2 Friends

I know they say that "dog is man's best friend" - but let me tell you- I could learn a lot about this "best friend" business from Miss Amy.

Amy and Mom have been the best of friends for over 20 years. They have weathered bad boyfriends, divorces, cross country moves, celebrations of new loves, new jobs, lousy jobs, "what am I doing this for" jobs, the loss of beloved pets, the aging of one's parents, changing styles, expanding waistlines, weight watchers and the greying of hair. Through it all - because of it all - they got through it with tears, cookie dough, and a lot of laughs. And by laughs - I do mean "laugh so hard it brings tears to your eyes" kind of laughs.

Amy took her vacation to come to NYC to help Mom with last weekend's craft show. After 3 long - hot days of hard work, it was time to relax. Nobody gets Mom to relax like Miss Amy. Now I'm not saying Mom is uptight - but in 51 years - she has NEVER come home with a bright RED pedicure! Until now that is. (The toe rings are Miss Amy's - of course).

For 2 days following the show - they laughed, they shopped, they even drank margaritas in the middle of the afternoon! (If you find yourself in NYC - Dos Caminos on 3rd & E 50th St. Lovely margaritas - and killer guacamole).

Yes - they are the classic Mary & Rhoda friendship. Amy will always be the cooler hip friend trying to pull Mom into the 21st Century. (You should have seen her try to convince Mom that she could pull off the True Religion skinny jean look....)

Amy headed back to Florida this morning. They went to the coffee shop at the corner for one more "Seinfeld" breakfast, came back and grabbed the big black (overstuffed) suitcase and hailed a cab to take Miss Amy to the airport. We're both a little sad, but as we sit here, with yet another cup of coffee, we realize how very lucky we are.

We have dear friends here in the city - but I hope everyone of you is lucky enough to have that one best friend. The one who knows you better than you know yourself. The one who will be there with you through thick and thin. Never judge, always support you (even when she knows that the guy you're dating is going to break your heart...she'll never say I told you so - but she will always have the big bowl of cookie dough with 2 spoons at the ready!).

Safe travels Miss Amy - and thanks for teaching Mom that I should always get a cookie BEFORE my breakfast!

You're the best!