If you have never lives as an expatriate American woman on her own in Saudi Arabia, it is a life experience like no other. Because of my time in the Middle East I can relate a few items with authority. Be careful what you wish your utopian America to look like, you may gain something that you had no intention of ever bringing upon yourself or those you love.
For example, all those rights you now often take for granted, little things such as driving, traveling unaccompanied, leaving the country whenever you want, dressing as you like, playing music and dancing in public. Writing about your own political views openly–forget all that–you are living in a unique world where the word “equality” means only money and power. Your words and actions mean nothing, unless they cross the line established by money and power; then they mean jail time or worse.
So what do you do in a cultural situation that is so uniquely different to the world you know? Silent contemplation. Gazing into your dogs eyes, petting their soft fur, sometimes crying until you fall asleep next to them, only to wake up and find them curled up next to you guarding your very life with their own. Understanding your pain, without you ever saying a word, somehow knowing that life can be very intolerant sometimes, and yet accepting that their job is to protect you at all cost.
Tell your dog thank you today by gazing into his eyes, you’ll not only learn about yourself, you’ll see how deeply your dog loves you. Go ahead, contemplate silently.