I think today I will tell you about my friend Kate. Happens to be her birthday today and so far (on this my second day of my challenge) birthdays seem to be as good a way as any to choose a person to honor.
So, Kate. We go way back. She was my TA at Hiram, back when I was young and impressionable and blonde (no, really, I bleached my hair for a while). I even carried a purse, a fact which Kate never lets me forget. I don't think she liked me very much. I found her funny, and more than a little intimidating, with her dry wit, her cadre of equally intimidating witty friends, and the easy condescension of an upperclassman.
I'm not entirely sure how we gravitated together but suddenly there we were, going dancing at Trilogy and staying up too late, rooming together over the summer, drinking Red Dog, pulled into friendship in that accidental Hiram way.
I am so grateful for that.
Over the years I've known Kate I have discovered these things about her:
She is a fantastically amazing writer. Don't let her tell you otherwise. She is wicked smart. That easy condescension of hers in college? I think it was a cover for a soft heart and the kind of vulnerability that makes you want keep her forever. She loves animals (but you knew that) and she loves her friends and family with the same unconditionality, accepting us equally with all of our flaws, seeing our beauty underneath. She is steadfast, and kind, and hilarious. I love to spend time with her.
Kate (and Marc and menagerie) have moved far enough away from the the Heights -- beyond the accepted 30 minute drive-time-- that we don't see them nearly often enough anymore. But Kate should know how much I treasure her and her friendship, our shared memories from these intertwined 17 years. Kate, you are a gift to us all and I celebrate you today!
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