My Friend

Thirty-one years ago in 1976 I was employed by the county at Children's Services. I held the lowly position of file clerk. My son was six years old and I was starting my life over as a single parent. The position was a temporary one but it got me back into the work force and paid the bills. It was there that I met the person who would become my best friend. I can't remember the day we met or what it was that brought us together. But friends we became and friends we remain to this day. Our friendship has endured the test of time. When nothing else remained the same our friendship has. If there was one thing I could always count on it was Evelyn.

When it comes to describing Eve (pronounced Ev) I fail to find the words that adequately portray who and what she is. How can I take what is in my heart and put it here in black and white. She has meant so much to me over the years that it would take volumes to relate it all. She, of all the people I have met through the years, has impacted my life the most. When no one else was there she was. We have laughed together and laughed at each other. There were times when our laughter was mixed with tears. And then there were times we just cried. She always sees the best in everyone. Always sees the potential someone can attain to and urges them on to meet that potential. She is one that doesn't give up easily. She is steady and dependable. She will do whatever it takes to lend a helping hand when needed. She will give the shirt off her back (literally) and then ask if you need shoes as well.

Her quick wit and sarcasm keeps all of us on our toes. In that department she is one to be reckoned with. Her intelligence and ability to communicate goes without saying. She loves music. Music of all kinds. And if there is one thing that I truely envy it is her ability to dance. She can be all things to all people. I've seen her go from entertaining my three year old grandaughter to relating fully and completely with my fourteen year old grandaugher and not miss a beat with either of them.

But there is still more to this woman named Evelyn. She is a complex yet simplistic creature. A woman whose heart is as big as all outdoors. Her faithfulness and forebearance is without measure. Her love unquestionable. She will never allow herself the folly of telling a lie just to make you feel better. She will tell the truth, even if it hurts, in order to save you from more hurt later on. When she sees you going in a direction that would be harmful she will do any and all she can to steer you in the right direction. But she will never be manipulative or controlling. She allows you to make your choices and will be there to help pick you up if and when it is needed.

So what more can I say about Evelyn? Not much I guess. My heart holds so much respect and admiration for her. But more then that my heart holds a tremendous love for her. She is my friend and confidant. For over a quarter of a century we have walked the road of life together. When life was spinning out of control we held onto our friendship and that steadied our careening worlds. When no one else understood us we understood each other. And that was all that mattered. I know that if I need her in the middle of the night she will answer the phone. I know that she is always there for me and I am there for her. Yes, our friendship has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. A friendship such as this is rare. And I know now more then ever what a rare treasure we have in each other. I thank G-d for you, Evelyn, and I know that I am a better person for having you in my life.

I love you Eve