Can Divit : "Erkenci Kus"/Early Bird

Can Divit, March 2022: "Compass, Sails & Anchor"

It's hustling and bustling at the Malé International Airport, the access point to the islands of Maldives.  I've been in the airport lounge for a couple of hours, had a shower.... my first hot shower in almost a month.  But hey, bathing in the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean is one of the perks of being here!

As I wait for my flight to Istanbul to be called, I reflect back on the last few days.... and years of my life!
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I've been island hopping in the Maldives, been here almost a month,  with spectacular views, reef diving and camping on the beaches of the Indian Ocean. I came here to do photography and PR work for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Owing to the rising water levels, the islands are sinking; so we're  building environmental awareness & attending to the flocks of families leaving to seek refuge. I'm also working with the Turkish government with the transition and settlement of fisherman from the Maldives.

Man, has it been only 10 days since I last saw her? She was just here... flew in to spend a few days with me, feels like a lifetime ago! I had chartered a boat to a remote uninhabited island and we spent the most spectacular, sensual and spiritual time celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary. It's our style of reconnecting with each other, exploring the island, swimming and snorkeling, camping on the beach, campfire and barbecue, drinking mulled wine... and making love on the beach!

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The marketing agency is in the capable hands of the tenacious & wonderful women in my life.   Sanem & Deren are Co-creative Directors, Leyla is the Financial Controller, Guliz is Operations Director.... and we are the most successful we've ever been! In addition, Ceycey manages PR & Metin does legal work, with Emre and me being heads of the company in name only. I'm just Sanem's date and arm-candy!

For all the horror stories I've heard and seen about being married, I have no reference point to any of it! Sanem never tried to change me.... but I've changed, I think, for the better! I'm more calmer now, less hotheaded, even more emotional and surrounded by family, friends and loved ones!

We've structured our life to suit both our personalities. I didn't want a desk job but she absolutely loves the agency... and she's awesome at it! Wow, she's a unifier.... her brilliance, empathy, team work and sense of family is on display every single moment of every single day and I'm in awe of her!

I've managed to do socially responsible projects .... the only rule being we won't be apart more than a month & we should talk or FaceTime everyday.  Almost a year ago, I told her about my passion for this kind of work and that I missed it.   She was super supportive of me pursuing my dreams... so I've been out  thrice this year on long sojourns of 1–2 months at a time.... still a nomad, but she's the wind in my sails and the anchor that brings me home!

I have a home now, filled with love, laughter and complete unconditional acceptance..... and she's the center of my world! She hasn't changed much either.... once a diamond in the rough, now polished and she's shining like the sun. She's still a really terrible cook, no luck there.... but I'd eat rocks and drink poison if she makes it!   Once a klutz, always a klutz... but I've ensured that she has a trusted support system around her.  One of the best decisions I ever made, other than marrying her, was to buy a cozy, beautiful and historic house in her, now our, neighborhood. It was a natural choice.... her family is now my family and with Leyla, Osman, Ayhan and Ceycey near her, I'm almost comfortable leaving her on her own!
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My thoughts are interrupted  as my flight is being called. I'm going home a day earlier than planned.... to surprise her and I'm always elated to see her reaction!
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I buy roses and her favorite pistachio filled baklava on the way home.   It's early evening and the house is very quiet, from outside I turn off the security code and call her to ensure that she's home.   We talk briefly and I tell her I'll be seeing her tomorrow. She sounds a little dull and when I ask her she chalks it up to a long day.   I hang up, unlock the door and enter like a thief in the night... so excited!  As I near our bedroom.... I hear this painful, sad and deafening howl. I'm stunned as I open the door, she's curled on my side of the bed, covered in the blanket and sobbing uncontrollably!