Dearest boys,
Gay pride from the view of uninformed onlookers is seen as a time of lewd debauchery and parades of rainbows, and while this may be the case at times, (we've all had our fair share of drunken rainbow celebrations right?) I wanted to take the time to use this month of gay pride to publicly say how very proud I am to know you and have you in my life.
Knowing each of you has made me a better person. Here are a few things I have learned from our years of friendship:
- Compassion
- How to have an open heart and mind
- Love comes in many forms
- Everyone should celebrate Friendship Friday, Anything Can Happen Saturday, Sunday Funday, and Boozy Monday
- How to make the best gin punch in the entire world
- A sucky past/childhood doesn't define your future
- A cal king bed can sleep 8 comfortably... 12 uncomfortably
- Walking in heels is an art form that I may never conquer
- What true acceptance really is
- It's ok to have fun and let loose occasionally
- Taking life too seriously just makes you boring
- Being single can be awesome as long as you have awesome friends
- Self confidence
- Every fight can be settled with a walk-off
- Friendsgiving is so much better than Thanksgiving
- Every girl should have a gay best friend (or three!)
There's so much more you have taught me but I think these sum up our relationships the best.
Not only have I grown, but I've had the pleasure of watching you all grow up as well. I've been there through your time of pretending you were something you were not, your first loves, and your coming out to family and friends. I cried with you when you finally came out to me and told me I'd always be number one on your myspace friends. I was there when you got kicked out of our alma mater and let you move in with me when you had to grow up a little faster than you may have wanted to. I love giving you make-up lessons. I'll always be your big sister who says "maybe that's not the greatest idea, " but loves you even after you do it any way.
You were there for me when I thought no one loved me. You told me I was beautiful when no one else did. You have saved me from many poor fashion decisions (and continue to do so to this day). You send me random texts to tell me you love me. You'll trade me shoes when my heels hurt my feet so bad they start to go numb. You made me feel like a princess long before Sheldon was there to make me feel that way. You always make me laugh and your tweets make me smile. For all these things, I am so glad we are friends family.
I'm sorry for the world we live in, the hatred that you have to put up with, and the mean looks and words that have been thrown your way. I will continue to be your biggest advocate and stand up with you for equality.
Having you in (and at) my wedding was the best wedding gift I could have asked for. Knowing these wonderful men who were there with me throughout years of singledom and nights of crying because someone didn't love me as much as I loved him were there with me on the happiest day of my life meant more to me than you will ever know! One day I will return the favor. I'll spend hours in the heat to make your wedding perfect. I'll even make sure the fan tags are all turned one way ;) ... I promise!
This may be so very cliche but Cyndi Lauper is the shiz and this song is perfect. And it randomly came on my google music player and I totally started bawling like a little baby and then it made me realize I HAD to write this post. Not only to show you boys how much you mean to me, but to show everyone my true colors as well.
Each and every one of you are beautiful like a rainbow ;) hahaha Ok that was really taking it too far.
Love,
Your FruitFli, sister, and friend forever -- Dana
Dear readers, I cried many times while writing this post and I really don't want to cry from reading a hateful comment. Please be kind or move on.