Suze

Could it really have been 10 years ago? I can still feel the warm hands of summer on my shoulders, as we sat on that bus marked 'University'.... laughing.

You, in a bright pink T-shirt, long blonde hair dripping like yellow sunlight. Me, in my trusty black tracksuit pants... I never did have much of a fashion sense. ;)

I dont remember exactly what we talked about that day... I think you said something about 'years of ballet dancing', and boyzIImen and concerns that your chemistry demonstrator was stalking you....

I just remember the smile in your words, and that soft unmistakeable light, I would come to know as 'Susan'.

I can see old steps in a green and brown library. Walking down and seeing you in the Hijab for the first time. I never did comment. It wasnt that i didnt realise how brave and beautiful what you were doing was... To follow your heart in the midst of a terrified world...It was because I knew that at that time, what you needed from me was not questions, or half-baked wisdom, but just someone to laugh with....

And we did. Every day.

I remember tears. Hearing of how you were vilified against. How 'friends' deserted. How small minded people can be.

I would ask "Suze, dont these people make you want to scream.... Want to rage?" and you would tell me softly, "Whats the use in cursing the darkness, when you're holding a candle".

Through the passing of the years so many things have changed... and yet from the sidelines we've been there, cheering for one another... Holding each other in the light.

I remember when I got the letter of entrance into medicine all those years ago.... Hearing you screaming.... screaming... on the answering machine when I got home....;)

Remember writing to you from Swaziland... telling you a thousand more stories when I returned...seeing your tears... Your willingness to help.

Your joy, when I told you I'd found my soulmate.

And as for you....

You're married now... To a wonderful, intelligent, compassionate human being.... With two gossamer winged angels for children...

It seems to me Suze, that you're on fire. As you work to break down these imaginary walls we build between human beings. As you work for womens rights, for the equality of all people, for the upliftment of humanity...

Just the thought of you, brings light streaming into the room.

Mother, wife, Lecturer, comedienne, freedom fighter.

You're an example to us all of what a human being can be.

And now as you enter this new, exciting stage of your life.... as you step out onto the national and world stage....

My heart swells with joy.... Knowing that your words, your experience, your sense of joy and laughter and exuberant life... is just what this tired world needs to hear... to try once again to turn 'the jangling dischords of injustice into a symphony of peace.'

My friend, thank you for being such a beautiful part of my life. For teaching me with your example. For lighting up the way.

You're not just holding a candle.

You are the light.

All my love,

Maithri

The first series of 'Salam cafe' airs on Wednesday 7th May 10pm on SBS, Australia wide, featuring Susan Carland and her husband Waleed Aly. And every week thereafter.

Watch. Laugh. Learn.