AnchorMommy

Friendship and eyelash jealousy

January 19, 2010 by Shannon

If I could wave a magic wand and change one thing about my life, I would make it so my best friend and I could live in the same town. She came to visit me this weekend, and wouldn’t you know it — I don’t think I have one picture of the two of us together. So this is a photo of us in 2002. It’s the best I can do.

My friend Jesma has always been my other half. The sister I never had. The Romy to my Michele. We sometimes used to talk about what it would be like when would have kids, never really considering the possibility that we might live hundreds of miles apart. Now I wish more than anything that we could raise our kids together in the same town. Sigh. That’ll never happen.

So, the next best thing is being able to visit. The best thing about this visit? Cuddling her darling 9 month-old baby girl! I got to see her when she was a newborn, but what a delight to see her giggling and gurgling and smiling! However, seeing Jesma and the baby again reminded me of how terribly jealous I am — and always will be — of Jesma’s eyelashes. They look like they’re straight out of a mascara ad. Jesma has passed these eyelashes down to each of her children, and let me tell you. People comment about these kids’ eyelashes in public. They are startlingly beautiful. It’s as if Jesma takes an eyelash curler to those kids and then coats their lashes in three layers of the best mascara on the planet. They are that beautiful.

Speaking of beautiful, look at those kids! Kellan had a great time playing with Jesma and the baby. He happily helped me dig out all his old baby toys for her, and then got a little territorial when she started to play with them, but overall, I’m pretty happy with how well he shared with the baby. He wanted to show her all his big boy toys, and gave her frequent hugs and kisses. He and Jesma built Duplo barns and read books. He held Jesma’s hand while we walked. She bandaged up one of his boo-boos. No wonder he was sad to see her go.

I was too. It’s tough to have one of your most treasured friends back in your day-to-day life for a short period of time, then have to say goodbye. But, I am thankful for our visit and grateful for the chance to spend time with her little girl while she’s still a pudgy cuddle bug. Even if I am terribly jealous of her eyelashes.