I should grow bangs again, no?
Paul and I leave tomorrow for Julie's wedding in Alabama. Even though I've been married a little over a year now, this really makes me feel like I'm firmly in grownup-land.
Julie's been my best friend since I was thirteen. We met on the first day of high school, when I smiled broadly at her across the room during Mrs. Daniels' first-period English class, startling her and causing her to wonder if I was a mean girl or a weirdly way-too-nice girl. I'm amazed I was able to advance the friendship, given that I had on purple shorts and a glitter t shirt.
We had a lot in common. Boy crazy, actresses (we were both theatre students at the performing arts high school we went to), big chests, talkers, poor dancers...did I mention boy crazy? We bonded fast and, it now appears, for life. We haven't managed to live in the same city for more than six months at a time since we graduated high school, but that hasn't slowed us down.
I can't believe my dear, sweet, lovely friend is getting married on Saturday. This is the sixth of six weddings that Paul and I have been to since June, so it sort of snuck up on me. It just seems like yesterday that we were the young girls in this photo, bangs akimbo, unselfconscious grins, with everything in the world ahead of us. I feel as close to her now as I did then, and yet it seems almost an ocean of time has passed. Almost 20 years, in point of fact.
Julie is a brilliant, loving, patient, gift-that -keeps-on-giving kind of a friend. I consider that I had excellent judgment and foresight all those years ago to latch onto her and not let go. She's marrying a wonderful guy, Jamie, who I don't know yet as well as I will, but I do know this: he's the luckiest man on the planet.
Comments (7)
Awww! This made me all misty, seriously! Friendships like this one are not found on trees. You are both very lucky. And, man, you look so much like your mother in this picture, it is scary! Julie's jeans appear to be high-water, so why the little rolled cuff? Too funny!
Posted by Anonymous | November 6, 2008 10:13 PM
Posted on November 6, 2008 22:13
That's the "luckiest man on the planet ... except for Paul," presumably?
Posted by Charles Webster | November 7, 2008 3:23 AM
Posted on November 7, 2008 03:23
I am starting my day a teary-eyed mess thanks to this post!:)
Have a safe trip and give Julie a big hug from me.
Love,
"Katie"
Posted by Kate | November 7, 2008 9:29 AM
Posted on November 7, 2008 09:29
You are a sister of my heart and I love you dearly.
Posted by Julie | November 7, 2008 3:23 PM
Posted on November 7, 2008 15:23
No to the bangs...yes, she is a gem...I never thought Julie had a big chest...at least not when she hangs out with the Boutet Broads! And, sorry Jess and Charles, but Uncle Mark is the luckiest man on the planet although I am sure this Jamie person is just fine. xox, pbp
Posted by Auntie Patti | November 7, 2008 4:01 PM
Posted on November 7, 2008 16:01
I hope someone gave you a mic and you got a chance to say all that at the wedding. Rally sweet. :)
Posted by Scott Silbor | November 11, 2008 8:19 PM
Posted on November 11, 2008 20:19
As Madonna music beats in the background, I have no doubt that you were a formidable team in high school. I've seen you both in action as grownups. You are well-matched, Ladies. Paul and Jamie win the Luckiest Guys on Earth Award. (They should just never ever cross you. Ever.)
:-)
Happy Wedding Julie!
Happy Marriage Jess!
Love,
Kristen
Posted by Kristen | November 12, 2008 9:57 AM
Posted on November 12, 2008 09:57