As I look back over my life, I find a short list of people who have kept me stable. Actually, I should say people who have helped to stabilize me when life became unstable. One of those at the top of the list is a dear friend whom I’ve known for many years.
In the mid 80’s, on a Sunday morning, I was in our Beginner Sunday School classroom at church and was very excited. See, I had memorized a passage from the Bible and had recited it for my teachers the previous week and in doing so, was rewarded with a trip, along with all those who had done the same, to Braum’s for some ice cream. I couldn’t wait to get my double dip cone of Mint Chocolate Chip and Rocky Road (some things never change…)!
This day was different in another way though, for we had a visitor in class; a boy about my age with bushy black hair and a funny name I couldn’t pronounce. They just said to call him Junior. He and his parents were visiting and unbeknownst to me, would become members of our church, and we… lifelong friends.
The years went by and we became closer, I’d go to his house, we’d stay up nearly all night and listen to music (we share a love for all types of music) and he’d teach me how to play the drums. We’d get up the next morning and his mom would always have the best breakfast waiting for us to eat… and sometimes, if I were lucky, I’d get dinner there as well. Enchiladas!!! Once, they tried to feed me menudo (however it’s spelled) and I liked it until they told me what it was, and his dad pulled an actual pig’s foot out of the pot it was stewing in… makes me nauseous to think about it.
In the mid 80’s, on a Sunday morning, I was in our Beginner Sunday School classroom at church and was very excited. See, I had memorized a passage from the Bible and had recited it for my teachers the previous week and in doing so, was rewarded with a trip, along with all those who had done the same, to Braum’s for some ice cream. I couldn’t wait to get my double dip cone of Mint Chocolate Chip and Rocky Road (some things never change…)!
This day was different in another way though, for we had a visitor in class; a boy about my age with bushy black hair and a funny name I couldn’t pronounce. They just said to call him Junior. He and his parents were visiting and unbeknownst to me, would become members of our church, and we… lifelong friends.
The years went by and we became closer, I’d go to his house, we’d stay up nearly all night and listen to music (we share a love for all types of music) and he’d teach me how to play the drums. We’d get up the next morning and his mom would always have the best breakfast waiting for us to eat… and sometimes, if I were lucky, I’d get dinner there as well. Enchiladas!!! Once, they tried to feed me menudo (however it’s spelled) and I liked it until they told me what it was, and his dad pulled an actual pig’s foot out of the pot it was stewing in… makes me nauseous to think about it.
As we aged, we became more like brothers than friends. We each knew things about each other we’d kill the other one for telling. I knew that I never wanted his help changing sparkplugs out on my blazer EVER AGAIN! I knew that if I wanted a car washed the right way, get him to help, and the car would shine like you’ve never seen it shine. I knew that if I ever needed a hand moving something or an honest opinion, all I need do is ask. I learned that if you wanted to laugh, just hang out a little while and you’ll laugh until you cry! I also learned, during one of the darkest times of my life, that he was my friend, even when I didn’t acknowledge his friendship. Yes, we’ve had our disagreements, but like brothers, we’ve always gotten over them.
He was one of my best men in my wedding (yes, I had two… I’ve been blessed with wonderful friends in my life); and this Saturday, January 21, 2012, I am honored to return the favor to my brother, Cosme Ojeda, II. I know he’s excited about becoming “El manio e wifeo” and I’m so glad I get to witness the big day. It’s going be a whirlwind of a week, so I wanted him to see this before it all goes crazy.
Coz,
Maribel is a wonderful lady and I certainly welcome her as a sister, she is blessed to receive a man like you in her life… though; I think she’s got to be a little crazy to have said yes! May God bless your marriage and your life together… and may there be a CO3,CO4, and CO5; but I’m not available to babysit them, just to let you know in advance!
Love ya!
1 comment:
Aww...great post! It's awesome to have a best friend!!
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