Dooley Noted: 4/3/2014
We grew up in a tiny Indiana farm town, right next door to one another.
We have no memory of not knowing each other, since we’ve basically been friends since the crib.
We had little culture to groom us, in a Midwest town closed off to the rest of the world.
So, we entertained each other.
To this day, we have zero trouble entertaining each other.
But it hasn’t always been sunshine and laughter. We’ve had very minor rocky roads – mostly high school, when we were wading through hormones and teen angst. But we always saw our way through them.
She knows everything that makes me tick, even things people used to judge me.
She never judged. She always understood.
We’ve watched our lives unfold in strange parallels – particularly with men.
We’ve seen our parents through cancer and arterial demise.
We’ve seen each other through enormous heartbreak and big, crazy, stupid, dopaminergic love.
In a world to explore, she knows I never stay put for long. She’s never once made me feel bad about it.
She knows I always come home.
She knows I am tough on my friends and expect them to demand respect for themselves.
She knows I won’t tolerate men that won’t treat us like equals with them.
She knows I’m a straight shooter, who wants nothing but the best for her. She only tolerates the best for me, too.
When she met her current boyfriend, I sighed with relief. She had finally met a man worthy of her enormous humor, completely genuine heart, and a love big enough to fill Texas.
I loved him instantly, like I loved her instantly.
She held out for the best fit – and she got it. She knows I will do the same, always.
I can’t believe it’s been 35 years of the longest, best friendship I’ve ever known.
Through fights, disease, turmoil, and adversity, she’s been the same friend I could always count to help me.
And I will always be that for her right back.
Jill – any minor and major successes I have in this life I share with you. And I love sharing in yours.
You shaped my life. I am who I am because of you.
I wish I could be there today. Tell Israel to give you the best birthday yet!
Love you big time. Happy 35th birthday.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley