It is not often in this crazy world that you find yourself in a truly satisfying friendship. It seems that the days of fast and true long term friendships are rather prehistoric. So, when you recognize you indeed have one, its a very good thing. Its comforting to know that regardless of the ups and downs and in betweens, there is still a shoulder, a set of ears and a pair of loving arms to hold you close or a smile and a whoop and holler to celebrate your victories and accomplishments. Its satisfying to know that though the distance may be long, and sometimes the opinions differed, you still have that connection, that common ground that bonds you through thick and thin. The ability to overlook ones imperfections, to lovingly remind you to get your head out of your ass, or to just be on the receiving end of a well deserved vent session are not something you can just stumble upon anymore.
Of all the relationships I’ve had, Michael and I had the most insane one, in every way. From the explosive way it started, to the wild and crazy adventures and even the tough times in the middle, to the sad and heart breaking way that particular chapter ended. We definately exlpored every spectrum and angle of a great deal of emotions. Now that the relationship has moved to a deep and true friendship, I find myself marvelling even more at the depth of our connection. Regardless of where we started and came from, and where we are now, I know that I will “have” him for a lifetime. I couldn’t be more happy to have such a relization, nor such a wonderful man in my life.
There are many things I have him to thank him for. My increased love of Country music, a really good double jack and coke and “Swamp Water”, long drives that spring up out of nowhere and with no particular plan intended, rain storms - even at the hurricane level, perseverence when all seems lost, the joys of completing a “quest”, the Atlantic Ocean, staying up till all hours of the night in a local Denny’s telling stories and drinking insane amounts of sweet tea, the joys of attending concerts, the beauty of touch, Iron Chef (the original!!), video games, slow dancing and Winnie the Pooh. Sure, I might have known and enjoyed some of these things before I knew him, but these are just a FEW of the things that have been greatly enhanced, explored and hold deep and true memories for me. They are the things that even today, spring up smiles and sometimes a giggle and my thoughts move to happy times when we were together.
There have been times I feared I would lose him. Not as a friend, but in a physical sense due to his ongoing medical battles. The tears I have shed, and that come to the surface even just thinking about it, scare me. The thought of not being able to talk with him, or even the mere thought that he is no longer “there”…its something I don’t know if I will ever be able to fathom. I’ve thanked the gods that I’ve not yet had to walk that path, and I am quite sure he is equally glad for that. I only bring this sad point into this ramble, to share with him the depth of my love for him, and to remind him how very much he means to me, and what an important role he plays in my life.
On this day, one of the most important people in my life, turns with the wheel, and welcomes a new year. I hate the fact that I cannot be closer, so that we can celebrate all we had, lost and have gained, to make a toast to damn good friendships, and recall things that only he and I might find funny. I am so grateful for you Michael. More than I probably express, even when we do chat nearly every day. You have stood by me, even during the worst of times. You are always there to listen, to love and to mentor. Your wisdom, your strength and your quirky sense of humor have never failed me. Ever. What this silly, compulsively illogical girl would do without you, is quite beyond me. I know that we will be like this, well…forever. Thank you for all you are, and never forget how much I love you. So have one for me, and enjoy this day. Your path might be confusing for now, but I know you have what it takes to go the distance. Make this year the one of adventure, hope and satisfying memories.
Happy Birthday, Gorgeous.
All my love,
Babydoll
