When we were all younger - much younger - we spent many days together. Christmas Eves at our house, Christmas Day at theirs. I remember the hours we put in to perfecting our performances for our parents. We were such amazing Bay City Rollers...Donnie and Marie Osmond...Captain and Tenille...we rocked our polyester pantsuits! Why we didn't pursue these talents I will never know (well, actually I do know why...) :-) I remember the birthday parties at our houses. I remember visits to Baba and Gigi's in Mundare. I wasn't the favourite grandchild, and I say that with a smile..."Don't you love me?"..."I love you...in a different way." Still makes me laugh to this day.
The memories made with Kelly and Shawna are with me always. Lip-sync, cake, Ukranian feasts at Christmas, whatever the occasion, I always knew I was with friends! I was lucky enough to go to the U of A with Shawna. While we weren't in the same program of studies (I majored in beer and coffee some years; Shawna became a dentist) or in the same fraternity (Kappa Alpha Theta for me, Pi Phi for her), I always looked forward to the chance to hang out. I remember one of my birthdays with both Kelly and Shawna...oh my gosh, the laughs we had that night still hurt my sides! I can't remember the name of the restaurant (I think it was one of Peter Pocklington's ventures), but I can remember the joy of the evening.
Kelly and I share the same sick sense of humor...we can laugh together at almost nothing. As we approach the next decade in our lives, I can't think of someone I'd rather spend this momentous occasion with than Kelly. This year, I am particularly honored to be in a position to help with questions about school and future for Kelly's oldest son. I am so thrilled to be able to be of assistance!
Kelly and Shawna have a younger brother, Jay, who was as much a part of all the fun and frivolity as the girls were. Jay was naughty...down right naughty...but darn cute at the same time! If it wasn't for Jay, I don't think I could have survived working at the golf course as long as we did. Jay has this knack of seeing everything so positively - actually, all three of these special friends have this knack...this gift. Jay has this ability to make everyone around him smile. He listens with his whole self - like you are the only person who matters at that moment.
It's neat to see all of grow together - all of us are parents of great kids. All of us have lived through challenges and come out ahead of the game. All of us are still close. I believe that if we were in need, that any one of us would step up at any time.
I saw this first hand when my dad died. The first people to call me were Kelly, Shawna and Jay. The people who called or emailed the most often were Kelly, Shawna and Jay. Death can do strange things to family, but I got lucky. I know they loved my dad and all of his idiosyncrasies - I know they love me. I love that I can call to just chat or text to let them know I love them...I love that they are my family.
Kelly, Shawna and Jay are family I have...and friends that I want! Thank you all for being a part of my journey! I love you tons!
No comments:
Post a Comment