Happy Friday 2006

My best friend from 9th grade left me a voicemail today, wishing me a happy Friday, the last one of 2006 he noted. I hadn't really thought about this year as ending. It seems like everything is in healthy motion.

Earlier this week he announced his engagement to a wonderful woman. without a doubt he will be a loving husband and one day father. With his family and friends he has always acted in a caring and purposeful way. My friend is all grown up, a man of character and integrity.

My girls from the 9th grade are coming to the city to ring in the new year! Ten years ago we were celebrating in LA, or Las Vegas, maybe a houseparty. Theirs is the best kind of friendship, effortlessly picking up where we last left off. Conversation is always fluid and seamlessly changes from family, to friends, to hopes and dreams. Last year one of them had a beautiful wedding in Santa Barbara and from there another love has emerged.

Late bloomers, hopeless romantics, perfectionists, idealist: I am not sure exactly how else to define our bond beyond thoughtful friendship. What I do know is that they are a defining peer group and I am grateful that we are friends. They are the last of my LA singletons and redefining love and commitment while honoring new and old traditions.