The day before yesterday, on the way back home from running an errand, I checked my post box and was delighted to find an envelope addressed to me. My heart filled with joy when I saw it was from my dear friend, Kaarina, whom I adore.
I ran up the stairs, memories of happy times stumbling over each other in my head as I was transported to a few months ago, when I had the privilege of meeting her in person.
I was eager to open the envelope. And when I did, my eyes filled up.
Soul connection!
Often, we connect with someone and a soul connection is born. We long to meet them. When they live in a far off country, it seems unlikely. It feels frustrating. We wish for a miracle to happen and in my case, it did. I swear the Universe conspired. Against all odds, we made that trip to Canada.
It was a very special trip for me. I was going to stay with my best friend of 35+ years for three weeks. As my luck would have it, two more close friends reside in that country. So I was looking forward to a fabulous time.
I got it.
Meeting Kaarina Dillabough is one of the best moments in my life. She is a warm generous person who is intuitively responsive and spontaneously friendly. She is a fabulous photographer and it is a delight to see her gorgeous pictures on Facebook.
Kaarina is a business strategist, motivational speaker, facilitator, trainer and personal/professional coach and mentor. She is a former Olympic coach with an important place in the history of Canadian Olympics – yes! … and helps people take action and achieve results. I love her tagline “Decide2Do” She shares her story here.
“I’m not interested in creating winners for a season: I’m interested in developing champions for life.” Kaarina Dillabough
We connected via her blog at the letter “O” of her series called An Alphabet of Business Questions and Tips. Of course I immediately wished we had met earlier…still! And after that, the fun times rolled. I loved the wrap up post of the series!
Much later, I wrote “Xenodochial” for the letter X in the April A to Z Challenge 2013
We continued to interact and I enjoyed it very much. To me, here was a strong, level headed person who walked the talk. As our trip took shape, I couldn’t wait to meet her.
And then we met.
We had a glorious time. It was a magical day that began with the most beautiful drive followed by lunch at a lovely restaurant, a tour of a mill turned into an art studio, a visit to her beautiful home, our very first sight of snow, a visit with her friend Mr. Allan Pace at the Farmhouse Pottery, who also runs Canoe North Adventures.
Then it was time to return home, but not without a promise of another meeting, which was a couple of days later.
Every time we think of her, we’re filled with a warm happy feeling, reminiscing about our time together. And the precious gifts she gave us. The best gift for me is the gift of her friendship!
No matter what I write, I realized I can never do justice to this post. My friendship with Kaarina is far more than that. All I can say is it is an honor to know her and I am blessed to have her in my life. We enjoy long emails to each other and feel a deep soul connection. I look forward to meeting her again!
Kaarina’s writing touches my heart and I always feel inspired by her words. Please, do read this post: Wishes for a simpler time. I promise it will resonate with you! Another post you’ll love is: What will you do when no one is looking?
Tell me – have you met an online friend in real life?
How did it feel?
(Linking up with UnknownMami for Sundays In My City – my favorite meme. I am grateful to Claudya for making world travel so easy!)
Merry Christmas, dear Ones!
22 comments
Sadly, I’ve had very few chances to meet online friends. I barely get to see offline friends these days :I
But it’s lovely watching friendships like this blossom and sustain across the ages.
Roshan R recently posted…My 5 gifts for my kids
Wow! It must be so awesome meeting virtual friends in real life. So happy for you that you found a friend for life in Kaarina! I have met just one online friend in real life and I was so glad that we met! 🙂
Shilpa Garg recently posted…A Blessing in Disguise.
Beautiful post Vidya… such a lovely bond you have…it comes across through your writing 🙂 very special… And she is an Olympic coach…wow!
I haven’t met any online friends till now…but it’s strange how deeply we connect with someone’s writings… You want to know them n meet them in person…I would love to meet so many of you…we will one day..I’m sure… 🙂
Aditi recently posted…‘You’
Vidya-
Heartwarming beyond words – I had goosebumps as I reading it. Profound soul connections are the foundation of a joyful and meaningful life. They sustain, nourish, and allow us to blossom. Thank you, thank you. A wonderful story for this holiday week. xxoo-Fran
Fran Sorin recently posted…How To Maintain Spiritual Wellness During The Holidays – Strategies From 7 Bloggers
Magic I love your story and I could feel the soul connection as i read.
