for the United States. She said 'No! I will not eat all week. Do not tell me this.' The very last thing I remember her saying to me was, 'Oh no, my Baby is leaving.' It was true. I was leaving and she had touched my heart. 

I don't know if I will ever see Salome again, but I will never forget what she has taught me. No matter what life throws at you it is important to give it everything you have. Be strong. Enjoy life and greet every day with a smile (and a cup of tea). Sing while you work. Don't forget to take breaks. And most importantly, always show the people around you how much you care for them.