Stems support the blooming flower!

I am truly enjoying this journey of taking time to honor women who have and some are still playing a role in my life. Going back to the name of my personal website, just a reminder that the name ‘Imbali’ means flower or blossom and I have chosen this to be the theme of my life stories. More stories and journeys will be shared on this website, there are many women who have contributed to where I am today and I would say they are the different flowers that make this life- Cecilia- the beauty she is. As I have been thinking of who to write on today, I thought of my friend Alicia Wilson.

I met Alicia a few years ago here in Greece because she had come to work with an organization and our paths crossed at a meeting where we were trying to figure out if there was a possibility to collaborate with the organization she was with, which focused on Refugees. Well, we ended up not working together with the organization but our brief meeting led to a friendship that has continued to this day even years after she returned home.

When I think of Alicia, I think of the stem of a flower and here is what I found out about a stem; “Stems connect the roots to the leaves, helping to transport water, minerals, and sugars to different parts of the plant.”

Alicia does not communicate much but she has been a stem in my bouquet. Through her friendship, financial partnership and generosity of spirit I am here because she cares enough to stand with me in her gentle and quiet way. I remember after getting to know her a bit and then she had to go back home to the USA that she left me her car which was the first car I ever owned. I was shocked but blessed because that car helped me go places and do what I am called to do freely.

So Alicia, I pray that you will get to read this blog and be blessed because all these years through thick and thin you have been a support and have truly enabled me to do what I do.

Thank you and I love you.