Yes i have met online friends and the soul connection is magical- seems often closer ties for me that people I meet in real life-
love
Suziexx
Suzie Cheel recently posted…What To Do When The Radical Self-Love Angel Comes Knocking!
Awww Vidya, this is so sweet. How wonderful to have found such a special soul connection through the internet and how amazing that you were able to visit with one another. It’s a magical christmas story.
Elle recently posted…The Real Key To Being The Happiest Person You Know
You’re blessed to meet her in the flesh, Vidya! Friends, off or online, have to be cherished. Thanks for the reminder!
Michelle Liew recently posted…Yuletide Humanity
This is so beautiful, Vidya. As I mentioned to you, Kaarina has such a peaceful face, and I can understand how she would be so loving and giving (like you!).
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…All I Want For Christmas
Magical.
Josh recently posted…Ghostwriting And Bar Mitzvah Speeches
Kaarina and you are both lucky!
I have not yet met any online friends. I certainly look forward to the experience!
Proactive Indian recently posted…AAP’s broom will clean up Delhi, but only if …
Indeed, Pro. I’ve also met several others and feel blessed. I am looking forward to meet one particular connection over Irish coffee.
Thank you for commenting!
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Write Tribe Anthology Book 1
Congrats on your soul connection!
> champions for life
Beautiful words of wisdom.
It’s just what the world needs more of.
J.D. Meier recently posted…21 Ways to Get Into the Holiday Spirit
Thank you for your presence, JD! Kaarina touches my heart in a way very few people have. One of those people is you! 🙂
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Write Tribe Anthology Book 1
Merry Christmas to you, Vidya! What a wonderful post, I fondly remember the alphabet series at Kaarina’s and your great contributions to it. This is how we have met and did we all have a good time, trying to come up with something new and funny for each letter. Too bad there are not more letters to the alphabet!
It is sheer magic when we meet somebody and there is this instant soul connection. And I know one day I will travel to India again and then I will walk across the courtyard to see you!
May you have a happy 2014 and many filled happy jars!
Barbara recently posted…Aniseed Cookies: Part Two
Ah Barbara! Perhaps another alphabet series on a different theme? What fun it will be!
Magic is the right word! I promise you that when you take the first step, you’ll see me with my arms open to squish you in a bear hug!
May 2014 be everything you want! Love you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Write Tribe Anthology Book 1
Bear hugs right back at you, my dear friend! Your sweet words have put a huge grin on my face and warmed my heart – feels extraordinary.
Barbara recently posted…Aniseed Cookies: Part Two
What a lovely tribute to a so-deserving woman who is always generous to everyone she meets, Vidya. You are so fortunate to have been able to hug in person with Kaarina!
Jayme Soulati recently posted…The Happy Friday Series: How Is Happiness?
One of the best moments of my life, Jayme! A dream come true to be able to meet someone I adore. Ah, warm hugs. I am so glad you dropped by! 🙂
Life is good. I am so happy you got to spend time in your friend’s physical presence.
Claudya recently posted…Sea Bowl (Sundays In My City)
Thank you so much Vidya: words cannot express my deep thanks and my gratitude for our friendship and your more-than-kind words. I blush, but am so very honoured. And to all who’ve dropped by and commented: I wish for you the kind of friendships that not only endure, but grow stronger, despite time and distance. To everyone I wish a magical, marvellous, Happy New Year. Cheers! Kaarina
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted…Wishes for a Simpler Time
Thank you for sharing your experience, I’ve been very lucky to have stumbled across Kaarina’s blog, there are certain people where you can just feel the warmth, passion and sincere love for people when you reads the words they write and she is one of them.
Ed King recently posted…Snowy owls in New England – Another beautiful sighting in Westport, MA
[…] cannot say enough about Kaarina. Besides the honor of connecting with her virtually, I also had the greatest pleasure of meeting […]