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Anam Cara
by Gayla Templeton

As we grow older, we cherish our friends more and more. And we also realize how few stay friends for life. Although we swore to be friends forever with all our high school chums, most of us can think of only one or two special people who fit the description of a friend for life. No matter how many miles separate us, or how long it has been since we have seen one another, when we are together, it is as if we have never parted. We can take up a conversation right where we were when we parted and within minutes are laughing again about something so funny the rest of the world will never get the joke.

The Irish have a phrase that describes that kind of friendship. Anam Cara in Gaelic means Soul Friend. It is believed that we are kindred spirits who have known and loved one another before time began. The Irish believe our souls form an aura, or halo around us. Our souls literally ebb and flow through time, coming together with recognition each time we meet. Once our souls are joined we will always recognize one another.

I have been fortunate enough to have two Anam Cara in my life and not surprisingly, both Irish. Even the patterns of our lives have been so similar that we enjoy the same music, have similar religious convictions and married the same kind of person.

When my friend Katheleen was taken at thirty seven by breast cancer, I didn't think I would ever find another friend that I would feel such a kinship with. It did take several years but then I realized a friend who had drifted in and out of my life was really an Anam Cara. She is the kind of friend that will always know what I mean when I can't get the words right, show up just when I need a shoulder to cry on and tell me when I am letting my life get out of balance.

I believe husbands and lovers can be Anam Cara but unfortunately, some are not. Perhaps we didn't wait for our soul friend to come to us. We actually need that special person to make our own soul complete. The Irish believe each of us has a soul friend but you may have to slow down and let your souls reconnect.

Everyone needs a good Irish blessing and mine is that your Anam Cara will walk with you today.

'Gather friends like flowers for they are an enchanting garden of magic and wonder.'


Images: Special Place by Gail Goodwin from All Posters and Prints.

Gayla says up above that husbands can be Anam Cara. I can't say what Bridget thought but I know she was my Anam Cara and, of course, I hope she believed I was hers. If it's a sign, we often laughed hard enough to cry at things that no one else would have understood.
—Russ