Thursday, March 01, 2012

Friendship


From top left circled in bulldog green, Nick, Jesse, Lori, Jed, me. Emily must be next to me, but cut off (sorry, Em) others, not circled are totally awesome people who went to Provo High with us.

I could always count on a group of guy friends because of Jesse. Jesse, my cousin, but more like my twin brother, grew up across the street from me. He was adored by all, but mostly by me. So until I met Jed, my "boyfriend" each year was Jesse's best friend. He always set me up with the best--which is how I met Nick. It was the beginning of my 7th grade year, and there was a dance on the tennis courts. Jesse knew Nick from sports, and he told me I should like him. I danced with him a couple of times, while Jesse gave me the thumbs up from behind, and soon we were 'going out'. Which, really meant, we were writing notes to each other sometimes, and dancing together sometimes at the dances. I knew I was special to be Nick's girlfriend. Like I said, Jesse only set me up with the best.

Lori and Emily were my best friends. We'd take turns sleeping at each others' houses and their families became second families to me. I used their phone numbers so frequently, I still have them committed to memory. Emily's dad was sure she should marry Jesse, which may be why he didn't mind having me around so much.

As the years went on, Jesse's friends were my friends, and mine were his. They would shoot spit wads at us from the back of the class and tease us as we walked down the hall, but somehow, we managed to stay good friends.

Emily and I both got to claim Nick as a boyfriend for different times of our junior high days, but in the end, he lucked out and married Lori. They are a perfect pair and have made three beautiful children who are a fantastic mix of them both.

This past Saturday, Emily and I went to a funeral to commemorate the life of Nick's youngest brother CJ. The service was beautiful, and Nick's address brought me to tears several times. As I looked around the chapel at the many people there to celebrate this good man's life, I recognized the backs of several heads. Sprinkled throughout the crowd were those boys who used to shoot the spit wads and try and put us in garbage cans. This time, without their straws, and with handsome suits. As I watched them, there to support their dear friend, I was so moved. I thought about life, and all the aspects of it. Of how growing up, with all its hardships, helps us to be strong with each other and for each other. Looking at those boys, now men and fathers, now somber and serious, was a beautiful sight. With Emily next to me, looking up at Lori and her new (less than a week old) baby, I was overcome with gratitude for friends, and the journey of becoming friends.

8 comments:

Lori said...

I love you Jayne. This made us smile today. Good times at good ol' PHS. I had the same thought, I thought so many were there of course for CJ but for Nick and his siblings, showing their love and support for them. And still are! I loved that. I really am blessed to be surrounded by the best of the best of friends! Oh and I too could call Dave, Lisa and Michael any time of the day.:) Love that.

Anonymous said...

Jayne- I'm glad you made Lori smile! You made me cry! :) I am so glad Lori has such amazing friends who indeed are the best of the best! Love, the sister who made you the most delicious eggs on sleep over mornings that you were too nice not to eat! ha ha!

jayne wells said...

Lori and Kelly,
You guys are the best. And I wish someone would make me eggs now! Those were the days! Talk about service! Now people are always begging me for food and then not eating it when I fix it! Lori, I want Kelly to go out with us next time!
Thanks for writing friends. Love you!

Anonymous said...

well done jayne. Thank you for writing this. so sad about Lori and Nick's loss and so very happy for their baby girl- what polar emotions.
Can we do a play date reunion this summer so I can meet all these new babies? Miek

mike and amy vb said...

I love this, and I love you all! I was sad that I couldn't make it to the funeral. I got to see Lori and Nick the night before at the viewing, But would have also loved to have seen everyone else too. I love how close you all have stayed through out the years. There is something so special about the bond of friends and now the bond of friends sharing life, motherhood, laughs, and tears together. You are very lucky to have each other, it isn't always easy to keep friends close as life goes on, and our own families take over our own lives. Thanks for sharing!!

em kawasaki said...

I love you too Jayne... Although I'm a little disappointd you didn't bring any of those licorice caramels you have pictured on your home page to girls night out tonight. Luckily I also still have your parents phone # memorized so I can call them and tell them to reprimand you for not sharing.

And let's definitely do a play date with Mieka!

em kawasaki said...

I love you too Jayne... Although I'm a little disappointd you didn't bring any of those licorice caramels you have pictured on your home page to girls night out tonight. Luckily I also still have your parents phone # memorized so I can call them and tell them to reprimand you for not sharing.

And let's definitely do a play date with Mieka!

Chapman said...
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