Thirty-Two

My mom used to sing a little song when we were younger and although I don't remember all the words I think I remember the ones that matter:

"Make new friends but keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold."

I have amazing friends.  I truly do.  I have my golden friends, the ones who have known me with and without braces, with and without bangs, and with and without my obsession for Beverly Hills 90210.  They truly have seen me grow up.  I think the thing that matters most to me about my golden friends is that they know the "pre-Luke" K.  Listen, having a child changes you from every angle possible and I feel like those changes are 98% positive (the 2 % is that extra weight...I mean, damn!).  They know who I "used" to be and they know who I am now and I love that.  I love it most of all because the dearest of the dear, KW and MH, will most likely tell you that I am pretty much the same.  Thank God!  I love that we have been friends long enough for them to tell me that "You know, they make babyfood in jars these days, this isn't the 1920s."  and "You really shouldn't wear that!".  I am never offended and I value what they say more than they will ever know.  I love our history - it has helped define me.  I love our connection - being 1000s of miles away cannot lessen the love.  And I love our ease - my golden friendships just work, they were meant to be and I know that they will last a lifetime.

My silver friends, mainly my Florida friends, know me only as K...mommy to Luke, wife to L, and slightly kooky (yes, the S topic/fear has already come up and yes, a few have seen the ROY G. BIV closet).  I love them through and through.  I love that they make me laugh.  I love that they care so very much.  I love that they send my kid mail.  I love that they ask about the "pre-Luke" K (and MH and KW...I tell our stories,  my silver and gold friends are mixing, if only through my tales).  I love that they listen.  I love that they don't judge, or they do judge but they tell me they are judging.  Ha!  I love that they are honest.  I love that they love my kid just as much as me.  I love that they are helpful. I love that they think L is just as kind and wonderful as I do. I love that they plan the most amazing birthday get togethers. They help me stay sane. They help me become a better mom.  They laugh with me.  They give hugs when I need one.  And they remind me that I am so much more than just a mother.  That truly is an amazing gift. 

As I turned 32 and got calls and cards and messages galore wishing me a happy day I couldn't help but hear my mother's voice singing..."Make new friends, but keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold."  Lucky me...I have the best of both!!