I remember that first time we had tea together and we talked and talked as our daughters played. It was so easy for me to tell you that I had been recently separated and all the hard things around it. You have such a peace and warmth about you. You listened and asked so respectfully. I never gave away anything in those early days but with you I could open up so easily.
You were my safe place.
Saturday night we celebrated your birthday and I was thinking about how important this safe place is always for all of us. It is obvious to say we need it when things are hard but a safe place makes even smooth sailing a comfort. It can help us fly higher when times are good or take us in when things are unbearable.
A safe place has absence of malice and gossip. There is no search for the headline, no need to make the individual feel better at the cost of your own misery. A safe place can be where we can put our fears and our hopes. It is a place to run to, a place to hide, at times, a place that is so good to us we find we can return to the hardship ready and strong. Safe place is confident and peaceful. It is human with no delusions about one’s own life and the struggle we all have. They listen with wise ears and perspective.
Happy Birthday, safe place.