The day after my birthday I walked into a room full of a selection of family and friends. It took me a moment to take it all in. I was shaking, touched and overwhelmed. It was also surreal. Sometimes these moments in which the world takes a snapshot of your life make you realize where you truly are. We tend to live in a fog, a past or a potential at all times.
On this day people were there to share with me...and in this post I will give back.
Jenne - Back in the days of Pearl Jam records I stood at the gate of The Wall in the hopes of getting the new release. I had no idea that I would be entering a music store as well as a friendship that would help guide me through the next few decades. All of these years later I can say that there are only a few people who share this tight a bond with me in the world and I am blessed to have you as one of them. You are a sister in spirit, zodiac sign, heart and humor. You are my best friend who gives without end like a waterfall. You know me for all that I am and love me anyway. You support me in the weakest of moments and celebrate in the brightest of shines. You are the very essence of friendship, loyalty and sisterhood and for that I will always be grateful and lucky. Does it help that your birthday gifts are always a journey of amazement that bring me to tears? Sure...but the fact that you face fears, fire and fury with me all while making me laugh is the magic that you are. You are here when I need you MORE than there when you need me and that is the meaning of friendship. I love you and appreciate you more than you'll ever know! (Of course I made you first...you win! lol)
Bradley Malcolm - I miss the days of sharing a pint and hope that someday we'll find those moments again. Until then I will say that I love your mind...twisted sense of humor..."all knowing" voice...and sensitivity. I love how you take care of the family that I value so much as a good father and husband. I love that you grow your own veggies and make your own crab cakes and dance with no rhythm but do it anyway. I hope someday soon we can play games, talk about the music that we love (but your wifey poo hates) and compare new recipes that we want to try. I also look forward to trips and watching our children experience things for the first time. Thank you for sharing in my day...it meant the world to me.
Tina - From the first moment we met I knew that what we had was special. We have grown up together...in age and in spirit. We have taken turns in guiding each other through the journey of life in almost every possible way. You are my soul sister and source of constant support. We have shared many a drink, dance, Gavin concert, triumph and fall and all that comes in between. You craft things with your passion for life, create special moments for all of us and make us feel like part of the family. You know the meaning of love, friendship and family and I can't imagine my past, present and future without you in my life. When I think of us I think of vulnerability, laughter, silliness, truth, support and kindness. I can remember countless phone calls to one another in moments that seemed too hard to get through and yet here we are...stronger and brighter than ever before. A few years ago you said that you missed where I had gone off to and in a hug today you mentioned it was nice to see me back. You are one of the very reasons this metamorphosis could take place and this (almost) butterfly is very grateful. I love you for all that you are!
Ryan - You are seriously one of my favorite people on this planet. We aren't the tightest of friends because our busy lives keep us from talks and experiences that we might share but that doesn't mean I don't absolutely adore you. You inspire me to be creative. You challenge my brain with good conversation. I idolize you for your constant energy, enthusiasm and zest for life. If I had to pick a few people to get stuck on an island with...without a doubt you would be one of them. God only knows how fun you would make it! I know our future holds more game nights, movie discussions and crazy Portlandia skits so until then I will simply let you know that I love you for being so damn awesome and not JUST because of how you make my girl happy...not JUST because you are an amazing father to those two girls...but because you are YOU! Love and hugs.
Theresa and Frank - Thank you for sharing in my special day. I have been in and around your family and you have been in mine for decades now. We have shared some momentous events and they would not have been complete without you. We are all lucky to have your perspective, loyalty and friendship along with the memories of many a blast at your house. Plus...let's face it...you guys are a riot!!! Thank you so much for the years and years of hugs, giggles and love! Love you guys!!!
Frank - We have been together since we were goofballs working at the mall. We have watched each other grow up like a brother and sister. You have added some muscles and tattoos but I still know who you are. I know we are constantly searching to do more, be more and grow more and our paths seem to cross whenever we need them to...thank you for sharing my milestone.
