Connecting with Friends
Sharing Somosas and Stories
At one point in my life, I didn’t have time to socialize with family and friends which made me feel disconnected from my community. I went to the masjid to pray. A lady tapped my shoulder and gave me a cup of chai tea and samosa. We started talking. Weeks later, we started to attend Quran and Arabic classes at the masjid with other ladies. I listened to their stories. I was surprised by how similar their stories were to mine, we had the same problems. I belong to the aging Muslim population. The Chai and Samosa became symbolic and we would meet at people’s homes, sometimes parks, and driveways during the pandemic. Over chai and samosa, a plethora of our beautiful stories unfolded.
Girls Get Togethers
Before the pandemic, my friends and I would get together every weekend and do something small, whether that is going for coffee, a walk in the park, or having dinner. We get together, just the girls. We have to see each other to survive, that’s what it is.
My Fruit Platter
Friendships can play a significant role in one’s life especially when there is no immediate family around to give a sense of security. The presence of friends made me feel like I didn’t move, I didn’t lose my neighbors nor my relatives. These are friends for life, we do everything together. For instance, at gatherings you find us all coming together and pitching in, everyone brings a dish with them. On special occasions I am recognized for my fruit
