FOR AMY ~ Happy Birthday to my dear friend
“Ooh, you make me live –
Whatever this world can give to me. It’s you, you’re all I see –
Ooh, you make me live now, honey, Ooh, you make me live.
Oh, you’re the best friend
That I ever had.
I’ve been with you such a long time, you’re my sunshine
And I want you to know that my feelings are true…
I really love you.
Ooh, you’re my best friend.”
~ Lyrics by Queen
You…
You’ve been my best friend
Longer and truer than any other
And, I’ll love you and our everlasting
Memories – always.
WE connected under DeNardo’s desk
Scolded for singing, giggling to
“You’re a Bitch Girl”
Here we came, walking while singing down Stanford Avenue
Like The Monkees did.
Playing jacks, yet learning “O Sole’ Mio”
And “Sakura”. We were a melting pot
Then – and still are.
Perms – LOTS of perms, Noxzema and Sergeant Pepper
Led to Mariano’s Margarita mix hidden in your closet
And carrot bits scattered across the side panel of your mom’s car –
Mary Ellen consoling and cleaning my T-bird carpet.
Cayman Islands – vodka
Cruising Forest – vodka
Cruising Caribbean – VODKA
College…growing up and moving on – distant
Yet, we still managed to know we were still there for each other.
Dating, World Gym and beginning budding careers
Weddings and divorces
Adoptions and illness
So many stories we have separately and together.
The years have flown
Lives challenged and changed
Sometimes our times together less frequent
Yet, each reunion feels the same…honest, open, and real –
I feel at home when I’m with you – you ARE home for me.
You love and accept me – the good, bad, and the really ugly!
I know when we’re both 90 years old, we’ll be
Celebrating our birthdays together. We’ll still feel and act like 5th graders,
Middle school and high school pals – maybe add a few more lines on our faces,
A few more grey hairs…wearing “sensible” shoes, but
I’ll always have you – and you’ll always have me, my dear friend.
“Ooh, you make me live –
Whenever this world is cruel to me,
I got you to help me forgive.
Ooh, you make me live now, honey,
Ooh, you make me live –
Oh, you’re the first one when things turn out bad.
You know I’ll never be lonely, you’re the only one and
I love the things that you do. I’ve been wandering round,
But I still come back to you – In rain or shine you’ve stood by me girl,
I’m happy at home –
Ohhhh, you’re my best friend.”
~ Queen (second verse)
Reflection & Renewal 