One of my favorite friends of all time is Melissa R. She and i go way back to around 1997-98, when we wore headsets at AT&T Wireless together. I really only knew her in proximity for several months, actually, because she ended up moving to the left coast relatively soon afterward. But we got along so very well. She’s the kindest, most gentle soul who has ever graced this planet. She’s also wicked funny, madly intelligent, and insanely charming. She’s been though a lot, and has the most wonderful beaming smile that just fills you up with such incredible, serene warmth. Truth be told, she’s one of my favorite iterations of the Bodhisattva. I’m very, very lucky to have had the opportunity to meet her in the short year and a half that i worked at that company.
I haven’t seen her for a long, long time. It’s been a couple of years since last we spoke, in fact. But thanks to her comment on one of my posts recently, we’re back in touch. What a great weekend for memories. I was thrilled to hear that her little buddyboy (2 1/2 years old!) is doing great and that she’s got a new beau and is going back to college. She deserves so much that is good, and so i am very pleased!
I was so sad when she moved away. Her wit and general personal splendor are like nothing else you can find anywhere – once you’ve met her, it’s impossible not to be moved in a big way. Her humanity is overwhelming – i could have easily lost my faith in people entirely if not for her. It’s great to know such a fabulous woman.
Speaking of fabulous women, Holly and i are coming up on our first year together in August. I thank “Bob” for giving me the SLACK necessary to cheat so well at the game of Life by merely knowing her. Like so many ancient heroes, she has been to hell and has returned more powerful than ever. She’s so funny and bold and intelligent and sexy and tough. A quicker, more delightfully sarcastic wit can not be found anywhere else in this galaxy. When we met, i knew she was important and special and she impressed the hell out of me right away. I was very lucky that “the cute black-haired girl in the elevator” (she looks a little like an [American] Indian Janeane Garofalo) started temping at the same job i was starting. We’re such soul mates it’s just pathetic.
It’s hard to believe that our first year anniversary is coming up. It flew right by. That’s a great sign, although i know that much of the flying is also due to the long hard hours of work that we both do. We get very little time outside of work. But i cherish every moment with this incredible girl (as much of an asshole as i am about having time to myself).
I am glad for the memories i have of all the special people in my life, most of whom are not mentioned here but are in my heart always and forever.
