Life support

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Every now and then, a friend comes along that makes you think, “How did I ever make it this far in life without this person?” For me, that person presented herself a few years back in a 5’2” curlicued package.

I do not know what I would do without Greta.

She is as good a friend as they come. Loyal, feisty, creative, whimsical, and wise, she has been nothing but life support for me for the past several years. When I left Seattle back in September, she continually kept in touch throughout all of the little everyday moments: the thumb-twiddling at work, the ins-and-outs of relationships, the fears, the victories, the silly stories. She buoys my spirit, and naturally understands me better than almost anyone in the universe.

She has been in Nashville visiting this weekend, and despite all that we have done (late-night wine drinking, the Bluebird Café, the honky-tonks downtown, long walks through pretty neighborhoods, the Grand Ole Opry), the best part has been simply our conversations. Greta is a person who is articulate and emotionally intelligent, and our conversations are nourishing and soul-filling and so good for my heart. She gives me the space and the freedom to be exactly who I am, and yet has the rare ability to draw out my desire and will to be better. To try. To hope.

These days, I need that a lot.

Objectively, she is truly one of the most beautiful people that I know, and while I should feel like a gigantic, clumsy oaf standing next to her dainty, feminine, stylish self, I mostly just feel great about me. She really loves me, and I love her, and this is the kind of friend that I want in my life forever.

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8 Comments

  1. chez béziat on May 4, 2008 at 1:08 AM

    What a touching post. Thanks for sharing that.

  2. Greta on May 4, 2008 at 9:33 AM

    We are such total geeks. And, as you so perfectly put it, the fact that I only move one side of my mouth when talking makes me look like “An adorable stroke victim.”

    Thanks so much for writing these amazing things. :) And for the record– you most definitely are life support in human form for me as well.

    Thank God we’re friends!!!

  3. Heid-Beid on May 4, 2008 at 10:55 AM

    I love you both! And it’s so wonderful to hear you proclaiming the beauty that is Greta – truly the most amazing woman I’ve ever known! I’m so glad you’re both having fun together!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

  4. Laura on May 4, 2008 at 4:13 PM

    You guys are so cute in your Nashville best! Thanks for sharing.

  5. MJ on May 4, 2008 at 11:16 PM

    you have somebody visiting you every other weekend!

    lucky..

  6. Sarah Kate on May 5, 2008 at 11:53 AM

    I am so sad I missed Greta. Looks like you had so much fun. Was that Faith Hill singing?
    You girls rock and yes, in all your geeky glory.

  7. EmClare on May 5, 2008 at 4:43 PM

    Continue to enjoy your time together, Dear Friends! Both of your eloquent postings touched my heart…so glad I’m privileged to know & love those attributes of the two of you, too.

  8. Rebecca on May 7, 2008 at 6:50 AM

    I have a friend like that, too!!! I know exactly what you’re talking about! :) But she got married in November 2006 and moved to Bolivar, MO. :( Boo. We don’t get to see each other and talk every day (or week, or month) but we are still just as close. xo

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