The Ship of Friends

There are many different kinds of people on this ship. Some are those you just wave and smile at when you see them. There are some you stop and chat with. Still others you call when you want to have coffee or go to the movies. There are those you call when you need a friendly ear or a shoulder to cry on.

And if you are lucky, really lucky, you will find a true friend on this ship. You will find someone who is willing to ignore all of your crazy issues, the fact that you never call or that you forget birthdays. They will embrace you when you are down, laugh when you are happy, and give you a kick in the ass when you need it. They will drag you kicking and screaming to the park for a run because they know you are training for a triathalon, even when they know you'd rather sit and have a beer.

They will throw parties and invite a cute boy, a boy who would later become your husband. You will return the favor by getting married and having her stand up with you, dressed in a purple dress. Okay maybe the dress isn't the good part. Maybe the favor is returned when your cute boy asks his cute friend to be his best man, a cute friend who would later become her friend.

You will return the favor when on one drunken evening you will ask why they haven't kissed. You will demand to know why they are not together when they are so perfect for each other. You will give her a kick in the ass when she needs it.

You will fly to Mexico with your boy to watch her marry her boy. You will be filled with happiness because your best friend married your husband's best friend. You will be forever linked because you had a hand (or a kick) in each other's happiness.

You will adopt a beautiful girl right after she gives birth to a beautiful girl. You cannot believe the luck, two girls so close in age. It was meant to be. Your girls were destined to be friends.

Despite the geographical distance between you, you will remain close. You will fly with your boy and your daughter to visit her and her boy and her daughter (well daughters, you can't be equal in all things). They will let you stay in their apartment, sharing their lives with you. Your boys will play video games. Your daughters will play with dinosaurs (one who loves them, one who cooks them) and read books. You will run and shop and chat.

If you can find this, you will be so lucky.