Dear Jen,Stacy and Jen Party

It had to be fate that made our paths cross 22 years ago. 

Pathetically incompetent in Spanish, I would sit nervously praying that Senor Something-or-other wouldn’t call on me to answer a question in class.  Thankfully, I sat next to the girl in the jean jacket with the long wavy hair who fed me answers on the sly.   I found myself instantly drawn to you.  You were so easy to talk to and you put me at ease.  You oozed warmth and trust and kindness.  You were a breath of fresh air.

Fate struck again when you and I both chose to go to the University of Buckingham in England our junior year.  You arrived with your trusty jean jacket, your Shawn Colvin cassette, your fabulous salad making skills, and a postcard of your town.    In fact, you talked often and lovingly about “my town.”  I even came to know where your Dad’s office was located on the postcard (I’m still in awe of the Ninja Turtle connection).  Northampton became a common topic, perhaps foreshadowing things to come.

Stacy and JenWe backpacked and, well, roller-bagged through Europe together.  Sleeping on trains, in youth hostels, and seedy hotels.  We experienced militant German train conductors, creepy French tourists (“I lika Rod Sewward!”) and life according to Merrill.  We played a mean game of Spit in Nice and ate apples both bad and “the best I’ve ever had.”  We even made the most of Buckingham and the people we met there.   We left with unforgettable experiences and a lasting friendship.

We have spent so much time together over the years even with us living in different cities.  I used to love coming to visit you all those weekends in D.C.  Listening to “Galileo”, browsing at Eastern Market, eating the yummiest Sunday morning bagels with lox and red onion, and staying up late talking.  Enter again Northampton.  Visits here with you over Thanksgiving or during the summer.  And even that wonderful weekend for your wedding, which I was so honored to be a part of (in such a luckily color-coordinated way).

I have always loved being with you – no matter where we were or what phase of our lives.  You are intoxicating to be around and I continue to be addicted to your presence.  You are a true friend.  You listen to me in a way that gives me the freedom to share my deepest insecurities and feelings.  You have this amazing insight and depth and intuition.   Your soothing voice and empathetic heart have helped sustain me through many difficult times over the years.Jennifer and Friends

Most recently, you have given so much of your self to helping PJ and I “Enter Northampton.”  I don’t know how we would have done it without you.   We have endless gratitude.

Through all the years that I have known you – our teens, twenties, thirties, and now beginning forties – you have remained the most loving friend I could imagine.  Forty, for so many, feels intimidating.  But for me, because it comes at the time when you and I get to be together again, forty feels like the beginning. 

You deserve all the best Jen, because you always give it.    I am grateful to have you as my dearest friend.  You are like that splendid apple – the best I’ve ever had.

Wishing you the happiest of all birthdays Jen!!!Out with the girls

With love and lasting friendship,

Stacy