So this week, I had dinner (and margaritas) with my friend Sue. We hadn't seen each other in about 5 years and it's probably 30 years since we had an opportunity to have a real conversation.
We have always been as different as night and day - Sue is outgoing and competitive and athletic - I am none of those things. She has two brothers, I'm an "only." She grew up in a large, loving, crazy Italian family. I loved going to her home because there was always noise and laughter there - the sounds of family, the sounds of love. My family was much smaller, quiet and not very expressive - there weren't many smiles there.
But, our personalities seemed to complement each other. We shared a sense of wonder and imagination (we once saw a UFO - honest!) - and we planned to one day open a Girl Detective Agency. Our time together was punctuated by laughter.
By the time we entered high school, we'd already started to head in separate directions. I went off to a magnet Art School and Sue's natural athletic talent took her into the sports arena.
After college, we headed off in different directions - and then, two weddings, one birth, one and a half divorces and all the other things that life throws at you.
I wasn't sure what to expect - would we have anything in common after all these years apart?
The fun-loving girl with the irrepressible laugh who wore my pink high-tops under her wedding gown is still there - but she's grown into a strong, passionate, socially conscious woman who is determined to make this world a better place.
I love Sue - she's the closest I've ever had to a sister. And now that I see the amazing woman she's grown into, I have developed a whole new respect for the person that she is.
She makes me want to get my shit together and finish that second book I've been poking at (and avoiding) for years - and finish every other unfinished project I've started over the last decade.
She makes me want to be a better person.
I think that's the best thing one friend can do for another.
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