We met working for a non-profit going door to door. One of us moved on shortly after the summer ended, and then another that winter and then me that summer.
We moved out of state for a period of time, had great relationships and awful relationships. Fell in love with jobs, fell out of love, had some incredible adventures (driving across country to Texas), saw concerts, ate at new restaurants, made new friends and lost some.
I was the first to get married and have kids. You both have always made yourself more than available. Bringing meals, letting me vent and most of all, loving my kids as your own. You’ve never complained if I changed plans suddenly, or that you come to me more than I come to you.
You drove six hours from NY after working two back to back shifts for my baby shower, because you knew how much it meant to me. You had a beautiful blanket made, that the kids both love to use. When I had awful bleeding and I texted you a photo you weren’t horrified, you walked me thru what to do.
Neither of you have kids, but you both love mine and have always shown up for their big moments and their birthday parties.(Even when you didn’t know anyone else there.) When there were thirty screaming kids running around, you come and quietly picked up for me and ordered me Chinese food so that when the party was over I’d have my favorite meal. You two have been nothing short of amazing. You never judge or get frustrated when the kids interrupt our conversation. Once when you were here, one of the kids needed to go to the ER. I literally said, “I need to take her. I will see you later.” and there was no doubt my other kid would be safe with you. I didn’t even ask if you needed to leave by a certain time. You saw the fear in my eyes and said, “Go. We will be fine here, right bud?” You’ll never know my appreciation.
It’s hard having kids. It’s fun, but you quickly realize who cares about you and who doesn’t. Not everyone understands that you can’t do bar crawls anymore, or stay out until midnight dancing. True friends without kids are special friends. They choose to love you and your new life even though it’s different than when you first met. Thank you for loving my kids. Thank you for loving my husband and keeping me in check. But most of all, thank you for loving me, for never getting frustrated when plans change, for always including me even if you know I can’t go, for telling me all about your adventures and online dating. I love you. One day I will be out late again, but until that happens… next time you’re on your way over can you grab me some ice cream?
