In My Write Mind

It was great seeing you both the other day. It always is. Isn’t it amazing how we can not see one another for months on end (I think the last time was at Kim’s house for the 4th of July), and then come together and act as if we’ve spoken everyday since?

I love that about our friendship — that rhythm it has. The three of us — El, Kim and Will — fall into step without hesitation, like an old school singing group.

It felt great to be there with you both and your families … just relaxing. Enjoying one another.

That night brought back so many memories. Took me back to a time when life was truly simple — when all we had to worry about was who was going to drive where and who would crack the funniest joke. Back to a time when gas was less than a dollar and penny candies lived up to their name.

When we were the toast of Queens …

Do you remember?

Remember how carefree we were? Never fearing repercussions or consequences. Sure, we all had jobs. But back then they were a means to an end — the end of the week. The weekends were ours. Free to roam to the next party, or to the skating rink. Hell, wherever we wanted.

The irony of people labeling us “Three the Hard Way” was that … life wasn’t that hard. I miss that. I miss that time.

And each time I see you both, with your families in tow, a part of me wishes we were back in Queens, back in the ’80s, when having our own kids was the farthest thing from our minds. Back when we’d make music videos at my night job, or when we’d rock those fly routines on my cousin’s block. LOL

The other part of me is so proud of you both. Proud of everything you’ve accomplished.

El, you and Rocky havve managed to raise two of the brightest boys I’ve ever met, both of them so proud to have you for their father. If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times: “My dada is soooo funny!”

Precious. Can you believe we’ve been friends for so long? Through all the road trips and dance routines and hair cuts (remember Tommy jackin’ us up?!?!?) and football games and basketball games and video games and radio shows and albums (LOL) … dude, we’re still here. Right here. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kim, the writer — we’ve always had so much in common, so much we could relate to on every level. You were born two days after me, so technically, you’re my little sister. We took separate routes with our talents — you to Fortune, me to the League. You went to London, came back. Got married. But it all comes full circle, doesn’t it? Your book is only weeks away from its release. I predict great things.

And your children? Adorable. Lil Michael is friendly now and Kay is so observant. An old soul. And looks just like her mom. I know you and Joe are proud. You better be, because I know I am.

All of that, after a weekend spent reminiscing and eating and drinking and dancing, reminds me of how fortunate I am to have you both in my life. Reminds me of everything that was good with my childhood, everything we’ve experienced together that’s led to where we are today.

You both have stood by me in every situation, through every girlfriend, through every impending break up. You make me proud to say I know you. And not afraid to say I love you. Every quirk, every idiosyncrasy, every move made off the beaten path … every time I’ve needed you, there you were.

And here you are.

We used to be tighter than an AirTran coach seat, now we’re off doing our thing, making moves. Making names for ourselves. Which is all good.

But knowing that we can all come together, for no reason in particular — and pick up where we left off, enjoy one another unconditionally … I love that. And you both.

This was just me putting into words what you already know without words even being said. This was me just putting into print my appreciation for the friendship that has endured just about everything.

You are both my heroes. And I can’t wait to hang with you again. Kim, it will probably be on your book tour. El, I’ll see you in a few days. Either way, just know that everything I am — I owe a portion of that to you.

Thank you.

So, with all that said, I know we discussed this over the weekend, but when’s the next time we’re all supposed to hook up?

Do you remember … ?