1992. I was in France for two years, and decidedly lonely.Versailles 2

Jen wrote me a letter (because back then, that’s what you did when you needed to get in touch with someone…) saying that she was thinking of coming to France for a quick visit. Could we hook up?

HELL YES! I was out of my mind excited to have a friend from home to talk to, hang out with. I won’t go into the details, but let’s just say that my living situation was not the happiest at the time.

Jen,

I count my lucky stars after every encounter with you that I have you as a friend.

I have learned so much from you about how I’d like to be as I move forward in this next chapter of my life. In the few years that we’ve grown closer I’ve learned from you that it’s possible to be:

Dear Jen,

It's so hard to write a birthday message for you that sums up all that I feel for you after 32 years of friendship.  (First of all, 32 years?!?!)  And also I want to make it perfect - just the right blend of humor and wisdom - but, this being real life, let me make an attempt at writing a Jen-worthy note for your 40th...

Honestly, our 5K run for the Garden is a great memory for me.  Jen's companionship as we trained for that was wonderful.  While we were running it, she was my "Lead Pony," keeping me going even though sometimes I wanted to quit.  I think she could have a second career as a personal trainer - she's inspiring, motivating and just fun to be around!