Appreciation, Vol. 1

[judecorp]

I've been thinking a lot about friendships and relationships and things that fit into that schema, and specifically about some of the friends that Jennifer and I will be leaving behind when we head East. Sure, it was going to happen eventually and it was, in fact, inevitable, but leaving beautiful people behind is not really my favorite thing. I've decided that when I get spare moments, I want to highlight some of the wonderful people I've met in the four years that I've lived in columbus - immortalize them in some way, I suppose. I want to start with Carina.

I met Carina through pattisimmons, back in the days when the entirety of the columbus community could fit in Patti's living room. I know "they" say that sometimes you meet people that you just click with, but with Carina, it really was a very audible, very tangible occurrence. We started connecting and never really stopped.

Carina is an incredibly intelligent woman with a heart of gold and maturity way above her years. She's well-written and spoken, well-read, issue-conscious, forward-thinking, progressive, and strong-willed. She is a young mother who is raising two of the most amazing children I have ever met (and I meet children all the time) - a direct throwback to her awesomeness, of this I am certain. She attracts other progressive minds and gently nudges them into action, a trait I admire greatly. And oh, she is hysterically funny.

One evening, Carina and I spammed the heck out of Patti by commenting "I want you to tell me you love me in your husky lesbian voice" to every single comment on one of Patti's posts. Carina and I have spent an exhausting hour playing tag with the twins, only to use the exercise as justification for going out for ice cream. Carina lets me borrow her parenthood to partake in activities like the circus. Carina always tells me she loves me and misses me. Carina never says I'm too silly, or too loud, or too immature, or too whiny, or that I have to leave too early, or that I contact her too much or too little.

One thing I absolutely love about Carina is that even though we're both so busy and don't get to hang out much, there is never a sliver of a doubt in my mind that we are friends. Her friendship, exclusive of her presence in a room, is tangible. I know that I will miss her, Scott, and the twins terribly when Jen and I move away. But I also know that I can depend on her continued friendship through challenges, busy lives, distance, and age.

Thank you, Carina, for being my friend. Meep bleep, you are everything I ever thought a friend should be. PANTS.

Comments

[laserkitty.livejournal.com]

That was super sweet Jude.

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

Nah, it's super-true.

[carina-s.livejournal.com]

Gosh, I don't even know how to respond to this. I've written thank you five different ways and none of them seem big enough or right enough. Plus I keep thinking of funny shit to say and I want to stay serious. PANTS! Except for that part, mommy.

Anyway, the feeling is definitely mutual. I am at a place in my life where I don't know really know the right balance between all of the things I want to do, need to do, and must do. I seem to focus on getting the must-dos done- then before I know it, the day is over. I am so glad that even though we don't get to spend a whole lot of time together and I'm not here reading your journal every day (I try to stay caught up) you don't hold it against me and we are still friends.

Meep bleep, and I love you too. Thank you for this very special entry. I am so lucky to be your friend.

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

It's just true. I just like you so freaking much!

PANTS PANTS PANTS!!