Mari, as my middle & high school BFF, my sis from another miss, my partner in crime, we share so many blush-worthy stories, but of all those, there is one I keep returning to since losing you which particularly stands out as appropriate for this site: that time when your kind gesture neary brought me to tears! We always had a healthy competition going, but of course with you being the best at whatever you took on, I tried to keep my talent with the camera a secret and signed up for that photography class. When you walked in, there went my thunder, so I childishly gave you the silent treatment for a few weeks. We continued on in that manner until I went out to my car on one stormy night and found wet gum stuck in my door handle. When I confronted you, I learned that you had gone out there in the rain to leave that stick of gum as a peace offering, not quite understanding what was wrong but just missing your bratty friend enough to make the first move. I am so glad you did, though, as I was immediately humbled by this simple and sweet act, and rightfully so! My frustration melted away, to be replaced with an appreciation for true friendship, which has no time for false pride.
I'm sure some funnier stories will come to mind in the near future, but that's a big one in our history.
No Goodbyes: Your mom was asking me about "Ign!" the other day. I had trouble remembering how that worked its way into our vocabulary at first, but it goes back to us laughing about a comedy with an illiterate guy who stumbled over the word ignition. We used to get on the phone with each other to watch TV when we couldn't hang out together, and because we always refused to say goodbye, we jokingly ended the call with "Ign!" and it just stuck. (For those reading this who knew about ign, finally you have the etymology!) I could never tell you goodbye :)
Love,
Erin