Monday, February 18, 2008

The Stalker

I thought I would take this week and write about friends. Beloved and I were having a discussion about that topic and I was once again amazed that I have been so blessed in the friendship department. Actually, it all came up because I said, “so and so is my best friend.” Beloved looked at me and said, “Your best friend?” He was right, of course (snicker). I have several best friends and all of them add spark to my life.

I decided I should write in order of how long I’ve known them, that way I’m not playing favorites and thus avoid the question, “You like me better than _______, right?” Not that I expect that to happen at our current age. Something like that only happens in school…except for that one night at Sunflower when someone, drunkenly, blocked my path and made me confess who I liked better, but that was eons ago.

So, without further ado, I give you The Stalker:

Pep rallies, what are they good for, really? Except they get you out of your boring high school Biology class. Thus I found myself sitting in the gym, watching anorexic, hyperactive, cheerleaders attempt to work the crowd into a frenzy. There was certainly a lot of yelling anyway. What happened next would become legend (at least in my mind).

It was a skit; a skit involving Alvin and the Chipmunks. Those music theatre students really knew how to mix it up, if you know what I mean. There she was, Alvin, complete with bag sweatshirt. One would have to admit she was kinda cute, in a funny kinda way. Then again, that was the point, wasn’t it?

It wasn’t until a certain young man showed interest in me that I got to know Alvin, I mean the Stalker better. I was the fortunate girl who captured the attention of her ex-boyfriend. She was devastated at their breakup and when that lanky young man turned his eyes to me, well, she just had to know what made me tick. All of which led to the stalker title that was bestowed on her years later, when she confessed to me that she hadn’t really wanted to be my friend, she just wanted to know why HE liked ME. Creepy? Maybe…

It’s the stuff of a bad teenage movie, isn’t it?

These days, we are both a bit older; after all it’s been over 24 years since she started stalking me. She served her country, got married and in short order became the mother of eight children. We ran a business together, traveled the country, basked in the sun at Bellows Air Force Station, Oahu, and fought like only sisters do. I have never known anyone who could talk so much, or be so tender hearted. She’s taught me to not always say what pops into my head (um, yeah, sorry about that!) and has given me food for thought (both good and bad), challenging what I considered to be truth.

So, here’s to you Kat, you Bible thumping, fresh bread baking, mother extraordinaire. I loves ya!


Yep, it's us at my wedding. I'm holding her eldest daughter, who is now a wife and momma herself.

The Stalker and her 2nd daughter, the delightful Miss M

Oh, about that young man whose attentions we both vied for, he married someone else, but we’re all good friends these days. In fact, sometimes, he even reads my blog.

Tomorrow I’ll introduce you to the singer.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Well, at least I can say (at least I don't think it was) that I accosted you in front of Sunflower and made you tell me who your best friend was. As I have gotten older I realize we can truly have more than one best friend. But I am sure glad it was you that I went to Bellows with . . (and of course the other friend I am sure you will be writing about) I still say that little hut or tent on Bellows would be a nice place to live as two little old ladies, wouldn't it? :)

It is true that friends are like a quilt in our lives. Each friend is a different square and pattern. Each one of them we hold in our hearts for a lifetime - each with different qualities, different outlooks and different opinions. I am thankful for all of the wonderful friends I have and ESPECIALLY the gal who stole my ex-boyfriend's heart - actually I am so thankful you did - I not only gained two good friends (you and "the young lanky guy) but I gained my best friend, my husband.