Speaking about friends

People come into my life all the time, it's just how these things go. What amazes me is how some stay for a lifetime, yet others seem to drift away for no reason. I am also amazed by the wide diversity in my circles of friends. I think their differences are what makes me a better person, to try and see the world through others lives. I've remained friends with Stacey the longest, since fifth grade. We have gone through so much together, it staggers the mind. She has overcome and endured so much - a poor upbringing, a mother stricken with crippling arthritis, abuse by former boyfriends, her ex boyfriend dying by electrocution during a freak accident in their home... so much sadness. Yet now she is married to a wonderful man and has a beautiful home in New Hampshire. Through her I have met some wonderful friends - her husband Stephen, as well as Gene, Steve S, Michael, Andrew, Kenny all great people from different walks of life.
And then there's Eddie. My Eddie in every way save one - he's gay and barring that we would be married. We've known eachother since high school, when I was a starry eyed sophomore and he was a dashing senior. He asked me to the drive in, and never put the moves on me, we just fell into this best friendship immediately. Took him two years to tell me he was gay but in that time, wow what memories. Skipping school and eating Chinese food. Drinking some vile concoction made up from combinations of licquors we had pilfered from our parents supply of booze. Going to gay bars early to avoid the cover and having to stay the night in a sleazy motel because we were too bombed to drive. Going to concerts like Paula Abdul, Madonna. And all the while growing up and ever closer. We've lived together so often it's sometimes hard to tell where I end and he begins. We've gone on countless vacations together, held eachother's heads over the toilet when we had imbibed too much, seen horrible times together like his car accidents, his parents divorce, deaths of family members and friends...but we've seen many more wonderful times together like watching my cousin Jessica be born and grow up into a lovely young lady, experiencing weddings of friends, and laughing so hard over stupid saying and expressions that there was no noise coming from our mouths, only doubled over laughter with tears streaming down our faces. He's been there for everything for me. He was the first person I called when I lost my virginity. The person I called when I questioned my sexuality for a brief time. The one I cried with when I realized I had to have a hysterectomy at age 28 and would never have children. The one who cried with me when my grandmother died. The one opinion that mattered most when I met a man. He's one of the only people I know who just gets me, completely. When I get all excited about some new project, he's always supportive, unless he thinks it's really stupid. I don't know how I can love someone so much who can infuriate me until I am shaking with rage, yet still want to hang out with. He's changed over the last few years, it's bound to happen. I mean we are still roommates and still have silly expressions and fun times, but he is in a relationship (with Angus, whom I adore) as am I. I wonder sometimes what will happen to Eddie - and to he and I - when Rob pops the question and he and I move forward in our lives together. We've enabled eachother so long we are like extensions of one another.
And then there is Joe. Handsome as the day is long, he is the music and style aspect of my life. He's had his struggles as we all have, but he's always managed to come out on top and always look (and smell) fabulous. He's gay - but it doesn't rule his life. Wasn't always so easy - it never is for any gay person to admit to themselves and others - that they are different from the norms of society. He had a very strict Catholic upbringing; his mother called me once soon after he had "come out" and said "tell me he's doing drugs." I told he he didnt do drugs. Her comment back was "drugs I can handle. That other thing - I cannot." Even she has come around over the years, and thankfully now accepts him wholeheartedly. He got married last year - on my birthday - to a wonderful man named Dimitri. Joe has been all around the world as a flight attendant and is now very sucessful as a Realtor. I am always amazed by him, he always looks good, smells good, is never unglued (even when his father died) and always has the best style. For fancy dressup occasions he always does my hair, which always comes out fabulous. He always pours the best cocktails, and his parties are legendary. He is generous to a fault. He's made me realize so much about myself and my life, and has never given me bad advice. He's the one I go to when I need to take off the rose colored glasses and see the reality of the situation.
Then there are newer friends who have only been in my life for a short time, yet they seem to have been there forever. Mark, whom I dated for a brief time but then realized we were more like brother and sister than we were lovers. Mark with whom I can unleash the heavy metal beast that lurks in me, and whom I am proud to think of as a brother. Mark who has married a wonderful lady named Cheryl and had the two most beautiful babies Charlie and Chloe. Angus, whom I met through Eddie, is the reason I got the Concierge job. Angus, with his wonderful sense of humor, his Irish brogue, his class and style. Sharrie, who is now my boss whom I can make laugh so hard I once made her nose bleed. Sharrie whose life so closely mirrors my own it frightens me. Kaitlyn my coworker who in her young life provides me with great insight and great humor.
God it's a full time job to be a friend. But it's a job I relish and would never release. I wonder if the diversity of friends is in some way related to the fact that I am an only child, and yearned for sisters and brothers. Who knows.