Friendship and Chai - it doesn't get better than this!
6 years ago I underwent the biggest fight in my life when I went through open heart surgery at the age of 32.
Recovery was the toughest thing I have ever experienced. I wondered why I had survived because I felt like it was not normal to be a human being and be alive and exist in so much physical pain.
The pain was indescribable. It just DID NOT STOP. Week after week after week.
It was physical pain at it's most relentless. My sternum was sawed open and my aortic valve replaced.
I couldn't lay down flat for weeks and I slept sitting up propped up with pillows (like being on a long haul flight night after night jet lagged and delirious with exhaustion)
It was tortuous. My pain medication didn't touch the surface and I would watch the clock crying waiting for the minutes to pass until I was given my next dose of morphine.
I hardly think of that time these days as my life is so far from that experience now.
But I will never, ever forget it.
One of the hardest things for me at that time was difficulty relating to others. I resonated least with those people who tried to 'cheer' me up or 'snap' me out of it.
I resonated most with those few rare people who could be with me exactly where I was - without trying to change how I felt. The people who allowed me to feel exactly what I was feeling as I was feeling it. I learnt my greatest lessons about grief, healing and recovery during this time and this has been a gift.
During my recovery I had a friend who used to come and see me every day. Every. Single. Day. Week after week.
Looking back now I have no idea how she managed this with two young children - but every day she would come - even when I told her it was not necessary.
She came even when I didn't answer her phone calls.
She came even when I was in the biggest negative mopey pain in the arse.
She came even when I had nothing to give.
Even when there was nothing to say.
She never stayed long - just enough time to give me a hug & deliver me something each visit.
Each and every time she would come she would bring my an Iced Chai Latte. Some days I was able to talk to her when she came - other days I would not - and she would leave it at my door while I was sleeping. I would wake up sometimes and there it was.
I love her for it and every time I drink an Iced Chai I think of this wonderful friend and the consistency of her friendship over this time.
May we all have a friend in our life who brings us Chai when the chips are down!
This recipe does not come close to the Chai she makes but I hope you enjoy it nevertheless.
Ingredients
Directions
Wizz all ingredients together for 50 seconds and enjoy with a straw or spoon!
Decorate with coconut and raw cocao nibs.
Ingredients
Directions
Wizz all ingredients together for 50 seconds and enjoy with a straw or spoon!
Decorate with coconut and raw cocao nibs.
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