associated in random thought

happy birthday, my hope star.

it's nearly one am, and so it is fair game to wish appropriate happy birthday goodness to my dearest marlei.

sweet jp/p took this pic last summer at cafe coco, and it's one i hold very dear, because i would kiss marlei's cheek in gratitude every day if i were in nashville.

if you've read my blog with any regularity over the past four years, you'll know marlei quite well. i remember the day we met, at a conference where she was pimping her label to us sales folk. when she introduced herself, all spunky in tall boots and a sweater, my ears perked. marlei. i know that name. hmm. oh yeah! from church! marlei's name always came up at st. a's. could this be the same person? i had to know. and so, like i do, i introduced myself. and the rest is bananie history.

i could never do our story justice with words. suffice it to say that her friendship is among the most profound and important of my life. i'm tempted to buy her a best friends mizpah (and i'd even give her BE FRIE). what can i say to capture my love for her?

here's the melodramatic confession: marlei saved my life when i couldn't save myself.

here's the pragmatic, simple truth, which marlei will surely not wave away: she has always listened to me, and responded. what more can one ask for in a friend?

since i am still on leave from work, i am concocting a plan to drive--yes drive--to nashville next week, so i can spend a few days with my hope star of a friend. i haven't seen her in over a year. i can't wait to kiss her cheek.

happy birthday, lei. i love you so.
Posted by bananie at July 12, 2006 1:18 AM | TrackBack