Kathryn and I were actually roommates in college. We lived together in our sorority house for just over a year. It was at that time that I got to know her in a way that only roommates can know each other. She is smart, dedicated, passionate, and hilarious. We vowed recently to never speak of some of our memories ever again, right Kathryn? No more talk of falling down stairs, parties at The Grove, The Armory, tears of lost loves, or tales of sober sis. Seriously, Kathryn holds a place in my heart like few ever have. I am not a person that needs to be surrounded by tons of people with superficial friendships. I choose to have close friends, ones that I love and trust deeply. Kathryn is one of those people. She knows things about me from a time in my life that few others know. I trust her above so many others and love her passionate and caring spirit. She listens when I talk and remembers just about everything. I love that I don't have to talk to her everyday to know that she is still my friend and still an important part of my life. At times, we go months without speaking and pick up right where we left off. Kathryn has been there for me as a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a giver of advice (especially medical advice that I can't find anywhere else), a sister, and a best friend. She stood next to me on my wedding day, and I was privileged to be with her on hers.
When Kathryn met Bruce and they began dating, she called me to tell me that she met someone, and she really liked him. Her words were, "Kim, I think I have met my Mike." My husband is Mike. He is kind, caring, gentle, smart, funny, and a good person. I knew what she meant. She found her person, her lobster, her other half. I tell my husband that I like him almost as much as I tell him that I love him. It's important to me that he knows that I like who he is, what he stands for, what he believes in, how he loves me, how we fit together. I will always love my husband, but I like him too. Judging from the amount of pictures that I captured of the kisses, hugs, and smiles, I suspect that Kathryn and Bruce like each other too.
I had the pleasure of hosting Bruce and Kathryn in our home last fall as they passed through town. Bruce was such a gentleman and incredibly polite. He held Kathryn's hand and opened her car door. He cleared everyone's lunch plate (which I soooo appreciated), and was incredibly easy to talk to. He was raised with manners and etiquette, something that is often lost. I found myself smiling and laughing as we chatted with each other. They are just good together. Happy. Sweet. Silly. Loving.
So, to Mr. and Mrs. Puma, may your love always be real, full of real smiles, real laughter, real hugs and kisses, and really, really great love. Find passion in the little things. Rejoice in your happiness and love for each other. Choose your battles and remember that you chose your partner because you like them as much as you love them. May today be the day that you love each other the least, with your love growing each and every day. To my friend, your friendship is a thing of beauty. You will always be with me wherever I go, in my heart and in my smile when I think of our memories. I hope Bruce brings you the joy and happiness that Mike brings to me. My heart rejoices that you have found your Mike. I love you and AOE! Cheers!
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