A Letter to Anna

Dear Anna,

As I sit by the beach in Sri Lanka, listening to the waves crashing against the shore, I find myself reminiscing about our walks together. The conversations we had—about life, dreams, acceptance, and growth—still echo in my heart. Every time I think of you, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. You are not just a friend; you are a mentor who has helped me navigate my journey in a foreign land, teaching me to see the world with a broader perspective and an open heart.

Our paths first crossed thanks to your brother, Tony. At the time, my husband and I had just moved to Christchurch. We were still adjusting to our new life, and my husband's business was struggling to take off. He had spent all his savings on newspaper ads to promote his earthquake loss assessment services, hoping to help homeowners file claims with their insurers after the devastating earthquake. But reality was far tougher than we had imagined. The insurance companies remained unresponsive, the government’s EQC department showed no progress, and homeowners were left waiting, uncertain of when or if they would receive any compensation. Those six months were filled with anxiety and doubt, yet we held on.

Then one day, Tony rang the doorbell of our humble apartment. He was looking for advice on how to negotiate insurance claims for his properties, and that simple encounter opened a new chapter in our lives. Not only did he become my husband’s first client, but he also introduced us to you—a highly respected property investor in the city. What started as a business connection soon turned into a friendship, and from there, you became one of the most influential people in my life.

You saw beyond our professional skills—you recognised our hard work, sincerity, and determination. You introduced us to your network, giving us the opportunity to establish ourselves in a new country. But more than that, you taught me invaluable lessons about life.

I still remember you sharing your childhood story with me. As the daughter of Dutch immigrants in New Zealand, you grew up bringing cheese and yoghurt to school, only to be ridiculed by the local kids. They sneered at your lunch and made you feel different. But you laughed it off and said to me, “Discrimination isn’t about skin colour—even white people discriminate against other white people. Ignorance and arrogance are the real barriers.” That conversation stayed with me. You reminded me not to waste energy worrying about other people’s judgments, but instead to focus on becoming more open-minded, humble, and knowledgeable.

You are one of the wisest and most down-to-earth people I have ever met. You are a successful investor with significant wealth, yet you take great delight in bargain-hunting at second-hand stores. I still remember how excited you were when you found a brand-name pair of shoes for just $3, or a designer dress for $10. While you take joy in being frugal, when it comes to life experiences, you are incredibly generous—you travel to Africa for a month, cruise to Antarctica, and spend Christmas on luxury trips with your family. You once told me, “I want to live without regrets. I want to tick off everything on my bucket list—not grand ambitions, just things that are within my reach and make me happy.” And you believe that every accomplishment, no matter how small, deserves to be celebrated—because that sense of achievement fuels the motivation to keep going.

Beyond your personal success, you dedicate yourself to philanthropy. You founded a charity to support orphaned children, giving them hope and a future. As a board member of Christchurch’s Zonta organisation, you lead an all-female dragon boat team, empowering women through sports. Every action you take carries impact and meaning, and through you, I have learned what it truly means to give.

One of the things I am most grateful for is how much you have encouraged my writing. During our walks, you would listen intently to my stories and then say with conviction, “You need to write all of this down—the world needs to hear your voice.” Your belief in me gave me the confidence to keep going, even when I doubted myself.

You have a deep love for the arts—musicals, theatre, and cultural performances. You don’t just enjoy them yourself; you make sure that elderly people in your community have the chance to experience them too. Whenever you find a show with the right theme, time, and location, you arrange tickets and transport for seniors to attend. You even shared these ideas with me, knowing that the residents at my aged care home would love them too. You understood that I wasn’t as familiar with British and American cultural history, and through your suggestions, you were quietly teaching me how to better serve the elderly.

When you started collecting art, you didn’t just keep it to yourself—you took me along to auctions, introducing me to the world of art sales. You invited us to exhibition openings, broadening my perspective and giving me insights I never would have gained on my own.

Our friendship has now extended beyond Christchurch—we have become family. You and your husband have stayed at our holiday home in Italy, and one day, we will welcome you to Sri Lanka. You’ve never been here before, but after hearing my stories, you’ve added it to your bucket list. I can’t wait for the day when you finally come, so I can show you all the beautiful places I now call home.

But perhaps the greatest testament to our bond is the trust you placed in me when you decided to move your 94-year-old father into the aged care home where I worked. It meant so much to me that you believed in the care we provided, and it reaffirmed the values we both share.

Anna, thank you for being part of my life. You have been a guiding light, helping me find my place in a new country, teaching me to see the world from a broader perspective, and showing me that kindness and generosity are the greatest forms of love. This letter is not just a message of gratitude—it is a reflection of all the invaluable lessons I have learned from you.

I hope you continue to live with the same energy and passion, exploring the world and inspiring others with your wisdom and kindness.

With deep appreciation,
Mei (梅 - Plum Blossom)

-To Be Continued EP016-