I don't even remember how we met or how we became friends- that is now ancient history or my own senior moment. Needless to say, we've shared a lot. So two weeks ago, when she tagged me in her 25 additional random things, and I had to reply to the question: "Do you like the person who sent this to?" And I typed: "I love her like a sister!" I got to thinking of all our adventures that have literally made us criscross this continent in the 20+ years we've been here. How many trips we've taken between New York/Boston and San Francisco to hang
out and party. I have a vivid memory of living with Nina and Conching one summer on California St. We were so poor, we saved our money to watch the foreign films we couldn't get enough of, then we would microwave our own popcorn and smuggle it into the theater.
From all the New York dance clubs and fake id's in Boston to the time when we were carded in Snoqualmie, they got so shocked that we were actually so much older than we looked... Frederick, MD, Tahoe, Hongkong, Boracay, so many memories.
Marriage, careers and our total of 4 children, often leaves both of us breathless. Nevertheless, no matter who or when one of us picks up the phone (and sometimes it is almost a month between calls), it is as if that month, or these 25 years have barely passed by. Yes, like a sister.
You've been a partner in books and music, dreams and travel, partying and parenting, my rock, my sounding board, my pen and phone pal, who still can't sleep without leaving the tv on...Happy Happy Birthday. I know the world to which you have given so much will keep on giving back to you, today and everyday.
And the kindest gesture a friend can make is to care enough to share her friends with her other friends. Do you remember how you introduced Mara to me because she was moving to New York and she didn't know anyone there. You were worried about Mara and wanted to make sure she would be okay. I remember the day like it was yesterday - we were riding an off-white Hi-Ace; I even remember that!!! That's because it was a very important day and an important thing you did for us that day. We were both so lonely in New York, but you gave me to Mara, and Mara to me, and suddenly New York was the greatest place in the world! Mara is my family because of you, and her kids are the loves of my life.... what was that saying again about how when a butterfly flaps its wings, how it affects the environment half way around the world? Your generosity and love have ripples that I still feel today... have I ever thanked you for that? Thank you, Nina!
ReplyDeleteOMG...Frederick, the many times you've come to Frederick but the one I most remember, fondly is when I was bedridden, bleeding and cramping, you and Mara both very pregnant kept my spirits up. Thank you Nina and Mara for visiting me in "fredneck"!
ReplyDeleteSenti naman. All I can think of when I see these pictures is how fat I got...But I still remember first year when Nina was kicking and screaming for having been partnered with me for a song a the gym. Isa and Tono, Geri and RJ...and then Nina and myself. And she kept complaining how I was much shorter than her. Leche. Now, I'm a statuesque exotic beauty thriving in the concrete jungle called Chelsea.
ReplyDeleteI am in tears looking at these posts and feeling so lucky to have you in my life. How did we all become and remain friends after all these years? The three of you gave me so much of NYC, a place I never lived in but always considered home because of you. We have to make a pact to get together there every once in a while, altho Boracay is another place for that, or actually, anywhere in the world will be fine where we can all be together.
ReplyDelete