my friend's big birthday

A very good friend is having a big birthday. She invites a group of us to celebrate with her at The Atrium in DUMBO. A week or so before the event, we get an email that says in part:

Please do me the honor of sharing a few words on ONE of the following:

• I BET I KNOW SOMETHING THAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT JILL...

• JILL WOULD BE PERFECT IF ONLY SHE DIDN’T HAVE THESE SMALL, PESKY HABITS...

• AND THEN THERE WAS THE TIME WHEN JILL...

My friend Lyn advises that these sorts of things can get boring if they go on too long, so I promised we'd put a hard time limit of 90 seconds or less. 

I've known Jill for over 30 years, and I have many funny and embarrassing stories to tell. Our friendship is solidly cemented, and holding it together are decades of shared experiences as single mothers of boys; ski adventures; celebrations; more movies, concerts and plays that I could ever count;  and even the same job at the same time. The short speech I chose to give isn't funny, but speaks to Jill's unselfish character.

I had planned to arrive on time at 11 (which I do), celebrate over brunch (which I do), and then spend time with Jill in Brooklyn (which I don't do). 

Last night my internet and phone go down. Tomorrow I leave for a week on the Cape. Spectrum can come to my house today at two. And I am too compulsive to leave my home for seven days without getting everything I need fixed, fixed before I leave.

The party is perfect. Jill's closest friends and family are there. The speeches are all heartfelt,   poignant, and knowing. 

And all provide insight into our mutual friend. Few keep to the 90-second limit, but good content cannot always be contained.

Jill's youthful mom is obviously proud to listen to what Jill's friends say. And Jill's sister gives a brilliant (and hilarious) roast.

I know many of Jill's friends but not all, and it's nice to learn through others how lucky I am to have the friendship I do with this amazing woman.