I mean, that *I* am the bad friend, not beloved MS, whose birthday was…um…yeah…uh…Monday.

OK, OK, I’m late!  It’s terrible and she deserves better from me!  Well, from everyone.  MS is a dear and treasured friend, whom I’ve known since the seventh grade.  We were inseparable throughout those awful middle-school years and I’m grateful that we had each other back then.  I think we all know how terrible it is going through it, and how crucial it is to have a really, really great best friend.

Her family took me in as one of their own, and I can only hope that her poor parents got used to having yet another kid hanging around the house.  We hung out at the pool in her backyard; we hung out in her brothers’ room and listened to records on the stereo; her dad took us to the track in the August heat, and I learned all about handicapping.  I was agog when I found out she was from such a huge family; I’d never known anyone with so many siblings before (or since)!  We stayed up late, watching videos and crazy movies, and learned much of the dialogue in Real Genius together.  We told stories, did homework, had sleepovers, became Giants and Mets fans together.  When MS got sick I tried to be there for her as much as I could, to try and keep her from getting down.

Even after I moved away, we kept in touch, and somehow managed to remain close as ever.  College came and went; we lost touch and re-established contact a few times.  And each time, it was like not even one day had gone by, since the last time we talked.

I love and cherish you, girl, and wish you nothing but the best of happiness and joy for EVAH.  You’ve touched me with your faith and love, and made me into a better person.

• Lyric of the day: “Sometimes I don’t know what I will find, I only know it’s a matter of time”
• Flashback of the day:   Mr. Skelly:  “Lou, you could’ve knocked me over with a feather!”  John:  “I’d hate to see the size of that bird!”
• As I write this, what’s playing? ABC’s “Be Near Me,” off How to Be a…Zillionaire!
• Photo of the day:

Thankfully, no incriminating middle-school photos are available. But here's the gorgeous MS, all grown up! Happy Belated Birthday!