When Becky and I were pulling into the driveway of my parent's house the day after my Dad passed away, I made a phone call to my good friend, Ann. As I was telling her what had happened, Ann immediately asked what she could do for me, did I want her to come down to stay with to her and I remembered what Becky told me - it's okay to lean on your friends...it's okay to say you need them. I coyly glanced over at Becky and told Ann that I would really like it if she could come and stay with me. Ann was already juggling around her work schedule and commitments so she could be down with me the next day. Hmm, Becky was right...it's okay to lean on your friends.
You know the friends that have been in your life for years? They are the ones that know everything about you and still like you regardless. You can go a few months without talking but as soon as you do it's like no time has passed. Ann, aka "Mickey", is that friend for me. We were college roommates and partners in crime. She's been there for me through the years even when I didn't know I needed her and this time was no different. Ann stayed with me for 3 days after my Dad passed away. She was by my side when my brothers and I met with the pastor to talk about Dad, helped me figure out what I would wear to the funeral and encouraged me while I wrote out what I wanted to say at the service.
One of the best things about Ann is her ability to make me laugh. And, I don't mean giggle or chuckle, I mean full on laugh so hard your belly hurts, eyes tear and your vision goes blurry because you can't catch your breath. At a time when I needed to laugh just so I could stop crying, Ann gave me a dose of exactly what I needed! The night she arrived, we had run out to get some dinner and had just gotten back to my house and I decided to put my "yard waste" bags out on the curb for pickup. Ann ventured into my dark backyard to help. As I was bending down to pick up a bag, she walked behind me and fell in a muddy hole that my dog had dug. Did I mention she had flip flops on? Oh she did! Without even thinking, I said oh, Simon dug a hole, be careful and then I began laughing and literally couldn't stop for minutes! By this time, we were both laughing so hard, I can't believe we didn't pass out. Ann told me, "You need to put up orange cones or something around that pit!" Now, I'm sure Ann didn't trip on purpose, but yet again, a friend provided me with exactly what I needed. I needed...a laugh...a brief escape from the pain....a hilarious temporary distraction.
Thanks Mickey - I love ya and there just aren't enough words to express how thankful I am for a friend like you!!
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