F is for Friendship

Me and Jess. Notice how mischievous she looks. She's always getting me into trouble.

Today, I was talking to my best friend, Jessica. She lives in Seattle, which seems much farther away than it is some days. We met our freshman year of college in an introductory philosophy class. Early on there was an incident with a goldfish, some candles and a freezer. I should have known then what I was getting myself into but hey, I was young!

Jessica and I are going on 20 years of friendship. She’d older than I am (by two months, but I like to rub her nose in it!). We have a million things in common and another million differences, all of which make us complementary, compatible and often hilarious. I’ve accumulated a lifetime of memories already…or as I like to call them, ammo….some of which I was able to use on her wedding day (SHE should have known better…lol). For instance, there’s the near death experience that involved an intersection in our college town and two milkshakes. Jessica’s deft driving skills saved both our behinds and our ice cream, making her the biggest hero of my life! And don’t even get me started on the blue fuzz burger!!!

About 10 years ago, Jessica and I went on an ill-fated driving trip to Las Vegas. It’s a long story that ended in us not talking to each other for a month. We’ve survived marriages, divorces and babies. We’ve been together through sickness and health. Between the two of us we’ve encountered just about every major life event that can increase your chance of a heart attack. And now, almost 20 years later, I am still proud to call her my best friend. She knows me better than just about anybody and she still loves me (which may say something about her judgment…just saying).

In terms of friendship, I have been blessed many times over and I thought today I would just reflect on one of the most special people in my life. She has never ceased to support me, even when she thinks I’m a knucklehead. And one day, if I ever become famous, she’ll be sharing the story about how I wore white cotton underwear before I met her.

I love you, Jessica. 

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