Jihan - Friendships come in different forms and I've always felt that our theme was encouragement and support. That isn't an easy thing to come by with most people. I look to you for inspiration as you show us how to have a positive attitude no matter what. You are always eager to read the book, show up at the flash mob or join in the party and I love that about you...it is refreshing. I look forward to many more adventures and inspirations in the future! Thank you for pushing the world to new heights but maybe you could start in flats because you get way too much of a head start...lol. Hugs to you even if I have to stretch! ;)
Justin - I am so proud of you for so many reasons. I won't bog you down with listing them because we all know that's not your style but know that I appreciate your humor, love and constant thoughtfulness. When others are too busy to drive ten minutes you think nothing of getting your ass up here even if it takes five hours. This family is so lucky to have you and since childhood you have been a source of joy for this "auntie". Love you so!
Mary - Words can't express the love and gratitude that I have for you. I am actually overwhelmed right now trying to figure out how to narrow down what I want to say to you. You make me laugh when it is unbearable. You are a chameleon for what we all need whenever and wherever that is. You are thoughtful beyond measure and a constant source of pure joy and love. The universe gave me a "mother", best friend, crazy party girl, cheerleader, grandmother to my kids and soul mate when it gave me Murr. You glow with kindness, compassion and a love of life and I am a warmer little planet with your sun shining on me. Thank you for all that you are! I couldn't imagine my life without you and am constantly grateful that you are in it! Love you!!!
Chuck and Theresa - I didn't want to lump you together because you are both so important to me each on your own but I had to...ya see...you are a team. You are two wonderfully independent people but the partnership is my hero. I use you as a gauge always for what a couple should be. You have taught students, children, this family and the world how to behave. You toast your love at every meal and remind us all that love and family is a choice not an obligation. You celebrate the tiny moments and cherish the big ones. You make everything special all while serving the community and every single person that comes your way. You are selfless, compassionate and giving beyond all measure and yet are smart, clever, hysterical and fun. My "COUPLE AWARD" always goes to you because you never let apathy settle in. You look to grow, improve and fix...always. I could write for hours about how much I adore you both and love you for what you bring to this planet but I'll end this with a thank you for being you. I love you both so much and am so lucky to have you in my life!
and John -
The universe placed us together in the sixth grade for a reason. I needed a friend to make me laugh and you needed a butterfly to distract you. Two tricky kids found solace in a peaceful friendship at school when our home lives weren't necessarily easy. I am so sorry the circumstances took you so far away too quickly but was grateful for years of pen pal letters and visits. Now we are old. Really old...though you are older...(wink wink) and here we are again picking each other up when the world has made it difficult. For years now we have pushed each other to do things so far outside of our comfort zone that I am surprised we are not in little pieces all over the floor...though occasionally we do need to scoop each other up. You have seen me at my absolute worst and have stood by me with support and dedication. For the countless hours of listening I thank you. I also thank you for introducing me to a million new things, sharing in my life in so many ways and pushing me when I was scared to do anything... from trying calamari to facing my biggest fears. You are here when it is easy but more importantly you are here when it is absolute hell...and in the ups and downs and highs and lows you put me first. You reach beyond the ease of selfishness to the discomfort of giving and for that I am eternally grateful. For too many reasons to list...I thank you. My shine thanks you. I love you for helping me to find it again.
Of course there are the children...the most perfect, adorable and brilliant children in the room were right there with me as well. They all sat at a kiddie table and made messes together like a family does. They keep me silly, young and excited to live and I'm so glad that their ages range from (almost) eleven to teething. I will be the silly aunt, the goofy "aunt", the babysitter and the mom and love every minute of it. I thank you for letting me steal so many hugs and can't wait to watch you grow up while we hide the tears as it goes too quickly. I will be the one with the camera at the recitals, the nutty one who dances with you at the weddings and the one crying because she loves you all so much. I take the whole "village" thing seriously so watch out!!!
Thank you all for a wonderful day to celebrate the first half of my life! I look forward to the next few chapters and can't wait to read what happens next...and am thrilled that you will all be by my side.
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