When
Alexander was in sixth grade, I met Zelia, a fellow Horace Mann mom. I never thought then, that nine years later,
Zelia would be one of my closest friends.
We are both single moms.
We have a son the same age.
We live in New York.
That’s
about it for similarities.
Zelia is from Brazil.
She’s an economist who was once Minister of Finance for Brazil.
She has little patience or interest in shopping.
She is not someone I would call about a new make-up phenomenon.
She appears tough, but has a warm heart.
Over
the years, Zelia and I have shared much together. We’ve gone to endless, uninspiring PTA
meetings at Horace Mann. We’ve dined in Rio with our kids. We’ve held a joint membership at Costco. We’ve seen endless movies and plays, many of
them bad. We’ve celebrated joyous events.
We’ve gotten lost in the Appalachian Mountains while looking at colleges
for our sons. And sometimes I even receive texts from Zelia in Portuguese. I like to think it’s because we are so close
she doesn’t think of me as an English- speaking American.
Tonight
Zelia has invited some close friends to celebrate her 60th birthday. The venue is Rouge Tomate, a restaurant that
accurately describes itself as offering “Artfully
balanced cuisine that emphasizes sustainability, health and luxurious
delights.”
It’s
a night of great food, conversation and energy. And my dear friend Zelia is
radiant.
 |
| With Pam and Shari |
 |
| left to right: Janice, Ronda, me, Pam, Shari, Zelia, Ellen, Brooke |
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