What an Evening!!!

There was silent hum of pleasant chatter as the forthcoming event was beginning to unfold. Not even the overbearing heat could bring dissension to the attendants. I was one of those; one of the lucky few who had a chance to see close friends recommit themselves to each other. What can I say about the wonderful caring people that they both are? What can I say about all that I have learned from them, all that they are, and the impact that they have on people's lives? What can I say other than they are both a testament to faithfulness - they both busied themselves with pursuing their passions and in so doing found a mate who's willing and able to continue helping them as they pursue their life's goals.

I truly value and appreciate all that I've come to learn from both of them. They are loyal to their friends and treat what others would call simple as divine. I believe their hearts are in a place that exists as a model for the rest of us. I don't know what you'd call last night's festivities, but during dinner, I was fortunate enough to sit and dine with some of their friends, someone made a remarkable statement, they said, "Jimi and Robert know so many fascinating and accomplished people," to which another at the table said, "I know, when I met Robert, he'd ask how my weekend was. I'd say I watched a movie, and he'd say that he just finished feeding orphans in Mexico and helping with the Burmese people." I sat there and was speechless. All I could think about was passion, leadership and faithfulness. I could only think of those terms because that is how I thought of Jimi. Ever since I have known her, she valued the pleasure of her friends company. Their joys became her joys and she never participated in things out of obligation, but of a true desire to be in whatever space she was occupying. She values friends and family, and I have come to love her as my sister. She is always there and willing to provide the sound counsel and remind me that throwing things at people is rude. I am so happy for her and I believe what her friends said when she said that they know so many fascinating people, but moreso I believe that I'm the fortunate one because I know Jimi and Robert - to me they're the truly fascinating ones.

To continue with the evening, I had so much fun. I had the chance to dance with friends that I hadn't seen in some time, to make new friends, to laugh at shared experiences, to contribute with song, to smile at displays of love and affection, to take pictures with the couple and to see how many jokes Jerry and I could make about getting older and still being single. I got to learn the cha-cha or the meringue, or the salsa, or whatever you call it with Emi. I had the chance to make missteps on the electric slide, which is a shame - every black person knows the electric slide right? I took a trip down memory lane and laughed as 'never trust a big butt and smile' reverberated through the speakers. I was encouraged to continue writing by a fellow writer, I was told I was a professional guitar player but a remarkable, talented guitar player named Ian - be encouraged to continue playing Ian, you have what it takes - trust me. Jimi is my sister and even though she will soon move, distance will not be an obstacle to the friendship I treasure and value. Congratulations and thank you for allowing me to share in your happiness. God bless you.