Over the last several years, God has poured down blessings on my head in the form of my girlfriends.  I’ve never had more than a friend or two here and there, aside from my sister Izzy, who’s always been my very best friend. Clover’s been there for me for years, as was Janine through some thick & thin. But we’re all pulled in different directions with family responsibilities, and moving away, and just general life interruptions.

I used to count the names of my close friends on two fingers. Now I need my fingers and toes, and it’s awesome! Izzybella, who has been the object of my adoration since she was born. Clover, who has been incredibly true and loving to me no matter what flaky thing I was up to, and lets me get her kids hopped up on sugar before I leave the house. (insert evil grin)  Janine, who loved me hard even when we didn’t understand each other.  Jehara, who cast me in the first play I ever participated in and really opened up my vistas. Amethyst, who shares her gifts and talents so generously and lovingly. Vanessa, who sees the world through a unique pair of eyes. Loretta, whom I absolutely adore for all the fun times we have together and for letting me dress her.  Jennifer, who doesn’t see her worth and her value, but who is one of the most gentle and kind people I’ve ever met. Gypsy Grrl, R.N., extraordinary friend. Chicory, Calliope, and Janet at Fond of Snape, all my friends and all of whom I’m dying to meet. I think I could tell any of you any thing, and you would not judge me, and would love me hard, and be there for me, and you know that you could tell me any thing and I would not judge you and would love you hard and be there for you.

And it’s amazing. I feel bathed in love.

Clover came over and gave me shots in the butt every day when I was doing the IVF. And she always shares her kids with me and she puts up with my kookiness. What a wonderful gift.

Jehara and Amethyst did some healing and cleansing rituals for me and izzybella, and we were all able to open up to each other and share and let go of things that have weighed heavily on our spirits for a long time. We spent nights in Jehara’s beautiful flat and talked about anything and everything, and accidentally sent the burning cauldron out the window, and ate bertie bott’s every flavour beans. We had shut-up-and-read parties where we stood in line until midnight and then read books we’d been eagerly anticipating. What a wonderful gift.

Alicia, who stayed with me for a few months, and who so lovingly gave me a gift I’d wanted since childhood: an Easybake oven.  We eagerly mixed up the little bits of batter and cooked them under that light bulb, and enjoyed every minute of it. And when I was having a rough time with a scene in a play, I asked her to come to me and help me, and she did. And then one night she told me I didn’t need her help anymore, and she went away. What a wonderful gift.

Izzy and Jehara gave me a special birthday gift last year. I’d thought for years of legally changing my name, but had pretty much decided it wasn’t worth the hassle. But they love me so much and wanted me to make it legal, so they surprised me with a filled-out affidavit that needed to be signed and notarized; they took me to get my fingerprints taken; and they took me to the county clerk to pay the fee.  The court date was set, and they were both there with me when the judge signed the court ourder. And they took me to get my driver’s license, and they took me to get my social security card, and they gave me the ultimate gift that I’d wanted but had decided not to get for myself. I said then that that was an untoppable gift.

But Loretta tonight offered me something that trumps even that awesome gift. Whether it will come to pass or not, it’s in God’s hands. But what a wonderful gift.

I feel bathed in warmth and love, because I have these incredible girlfriends to turn to. I love you all, more than I can say. Thank you for loving me.

About these ads