I first met Lolly in 2002.
I had just started a Summer job at a telemarketing center and on the first day of training class I sat next to strangers and felt oddly shy and awkward. On the second day, a crazy and fiery red-head approached me and asked if she could sit next to me. She said it was because she noticed me on the first day and thought I seemed "fun".
That began our friendship, but we didn't truly bond until a sunny afternoon, a mere 3 days later, as we sat in the break-room at our job eating lunch. It stands telling that at this time Lolly and I were both "girls with curves" to put it delicately. I ate a burrito and after finishing, stared down at my plate and said,
Me: I am so tired of being fat.Lolly: I know what you mean...I am tired of you being fat too.To which we both erupted into uncontrollable laughter.
And I knew we would be friends for a very long time.
Seven years have passed since then. Seven long years filled with ups and downs, disappointments and heartache, marriages and births and divorces, laughter and tears, long talks and silence.
Then last week, on a sunny Sunday afternoon, we came full circle. Lolly had recently used a term which is now outdated in today's politically correct world. I mentioned it to her in kindness, while were were alone. Then later that day, as we sat together in a church service, our leader asked if there was anyone who needed praying for I leaned over to an old and dear friend and whispered...
Me: My friend Lolly needs prayers. Since she's going to hell for being such a bigot.She swatted my leg and stifled laughter.
And I knew we would be friends for the rest of our lives.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOLLY-PANTS!
I LOVE YOU.
