El dia del amor y amistad

September 12, 2008

Mis amigos, mi familia:

I’ve never liked Valentine’s Day, really.

First of all, shouldn’t you be all mushy and romantic everyday? Commercialized holidays shouldn’t tell us when to buy flowers or say nice things, should they? Fair enough, I’m probably just bitter and against relationships altogether.

Generally I wear all black on February 14th, eat chocolate for all three meals, and have ice cream with my mom to end that dreadful day. As Alexander would say, “It is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!”

So, when I heard about Love and Friendship Day, a day in September that Colombians celebrate with great fervor — “a holiday that really is all about friendship”— I nearly puked. Do I really have to have two Valentine’s Days? One is enough torture for any woman to stand! Honestly!

And then-

Every day of the week I got a happy from students, parents, and coworkers. We added decorations to the room daily and my desk was covered in chocolates, sweets, a puzzle, a Colombian t-shirt, red paper hearts, even a poster with my name in glitter. I admit it, by Friday I, too, was all about love and friendship. I even wore pink and the lip gloss one of my angels gave me! I went home that afternoon with two dozen roses, a bouquet of daisies, and a newfound appreciation for holidays.

There really is something special about love and friendship, isn’t there?

Friendship keeps us grounded but never discourages us from seeing our dreams taking flight. Friendship assures that we never cry alone or eat pizza in solitude. It provides a sounding board and two arm hugs, fits of laughter, a work out buddy, and an “is he right for me?” radar. It’s throwing a frisbee in the dead of winter and driving in a green van listening to Journey headed for the beach.

Friendship is memories, stories, secrets, and passing books along state lines or oceans. Friendship is saying, “Go! Go! I’ll send you mail.” Friendship is lasting and real and a lifetime full of treasures.

And love.

Love is Momma’s biscuits and her waiting up for me. Love is the sound of Daddy’s tractor and the smell of his barn. Love is watching them ride down the driveway together in an old blue truck on a Sunday afternoon. Love is watching movies with my Sisser and seeing her as a counselor at Camp Lake Stephens. It’s my brother sending “diet coke could kill you” emails.

Love is looking up at your grandmother’s funeral and seeing a crowd that is there because your heart is broken. Love is campers that grow up and still call you their favorite and students that think you’re a rockstar. Love is Mamaw patching my favorite jeans for the 52nd time and making sweet potato pie.

Love is a choice, an action, a sacrifice, a precious, precious gift. Love is my Jesus, a cross, His grace.

My friends, my family, I love you and I think maybe I’ll wear red on February 14th this year.

With the greatest of affection,

Emily

This post was originally written as an email on September 22, 2007.

Posted in colombia, friendcitos, home