One day, many years ago, when I was in my late teens, I wanted to go into town with my cousin, who was on holiday, and staying with our family. She was taking her cool time and I was fretting; the day was fast disappearing, but she was our guest. I could not put any pressure on her, because it would have been discourteous. Morning turned into early afternoon, and she was still not ready, though I was.

Suddenly, my brother called up to me from downstairs that he had brought home a surprise to show me. I rolled my eyes, thinking it was another hamster, or snake, or pet something. He was very kind hearted, and adopted every waif and stray.

Reluctantly, I peered over the bannister, to see my brother grinning, from ear to ear, and pointing out the specimen; and what a specimen it was! I had never seen a more handsome fellow: tall, bronzed, long legged and as handsome as a Greek god. I knew I was looking at my husband, because I had already ‘designed’ him, in my head, and prayed he would arrive soon. Thankfully, he felt the same, and remembered me from early school days.

We married a few years later. Had my cousin not delayed me, I might never have met this handsome suitor. There’s often a silver lining to many a cloud, and delays can often fulfil a better purpose.